Social Security is going to evaluate a claim for disability based on depression using the criteria that is applied for all claims involving mental disorders. The broad issues around which these criteria are based are those involving the individual’s “ability to understand, to carry out and remember instructions and to respond appropriately to supervision, coworkers, […]
If an individual is already receiving Social Security disability benefits, he/she may take a job to test their ability to perform full-time work. Social Security wants to encourage people to return to work if they think that they can, and so they have created special rules that allow people to test their ability to work […]
There is currently a backlog of over 24,000 disability cases and the VA is looking to use a digital web based solution for processing these claims. It is called the Veterans Benefits Management System and it is currently being used by 18 regional VA offices, according to the VA assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs. […]
If you are a member of the military and are looking to avoid having your retirement pay reduced by the amount you receive with your VA benefits, you can consider Combat Related Special Compensation and Concurrent Receipt. They are both a type of VA benefit offered by the US department. If you wish to qualify […]
In Social Security disability claims, obesity is an ailment that is often considered in conjunction with other medical impairments suffered by the claimant. For instance, Social Security has acknowledged that an individual who is both morbidly obese and suffering from back problems is likely to experience symptoms greater in severity to those which would be […]
Lupus, or “SLE” (Systemic lupus erythematosus), is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect any organ or system of the body. According to the American College of Rheumatology, Lupus is sometimes called “The Great Imitator” because its wide range of symptoms often causes it to be confused with other health problems. Lupus mainly affects the […]
Once the SSA awards disability benefits to someone, they then review the recipient’s medical condition to make sure they still meet the administration’s definition of disabled. If the Social Security Administration determines that a recipient’s condition is likely to improve over time, the SSA will review the recipient’s condition within 6 to 18 months after […]
The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) considers the claimant’s treating physician to be the medical provider most able to provide a detailed, historical analysis of the claimant’s medical issues. Because of this treating physician’s familiarity with the claimant’s conditions, his/her opinion of the claimant’s capacities can be far more illuminating than analysis of x-rays, lab studies, […]
The Cost of Living Adjustment has been increased to 1.7% and the change officially went into effect in December, but you should now begin seeing the change on your checks if you are currently receiving disability benefits. The total increase you will see from this depends on your disability rating, but the average yearly increase […]
