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Recent Blog Posts
Getting Social Security Disability Benefits for Lupus
If you have lupus, you may wonder if you can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The good news is that lupus is on the Social Security Administration’s list of qualifying conditions. However, you still must meet certain criteria to get approved. A Texas lawyer can help you break down what you need to know to get SSDI benefits for lupus.
Documenting Your Lupus Diagnosis
The first step is ensuring you have medical records from a rheumatologist or other specialist confirming your lupus diagnosis. These records should show medical records indicating you have lupus. This proof could be in the form of a lab test or an anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) test. You will need to prove your ongoing appointments and treatment for your symptoms.
Meeting the SSA Definition of Disability
The Social Security Administration has a strict definition of disability to qualify for SSDI benefits. You must prove that you cannot work because of a serious medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death. You should also show that you are unable to perform work tasks because of your medical disability.
Submitting Your Appeal for Disability
When you first apply for Social Security disability benefits, there is a good chance your claim may be denied. Nationally, about two-thirds of initial disability claims are denied. If this happens to you, do not give up. You have the right to appeal, and going through the entire appeals process significantly improves your chances of eventually being approved. A Texas disability lawyer can help through the process.
The Reconsideration Process
The first level of appeal after an initial denial is called a Request for Reconsideration. At this stage, a different disability examiner reviews your entire claim and makes a new decision. They take a fresh look at all the documents, medical records, and other evidence you submitted initially when you applied.
While the reconsideration appeal provides another opportunity to get approved, most reconsideration appeals (around 90% nationwide) are still denied again. So, there is a high probability your claim will be sent on to the hearing level of the appeals process.
Can You Get Disability for Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. It is not uncommon for people to be unable to complete tasks because of this. Crohn’s is considered a disability under Social Security law if severe enough to prevent someone from working. A Texas disability lawyer may be able to help you if your condition prevents you from doing work-related tasks.
What Qualifies as Disabled Under Social Security?
To get Social Security disability benefits for Crohn’s disease, your symptoms must prevent you from working and be expected to last at least one year. Specific criteria the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to evaluate digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease include:
- Number of bowel movements per day and presence of fecal incontinence
- Side effects from treatments impacting the ability to work
What to Do If You Get Denied SSDI When You Have Cancer
Coping with a cancer diagnosis proves physically and emotionally devastating enough without financial constraints compounding hardships. Yet over 60% of initial Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims from individuals with cancer get denied, jeopardizing income security during treatments. Challenging rejections can often have the potential to appeal. A Texas SSDI lawyer can help with this overwhelming process.
Gather Additional Medical Documentation
SSDI denials for cancer patients frequently cite insufficient evidence confirming diagnoses, treatment regimens showing condition severity, or doctor statements explicitly stating cancer prevents working full-time. Before appealing, request detailed reports from oncologists, surgeons, hospitals, and therapists clearly conveying ongoing care necessity, side effects impairing daily function, and inability to maintain employment during illness battle.
How to Prepare for Your Social Security Disability Hearing
Navigating the Social Security disability process can be incredibly stressful and confusing. However, thoroughly preparing for your disability hearing is one of the most important things you can do to help your case and improve your chances of being approved for benefits. The hearing is your opportunity to present all the evidence to the judge that shows how your medical condition prevents you from working. A Texas lawyer can help with the hearing process.
Gather Evidence to Support Your Claim
When preparing for your hearing, gathering strong medical evidence to support your claim is vital. This means collecting records from your doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, and other providers showing your medical conditions, symptoms, test results, treatments tried, and functional limitations. The judge will use your medical records to evaluate if your condition meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria for approval. Also, gather records related to your work history, such as performance reviews, accommodations requested, and personnel documents showing issues like missed time.
What to Do When Social Security Denies Your Disability Claim
Finding out your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim has been denied can be devastating. However, working with an experienced Texas lawyer to appeal the decision offers real hope. Many initially rejected applicants ultimately get approved for benefits. There are several steps to take.
Understand Your Appeal Options in Texas
You have 60 days from the denial date to request an appeal for reconsideration. You can request a hearing with an administrative law judge if that is denied. If still unsuccessful, the final options are an Appeals Council review and federal court. You should be aware that appeals can take over a year in Texas.
Be Sure to Have Additional Medical Evidence
A top reason for denials is the lack of satisfactory medical documentation of your disability. A lawyer can help obtain detailed records, evaluations, and opinions from your doctors that prove you qualify under Social Security’s criteria. New evidence significantly strengthens appeals, which can help improve your chances.
SSDI Claim Denials for Mental Health Conditions in Texas
Many applications for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits based on mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are initially denied in Texas.
Working with a Texas lawyer who understands the most common reasons for denial and strategies to overcome them through an appeal is essential for eventually securing approval.
Eligibility Criteria for SSDI Benefits
To qualify for SSDI disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, strict criteria must be met. First, the individual must have a diagnosed mental illness that is expected to last for over 12 months or potentially result in death.
The mental health impairment must prevent the person from being able to maintain substantial gainful employment. Onset of the disabling condition must have occurred prior to the claimant reaching full retirement age as defined by the SSA.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply For Social Security Disability in Texas?
Many people wonder if hiring a disability attorney is necessary for applying and qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in Texas. Technically, anyone can apply for and potentially receive SSDI in Texas themselves without legal representation. However, having an experienced Social Security disability lawyer assisting your case is almost always highly advantageous and is especially crucial if your initial disability application gets denied.
Guidance Navigating the Initial Application Process
While it is possible for claimants to try completing the SSDI application forms and process themselves, the application procedure is notoriously complicated. An attorney well-versed in Social Security procedures can provide invaluable assistance in properly completing all needed paperwork, providing adequate medical records, getting physician statements, and describing how your condition prevents you from working. Having strong legal guidance from the very start of an application makes being approved on the initial application much more likely.
Can You Collect Social Security Disability for a Back Injury in Texas?
If you suffer a back injury that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in Texas. However, you will need to meet specific medical criteria. Working with a lawyer can help you know which steps you should take to make the most out of your case.
Documenting Your Condition
To start an SSDI claim for a back injury in Texas, you must submit full medical records from all your doctors documenting your condition. These must provide objective evidence like MRI scans, x-rays, EMGs, and nerve conduction studies proving you have a serious back disorder.
Establishing Severity Under SSA Listings
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has Listings of Impairments that outline the severity criteria needed for approval based on each medical condition. For back injuries, you must prove :
Can Multiple Sclerosis Qualify You for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Dealing with a chronic illness like Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging and impact a person’s ability to work and support themselves. But did you know that you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) if you have MS? Today, we will explore what you need to know about MS and whether the condition qualifies for SSDI. For legal matters related to SSDI, contact an attorney to guide you through this critical process, which can provide immense relief for those suffering from specific ailments.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Common symptoms include severe fatigue, muscle weakness, coordination difficulties, cognitive impairment, and paralysis. However, the severity and progression of MS can vary notably, depending on the person.
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