Understanding Levels of Exertion for Social Security Disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has developed definitions for not only just about every job within our national economy, but has also devised a way in which to determine at what physical exertion level each job will require. Every job is determined to be either: sedentary, light, medium, heavy, or very heavy. Again, every job will fit into one of these categories. Now, why is it so important to understand these exertion levels? For starters, SSA is looking to see if
Guess What? -The Judge Already Made up Her Mind Before You Got to Your Social Security Disability He
It's true. Don't let anyone else tell you different. The judge presiding over your Social Security disability hearing had already made up her mind before you ever got there. 95% off all disability hearings can pretty much be determined before the hearing ever begins. And why is this? Because, your medical records are the single most important piece of evidence in your case. Also, your age and past work is already known before your hearing as well. Depending upon your age and
Social Security Discussion for Friday, September 20, 2019
We attempt to answer questions and address issues that arise during the course of representing disability claimants before the Social Security Administration. One of the issues that seems to be "popping" up lately is the complaint concerning hearing wait times. The numbers tend to fluctuate, especially when SSA attempts to address the long wait times, but on the average, there is somewhere around 1 million claimants waiting for a hearing at any given time throughout the Unite
What it Means to be Disabled -According to Social Security Standards
First, your doctor cannot declare you disabled. Further, any conclusory statement by your physician without proper medical evidence to substantiate such a claim will be ignore by the Social Security Administration. If you wish to have your doctor participate in your Social Security disability case, make sure he or she documents your physical or mental limitations within your medical records. In order for the Social Security Administration to find you disabled, there is a sequ
What You Should Do Before Your Social Security Disability Hearing
For the majority of you filing for Social Security disability, you may find that you have been denied and have had to continue your appeals. Now, you've reached the point where you must go before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to discuss your case. This will be your Social Security disability hearing. For the majority of you again, this is likely to be your last stop. Few cases go beyond this point, and even fewer cases are successful beyond the hearing stage. Furthermore,
Social Security Disability: What to Expect if You're Under the Age of 50
Under the age of 50, and feel like you need to file for Social Security disability? You better be in it for the long haul (usually). If you are under the age of 50, it is much more difficult to be approved for Social Security disability benefits. Why is this? First, Social Security has rules set up to help those over the age of 50. The Administration recognizes that as we age, it's harder to find another job. Older workers require more money, they are usually less trained in
Epilepsy and Social Security Disability -Why You're Getting Denied
If you have epilepsy and you've attempted to receive Social Security disability, you may know by now it's really hard to receive benefits. In fact, unless you're meeting Social Security Medical Listing 11.02 for your epilepsy, it's likely you've been denied numerous times -if you have continued to pursue your claim and just didn't give up. Let's start with Medical Listing 11.02: Basically, you've got to have grand mal/tonic-clonic seizures for at least once a month for 3 cons
Use of Drugs and Alcohol and How it Affects Social Security Disability Claims
If you're using illegal drugs (or misusing prescription drugs) and/or excessively drinking alcohol, to the point where your physician is documenting it in your medical records....you got a problem. Perhaps even more than just a personal problem in which you need some professional help. You're also likely to have problems winning your Social Security disability case. Let's first start with how the Administration will treat your alcohol or drug use. The Rule is: Is if the usage
