Before August 24, 1999, deciding an obesity claim was pretty easy for the Social Security Administration. The weight, height and gender of the claimant was insert into a table and if the claimant was over the weight listed then disability would be awarded. On August 24, 1999, it all changed.…
The Social Security Disability program rules are very clear in cases where a claimant missed the 60 day deadline in which to request a hearing: the claimant must show “good cause” in order to be allowed to file a late appeal. “Good cause” is defined by regulation at 20 CFR…
The Commissioner of Social Security recently announced that beginning in mid-March 2014, Social Security disability claims filed by Veterans who have received a 100% permanent and total disability rating from the Veterans Administration will be expedited. According to the Commissioner “under the new process, Social Security will treat these veterans’…
On October 20, 2011, I reported in a blog article, “Migraines and Social Security Disability” that the Social Security Administration, in a question and answer type publication in 2009, required a very specific diagnosis from a physician in order that migraines be considered a “medically determinable impairment”. Once that diagnostic…
Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes inflammation in the joints. Gout is generally a very painful disorder than can be both acute and chronic. Acute gout affects one area specifically, and is generally extremely painful and debilitating. Most…
For many Americans, the pains of stress affect virtually every aspect of live, even blossoming into an illness that can hinder basic daily functions. And for those individuals, the Social Security Administration has set forth guidelines that present possible disability benefits for those suffering from near debilitating stress. The Mental…
Bipolar disorder—formerly called “manic-depressive disorder”—can be a debilitating disease that prevents sufferers from living normal lives. Its symptoms include severe mood swings, from states of mania to states of depression. Often times those who suffer from the disease find it difficult to get out of bed, are severely depressed, and…
The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review hearing offices (Social Security Hearing Offices) in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Valparaiso are closed. Hearings set for today will be rescheduled.
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. MS is a degenerative diseases meaning that, as time passes, the disease gets worse and worse. While every person’s symptoms are different, the symptoms of MS are usually: Problems concentrating…
If you suffer from diabetes, you know how difficult it can be to control your symptoms. In some cases, the symptoms become so extreme that they affect your ability to conduct the daily functions of life. The federal government understand that diabetes is a debilitating disease and, in certain circumstances,…