Win Social Security Disability Benefits in 2009 |
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Thursday, 12 March 2009 23:31 |
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Getting Social Security Disability benefits is getting tougher and 2009 should be no different. We've posted some fundamentals about how to win Social Security Disability benefits. The page includes links to examples of disability cases won by Berry & Associates.
If you have questions about your case and currently are not working with a disability lawyer, consider contacting Berry & Associates. They can help you if you need to apply for disability, or if you have been denied disability benefits and need to apply.
Contact a Disability Lawyer - Get a Free Case Evaluation
Looking for a Social Security lawyer? Need to apply for disability benefits or appeal a denied disability application?
Tell us about your Disability, we can help:
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Facts about Parkinson's Disease SSI Disability and SSDI |
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Tuesday, 03 March 2009 12:51 |
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If You Suffer From Parkinson's Disease, You Need to Know These Facts
The second most common brain disorder, with fewer cases only than Alzheimer's Disease, is Parkinson's Disease. Despite the recent publicity generated by well-known celebrities with Parkinson's, there's still quite a bit doctors don't know about the affliction, including exactly what causes it, and whether it's genetic. The symptoms can be devastating, and applying for Social Security disability benefits may be an option. The Social Security attorneys of Berry & Associates have provided some facts that can help SSI Disability and SSDI applicants better understand the Social Security disability process.
Though it's exact causes are uncertain, it's become clear that most people with Parkinson's Disease begin to suffer it's symptoms after age 50, though it is possible for younger people to be diagnosed as well. Often, it takes quite some time to receive an official diagnosis, since there's no specific test for Parkinson's. The disease might be mistaken for other problems, until an astute doctor is able to complete comprehensive testing and put all the pieces together. Once officially diagnosed, however, those suffering from Parkinson's Disease may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
Does Parkinson's Disease Qualify Me for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Just because a person has been diagnosed with Parkinson's doesn't mean that they automatically qualify for SSI or SSDI. The application process is rigorous, since the Social Security Administration needs to be sure that only the truly disabled are actually receiving their disability funds. In order to receive Parkinson's Disease Social Security disability benefits, applicants will have to prove that their disability is severe, has been in existence for at least a year, and is not likely to end.
How Am I Expected To Prove My Disability?
Medical records and doctors notes play a large part in proving that the applicant is, in fact, disabled. It's important for the applicant to discuss every symptom with their doctor, so that a record of it exists. With Parkinson's Disease, there are a series of symptoms that generally occur:
Tremors, often one of the first symptoms, can occur in a very specific body region, or throughout the body. They can be mild or strong, and last for just a little while, or be almost constant.
Muscle stiffness can cause pain in the legs and neck, usually the first places the symptom occurs. It can also occur in the face, making it very difficult to show expression.
Slow motion, officially known as bradykinesia, will happen with increasing regularity, and can even bring motion to a halt.
Digestion problems are caused by the decline of the body's ability to process foods and nutrients. Among other complications, this can lead to a serious lack of energy and malnutrition.
Depression frequently accompanies Parkinson's disease, caused by a chemical in the brain.
How Can a Social Security Attorney Help With My Case?
An experienced lawyer specializing in Social Security disability law is often essential in reaching the desired outcome with Parkinson's Disease SSI Disability and SSDI cases. The attorney will be able to easily interpret the complex Social Security disability law, and help plan the best strategy for each and every unique case.
Contact a Disability Lawyer - Get a Free Case Evaluation
Looking for a Social Security lawyer? Need to apply for disability benefits or appeal a denied disability application?
Tell us about your Disability, we can help:
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Neuropathy SSI Disability and SSDI Benefits |
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Sunday, 01 March 2009 12:20 |
Neuropathy sufferers know that living with the disorder, which causes weakness, numbness, tingling and pain, can be debilitating. The worst symptoms are usually experienced in the hands and feet, making everything from starting a car to walking an excruciatingly painful task. The feelings are often described as numbness, heaviness or tingling. If you suffer from neuropathy and aren't able to work because of the disorder, you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Those suffering from neuropathy tend to be older adults who are also suffering from another disorder. It's commonly seen as a secondary diagnosis when the first is kidney impairment, diabetes or cancer. It can also, however, occur on its own, without any other diseases, which happens only about 30% of the time. Neuropathy can also be caused by autoimmune disorders, tumors, heredity, nutritional imbalances, infections or toxins. Because stand-alone occurrences of neuropathy are rare, doctors often misdiagnose the symptoms as something else entirely before settling on neuropathy.
The Social Security Administration looks at neuropathy under the heading of genitourinary disorders, where it is seen primarily as a condition of renal impairment. The genitourinary classification simply refers to the organ system made up of the reproductive organs and urinary system, which is where kidney failure fits.
Neuropathy often starts small, with just some tingling, before progressing to the more sever symptoms. A person might find that they drop things more than usual, or stubble and trip a bit more. All of these could be caused by the neuropathy; because feeling in the hands and feet are not what they should be, the person is more likely to lose control of their hand and foot actions. There are three main types of neuropathy:
- Sensory Nerves: This type of neuropathy affect sensation, and might cause tingling.
- Autonomic Nerves: This type of neuropathy interrupts internal organ functions
- Motor Nerves: This type of neuropathy affects muscles and motor skills
Eventually, the feelings of pain or numbness can extend past the hand and feet and into the arms and legs. By this time, it's highly likely that the pain and instability has caused the person to leave their job. Applying for neuropathy SSI or SSDI might be the answer. If the Social Security Administration finds that the symptoms are sufficiently disrupting, and prevent the person from gainful employment, SSI or SSDI benefits payments could make life much easier.
Contact a Disability Lawyer - Get a Free Case Evaluation
Looking for a Social Security lawyer? Need to apply for disability benefits or appeal a denied disability application?
Tell us about your Disability, we can help:
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Qualifying for Depression Social Security Disability |
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Saturday, 28 February 2009 11:55 |
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Did you know if you Suffer From Depression, You Might Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits:
Depression, a mood disorder, affects over 15 million adults in the United States, and is actually the leading cause of Social Security disability among those age 15-44. Though the disorder is common, it can be very challenging to win a Social Security disability benefits case based on depression. The Social Security attorneys of Berry & Associates have provided some facts that can help SSI and SSDI applicants better understand the disability process.
Despite the growing number of people with depression, no clear-cut causes of the disorder are known, though it can stem from genetic, environmental, biochemical and psychological issues. Most people experience the onset of depression in their 30's, and often don't seek help for it. Feeling sad and upset constantly is not a normal, healthy way of life, though it can take some time for those suffering to identify it as depression, which usually happens only with the help of a professional. Once diagnosed, there are several things to consider when preparing to apply for social security disability benefits for depression.
Will I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits If I Suffer from Depression?
Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple. First, the depression Social Security disability applicant must prove that they suffer from depression, it is severe enough to meet the criteria laid out by the Social Security Administration. The application process is intricate and could be confusing, but it's important for the SSA to be thorough, so that everyone who receives the disability benefits actually deserves them.
How Am I Expected To Prove My Disability?
With a mood disorder such as depression, a history of medical records are often the linchpin of the case. This can be a challenge for some applicants, if they haven't regularly sought treatment for their depression. The longer an applicant has been seeing a doctor to treat their depression, the more evidence those medical records will provide, making it imperative that anyone considering filing for depression disability start seeing a doctor as earlier as possible.
The application also includes sections intended to give the SSA a clear picture of how the applicant lives, and how their current situation differs from time before they suffered from depression. Talking through the application with an experienced disability benefits lawyer is always a good idea, as they'll help ensure that the applicant's symptoms and issues are presented in the best possible way.
It's common for the applicant to list symptoms of their depression, when disability lawyers will then urge them to include more detail. Any descriptions the applicant can provide to further explain their situation and symptoms are generally helpful. For example, one of the common symptoms of depression is a loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable. In this case, details might include the specific types of activities that were enjoyed in the past, how often the applicant used to do those activities, and when the applicant ceased to participate in them.
How Can a Social Security Attorney Help With My Case?
Social security lawyers experience depression disability benefits cases frequently, and are constantly practicing the ins and outs of both the Social Security disability application and the appeals process. For nervous first-time applicants or for those facing an appeal, a social security disability attorney can be a big help in planning a successful case strategy.
Contact a Disability Lawyer - Get a Free Case Evaluation
Looking for a Social Security lawyer? Need to apply for disability benefits or appeal a denied disability application?
Tell us about your Disability, we can help:
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Documenting a SSI Disability Claim |
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Friday, 27 February 2009 23:07 |
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Alot of emphasis is placed on documenting your SSI Disability claim. Having the right documentation is essential is you want to win SSI Disability benefits.
Go to this page to learn more about documenting Social Security Disability. |
IBD - Inflammatory Bowel Disease Social Security Disability |
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Friday, 27 February 2009 16:47 |
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If You Suffer From IBD, You Might Qualify for Disability Benefits
Living with inflammatory bowel disease is a challenge that not only affects daily life, but can also lead to cancer or other additional health risks. In the United States, there are estimated to be up to 750,000 people currently living with IBD. Many of them are eligible to apply for social security disability benefits, which could make their lives much easier. While disability benefits won't cure them of inflammatory bowel disease, the benefits could go a long way toward improving their comfort levels. The Social Security attorneys of Berry & Associates have provided some facts that can help SSI and SSDI applicants better understand the disability process.
Inflammatory bowel disease is often confused with another disorder with very closely related symptoms, IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome. Shared symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating or distension of the abdomen, presence of mucus and persistent loose stools. While both are intestinal disorders, there are some very clear cut differences between irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Those suffering with IBD are commonly plagued by a number of extra intestinal symptoms and other side effects that IBS sufferers don't endure. Despite their similar symptoms, IBD is generally considered the more serious of the two, as it can lead to rectal or colon cancer and can include rectal bleeding.
Those applicants who have been medically treated for their IBD for a significant period of time are likely to find the application process easier than those with a shorter medical history. Regardless of the duration of treatment, though, IBD sufferers who are unable to work can retain an experienced lawyer's assistance with their claims.
Can a Social Security Attorney Help With My Case?
Yes, a social security lawyer can help with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) SSI Disability or SSDI benefits case. Experienced social security benefits attorneys are familiar with the processes and trials of the SSA and will be able to help applicants organize and present strong cases.
Contact a Disability Lawyer - Get a Free Case Evaluation
Looking for a Social Security lawyer? Need to apply for disability benefits or appeal a denied disability application?
Tell us about your Disability, we can help:
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SSA Computer Modeling Improvements |
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Tuesday, 10 February 2009 11:08 |
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According to the Social Security Administration, disability applications now number 2.6 million. The time for a decision at the initial application level is 106 days and at the hearing level, the processing time is 514 days. This excessive backlog can have significant effects on people who need social security disability benefits. At a time when large corporations are laying off thousands of people each day, a family could be hit twice--having a family member laid off and another one waiting to receive essential social security disability payments.
The Social Security Administration has taken some steps in the right direction towards speeding up the social security disability decision process. Michael Astrue, the commissioner of Social Security who is responsible for administering the Social Security retirement, disability and survivor’s insurance programs, announced on February 8, 2009 that an improvement in the agency’s computer modeling system would increase the decision process for 4 percent of all disability cases. This could mean a decision within 10 days for approximately 100,000 to 125,000 disabled Americans this year. For more information, read the article titled “Social Security Expands Fast-Track Disability Processes” posted on TheLeafChronicle.com.
Contact a Disability Lawyer - Get a Free Case Evaluation
Looking for a Social Security lawyer? Need to apply for disability benefits or appeal a denied disability application?
Tell us about your Disability, we can help:
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SSA Statement on U.S. Budget and Economic Outlook 2009 - 2019 |
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Monday, 09 February 2009 21:08 |
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In early January of 2009, the Congressional Budget Office issued its statement on the U.S. budget and economic outlook for the fiscal years of 2009 to 2019. In response to the report and an increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), the Social Security Administration will increase the monthly social security disability income benefits by 5.7% this year.
Each year, the Social Security Disability administration looks at the annual cost of living within the Social Security Administration will increase the monthly social security disability income benefits by 5.7%. This is due to an increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) and the statement issued by the Congressional Budget Office regarding the U.S. budget and economic outlook for the fiscal years of 2009 to 2010.
So how will this affect you? If you receive social security disability benefits, your social security disability benefits may increase by more than $50 a month. In 2008, the average benefit for disabled workers was $1,004. In 2009, the estimated average benefit is $1064 a month. If a disabled worker has a spouse and one or more children, the estimated average benefit is $1,793.
How much will that extra $50-$60 a month go? Unfortunately, you probably won’t notice the increase in monthly income. Social Security Disability benefits are based on the cost-of-living (your rent for example) and the consumer price index. Since the price of your housing will most likely increase in 2009 and the price you pay for consumer goods and services will increase (the consumer price index), the extra money will not stretch very far.
To read the announcement by the Social Security Administration, go to their website and search, “News Release, Social Security Announces 5.8 Percent Benefit Increase for 2009” or go to this link: http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/pr/2009cola-pr.htm.
Contact a Disability Lawyer - Get a Free Case Evaluation
Looking for a Social Security lawyer? Need to apply for disability benefits or appeal a denied disability application?
Tell us about your Disability, we can help:
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