According to the National Institutes of Health, dermatitis is a general term that describes an inflammation of the skin. Under this large umbrella there are different types of dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Although the disorder can have many causes and occur in many forms, it usually…
Many of you have heard of the term “legally blind.” While you may know vaguely that it involves severe impediments to vision, most probably do not know what actually qualifies. The reason it is called “legally blind” is because there is a statutory definition of what qualifies a person as…
If you have filed a claim with the Social Security Administration and it was denied, there are a few options for how to move forward which is why it’s critical that you be familiar with the appeals process. If you do not agree with the Administration’s decision it’s important to…
According to the National Institutes of Health, 20,000-30,000 adults are afflicted with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease (named after its most famous sufferer). The disease is described as “rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease.” Usually sufferers of the disease will succumb within 3 to 5…
Section 4.00 lists several cardiovascular ailments that could potentially qualify a person for disability. There are number of tests used to make such a determination. One such test that the Social Security Administration explains thoroughly is the exercise test. Exercise tests are for the most part exactly what they sound…
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a broad category of mental impairments called “Organic Mental Disorders.” What makes “organic” mental disorders different from the Affective Disorders and Anxiety Disorders that have been discussed earlier on this blog? “Organic Medical Disorders” as described in Listing 12.02 are “psychological or behavioral abnormalities…
Section 14 of the Social Security Disability listings describe diseases of the immune system. The SSA organizes Immune System Disorders into three categories: autoimmune disorders, immune deficiency disorders that are not HIV, and HIV. An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body literally starts attacking itself. The immune system mistakes healthy…
It’s estimated that three million Americans suffer from anemia. That number is expected to increase as the population continues to age—almost 10% of people over sixty-five have some form of the disease. Red blood cells are rich in a substance called hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen molecules to all…
Many people do not know that obesity is not a listed impairment under the Social Security Regulations. At one time, weight and height were considered in combination to be a reason for disability. However, on August 24, 1999, obesity was deleted from listing 9.09. Now, SSR02-1p sets out how obesity…
The Social Security Administration recently announced that monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 60 million Americans will increase 3.6 percent in 2012. The 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that nearly 55 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2012. Increased…