Massachusetts Disability Attorney Blog

Dealing With Lupus and Massachusetts SSA Disability

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

If you’ve been diagnosed with lupus, many questions are running through your mind. How will my disease be treated? Will I be able to continue to work and live a normal life? How will I survive if I can’t keep my Massachusetts job?

As Massachusetts disability lawyers, we can help you to answer these questions:

How will my disease be treated?

Once you are diagnosed, your doctor will work hard to provide treatments that will help you to lead a normal life.
All treatments are aimed at preventing flares, treating flares and minimizing organ damage and other complications.
Drug therapy is used to treat lupus. Immunosuppressants, steroids, antimalarials and anti-inflammatory drugs are common.
Phototherapy (light therapy) is still a new treatment option, but many people report a reduction in disabling fatigue and inflammation.
Lifestyle changes are also recommended. Reducing your exposure to sunlight, learning to control stress, exercise, and diet, and not smoking are all options.

Will I be able to continue to work and live a normal life?

Depending on how soon you were diagnosed, the severity of the disease can vary. If you are treated early on, you have an 80 – 90% chance of a normal lifespan.
If you have lupus and are carefully monitored by a doctor, your disease can be managed.
If the disease has begun to affect your internal organs, you may be more seriously disabled.

How will I survive if I can’t keep my Massachusetts job?

There is a strong community of resources to help you.
The Lupus Federation of America can provide you with valuable information on where to go for help.
Your county Department of Social Services may have some answers.
Financial assistance can be found through government resources. There are three federal websites that offer financial aid. A simple Internet search will find them for you.
The Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers Association can provide you with the names of companies that assist patients with things like drug costs.
Finally, you may qualify for the nation’s largest disability program through the Social Security Administration, which helps pay the bills for millions of Americans.

While most lupus patients can lead normal lives with treatment, you may have complications and symptoms that make it impossible for you to continue to work. If that is the case, the Massachusetts disability lawyers at Keefe Disability Law can help you find your way through the often-confusing SSA disability application process and appeal a denial.

Call us today toll free at 888-904-6847 to find out how we can help you. We also offer free reports explaining the SSA disability process. Order one today right here on our website.

Brockton, MA Disability Attorney Describes Treatment for Parkinson's

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease doesn’t necessarily qualify you for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits. But if your symptoms become serious enough, this disease may help you get the financial assistance you need, when you need it.

Meanwhile, there are a great number of treatments that have helped many Parkinson’s sufferers to live much fuller, healthier lives. These treatments include medications, surgery, rehabilitation and lifestyle changes.

Parkinson’s medication therapy includes:

Levadopa. This medication is the most used and has been for over 30 years. It works to diminish the motor problem symptoms associated with Parkinson’s.
Dopamine agonists. This group of drugs also works to aid in motor function and is mostly used in the early stages. It is most often administered with a skin patch.
Other drugs. Medications like amantadine and anticholinergics may also be used in treating symptoms not responding to the primary drugs.

Surgical options for Parkinson’s:

While surgery was once done a great deal, the introduction of Levadopa has cut back on the number performed.
Parkinson’s surgical techniques have improved greatly and, in people with advanced stages of the disease who do not respond as well to the drugs, it is still a viable option.
There are three types of Parkinson’s surgery: lesion surgery, deep brain stimulation and neural grafting or tissue transplants.
Lesion surgery targets deep parts of the brain and burns the tissue there, creating lesions. The aim is to control the parts of the brain that are causing tremor.
Deep brain stimulation places a small electrode in the parts of the brain that control movement.
Neural grafting or tissue transplants are still in the experimental stage. Researchers hope to find a way to replace the parts of the brain that are not functioning correctly.

In addition, Parkinson’s patients are urged to live and eat in healthy ways, and there is some indication that rehabilitation exercises can help to maintain mobility.

If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s, cannot work, and needs help with living expenses, let a Brockton, MA disability attorney help you get the SSA disability application process started. Call Keefe Disability Law toll free at 888-904-6847 to see what we can do for you.

What Kind of Work Counts Toward Massachusetts SSA Disability Benefits?

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Applying for disability in Massachusetts can be a daunting process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has developed many rules and guidelines for potential applicants. One set of these rules deals with work requirements. Some jobs do not earn work credits and may disqualify you.

Generally, the following work situations do not count toward your SSA work credit requirement:

Most Federal employees hired before 1984. But also note that all Federal employees have paid Medicare hospital insurance portion of the SSA tax since 1983.
Railroad employees with more than ten years of service.
Employees of state and local governments who have chosen not to participate in Social Security.
Children under age 21 who do household chores for a parent, unless a child 18 or older works in a parent-owned business.

Some jobs have special rules for earning Social Security coverage. These include:

If you are self-employed you can earn work credits the same way as employees do. You can order the SSA Publication No. 05-10022, If You Are Self Employed, on their website for further explanation.
If you are in the military, your Social Security credits are earned the same way as civilian employees. Also, you may get additional credits under some situations.
Special rules exist for earning credits in other types of jobs. For instance, if you do domestic work, farm work or work for a church or church-related organization that does not pay SSA taxes, you could also qualify.

The general idea is that you can receive benefits if you have paid into Social Security; however, so many rules and exceptions exist that you may want some help.

Applying for disability in Massachusetts can be made a whole lot easier with the advice of a good New England SSA disability attorney. At Keefe Disability Law, we can guide you through the process from start to finish. Give us a call today toll free at 888-904-6847 to see what we can do to help you.

Treatment Options to Help HIV/AIDS Victims Stay Active

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

If you have tested positive for HIV, then you know exactly how devastating this news can be. However, treatments do exist today that can extend and preserve the quality of your life. And, the research being conducted around the world brings us closer to a final cure each day.

A host of drug therapies are currently available to HIV/AIDS patients. These anti-HIV drugs are classified into five classes. It is common practice to prescribe a combination of at least three drugs from two different classes, with the aim of keeping the HIV virus from creating strains immune to a single drug.

But when do you begin to take these drugs? Here are some guidelines:

When your symptoms become severe.
If your CD4 count drops under 500.
If you become pregnant.
If you have contracted and are being treated for hepatitis B.
If you have contracted a kidney disease related to HIV.

There are also some recommendations for taking care of yourself at home. These are common sense approaches that can extend your overall healthy life:

Eat well. By adopting a healthy eating regimen, you can remain strong and boost your immune system. Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables and eat as many lean proteins and whole grains as you can. There are many helpful online sites to guide your diet choices.
Stay away from some foods. Because unpasteurized dairy products and raw eggs and seafood can carry food-borne illness, avoid them. Your meats should be well done.
Be careful if you have pets. Cats and reptiles, in particular, can carry parasites that may increase your chance of infection.
Be sure you are up-to-date on your immunizations. But be careful. You should check with your doctor to be sure your flu and pneumonia vaccines do not contain live viruses.

Always remember if you do become too ill to work, you have the option of applying for Social Security disability benefits. Call Keefe Disability Law today toll free at 888-904-6847 to speak to a Massachusetts disability attorney about planning for your future.

Living With Epilepsy

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Living with epilepsy can be difficult. This condition can affect your relationships, family life, recreation and work. Yet many sufferers are able to lead happy, healthy lives by learning how to balance safety and the enjoyment of life. Your Boston Social Security lawyers would like to share some information that can help you to do just that.

Problems and Solutions for Epilepsy Patients

You may feel alone. But you are not! There are community support groups just about everywhere in the United States for people like you. Ask your doctor, talk to others and go online to find support.
Your family may feel the strain. It is important that each member of your family is educated about your condition. Through communication and knowledge, your family can become your biggest support team, making it easier for both them and you to feel more secure.
You could become nervous about safety. There are many ways to be sure you are safe if you are at high risk for seizures. Be sure you avoid being alone when you do activities like bathe, cook, hike, swim, use power tools or climb ladders.
You might have trouble finding, getting and keeping a job in a field that suits you. Seizures can interrupt your work and transportation can be a problem. You should know that the Americans with Disabilities Act protects your rights as a worker. It is illegal to deny someone a job if they are able to perform it.

While you must live more carefully and with greater risks than most people, you can have a fulfilling life, no matter how severe your condition is. Epilepsy does not have to shut you down. But if you do have trouble working, the government provides assistance through the Social Security Administration disability program.

If you want to apply for SSA benefits, let a Boston Social Security disability lawyer help you get the process started. We can handle many aspects of the SSA disability benefit application for you, giving you a much better chance of being accepted the first time you apply. Call us toll free today at 888-904-6847 for a free case review.

New England Disability & Fibromyalgia Tender Points

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Fibromyalgia is one of the leading qualifying conditions for Massachusetts Social Security disability benefits. If you suffer from fibromyalgia, then you are probably familiar with the term “tender points.” You also know that they are no fun.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition and cannot be diagnosed with lab tests, but we do know that there are 18 points on the body that are extremely tender when pressed. In order to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a patient will have pain in all four quadrants of the body for at least three months and experience tenderness in at least 11 of the 18 tender points.

Some important facts about tender points:

They are localized around joints, but do not involve the joints themselves.
They are about the size of a penny, and very sensitive.
When pressed with a finger, they are painful and will cause the sufferer to start or flinch.
They are located all around the body, including the hips, buttocks, knees, back, chest, elbows and neck.
There is no known cause of tender points and tests do not show much tissue inflammation.
The 18 points are the same in every fibromyalgia case.
During examinations, doctors can conduct a test to determine how many tender points are causing you trouble.

Your doctor can prescribe medication to deal with the pain, but there are also some things you can do at home to relieve your suffering. These include:

Therapeutic massage techniques.
Application of moist heat.
Control of stress through planned rest times throughout the day.
Relaxation and breathing exercises.
A regular bedtime.
Regular exercise.

If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and find it difficult to continue to work in New England, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. To find out, contact a Boston disability lawyer at Keefe Disability Law. Call our toll free number at 888-904-6847 to schedule your free case evaluation.

Five Ways to Smooth the Path for Your SSA Disability Hearing

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

You have been denied Massachusetts disability benefits and your frustration is understandable. Why you? How are you going to pay the bills and keep going? The answer lies in the SSA disability hearing process.

There are some important things to know when you decide to request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). By following our advice, you can smooth the process and get the results you need.

You should hire a representative. With the help of a Massachusetts disability attorney, you can get the benefits you so desperately need.
Don’t wait too long to get a lawyer. If you wait until the hearing is near, your representative will not have the time he or she needs to fully study your file, collect additional information and prepare your case.
Don’t cancel and reschedule your hearing unless absolutely necessary. Doing so will slow the entire process, adding months to the time you must wait.
Get updated medical evidence submitted early. Waiting to submit additional medical information may slow the process, and getting it in early could result in an early decision in your favor, making the hearing unnecessary.
You can get hearing travel costs covered. If you have to travel more than 75 miles to the hearing, the SSA may pay for your expenses and those of your representative and/or witnesses. Submit a written request at the time of or shortly after the hearing. If you need costs covered before the hearing, be sure you inform the ALJ as soon as possible.

Hopefully your hearing will be successful and you will receive the disability benefits you need. Following our guidelines is the first step, beginning with finding a good legal representative.

The Massachusetts disability lawyers at Keefe Disability Law can smooth the process of fighting a denial by offering you a strong, experienced team. Call us today toll free at 888-904-6847 to schedule a free consultation. And be sure to learn more by ordering our free report, “Five Most Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability,” on this website.

Advice for Massachusetts Families Dealing With Mood Disorders

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Mood disorders can cause pain and undue pressure on you and your family. Many times, families do not want to believe their loved one is ill and will deny or refuse to believe that a real problem exists. And often, financial problems caused by this disability only make things much worse.
For these reasons, it is important that anyone who suffers from a mood disorder gets diagnosed and gets help. Whether the problem is major depression or bipolar disorder, your whole family will begin to heal when you seek medical help and begin to face things head on.
Because your family member suffers from an illness he or she cannot control, it helps to know some tips for how to relate to the affected loved one.
If he or she is depressed you should:

Avoid telling the person to “get over it” or “snap out of it.”
Try to communicate in a quiet voice, remaining calm.
Keep to only one subject at a time; jumps from subject to subject can be confusing and disquieting.
Try not to ask the person to explain what makes him or her depressed. In reality, the person probably doesn’t know.
Learn as much as you can about depression and how to recognize it, deal with it and treat it.

If he or she has bipolar disorder:

Try to reduce the amount of noise and stimulation in the home.
Never try to argue, reason or explain anything during manic episodes or the “low” times.
Keep conversations short and to the point.
Be careful about getting caught up in manic episodes, which can include euphoria or unrealistic expectations.
Take steps to keep your loved one safe, including removing credit cards or car keys if it seems necessary.

If a mood disorder has affected your family’s income, you may have applied for and been denied Massachusetts SSA disability benefits. This frequently happens because mood disorders are not always easy to prove. The Boston Social Security disability experts at Keefe Disability Law can and do help many families like yours. Call us toll free today at 888-904-6847 for a free case evaluation. Start the healing process.

New England SSA Disability Benefits and Sickle Cell Anemia: Get Help

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

While there are over 400 types of anemia, sickle cell anemia is one form that is very likely to cause the patient to become disabled and need financial help. New England residents who suffer from sickle cell anemia and find themselves unable to work may consider applying for Social Security disability benefits.
In this inherited condition, the patient’s body forms crescent-shaped red blood cells. These cells contain abnormal hemoglobin that causes the shape. Sticky and weak, they block the flow of blood in the vessels, resulting in low oxygen levels. Sickle cell anemia can cause severe pain, infection and even organ damage.
A defective gene that is passed on from one generation to the next causes sickle cell anemia. However, both the mother and father must carry the gene to pass the actual disease on to their offspring. In addition, sickle cell anemia is more common in those of African and Mediterranean descent in the United States.
The symptoms of sickle cell anemia cause what are called crises, which are very painful and may cause the patient to be hospitalized. Some common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain attacks.
Pain in the bones of the back, legs, arms and chest.
Severe fatigue
Ulcers on the legs
Fever
Diminished eyesight or blindness
Strokes
Fast heart rate
Jaundice

Sickle cell anemia treatments are aimed at controlling symptoms and limiting the number of crises a patient must endure. When this disease is at its worst and complications abound, doctors may choose one or more of the following treatments:

Blood transfusions
Antibiotics
Kidney dialysis or transplant
Bone marrow transplants
Stem cell transplants
Eye surgery

In the last few decades, treatment for and prevention of sickle cell anemia have improved greatly and research continues to explore medical options. Meanwhile, if you, a family member or a child suffers from this disease, there is government financial help available.
Call the Boston disability specialists at Keefe Disability Law toll free at 888-904-6847 today to get started in the qualification process. We can help you apply for Massachusetts Social Security disability benefits and follow up if your claim is delayed or denied. We are here to serve you and your family.

Cystic Fibrosis, Hope and Massachusetts Disability Benefits

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

While cystic fibrosis (CF) can be a disabling, life-threatening disease, there are many exciting advances being made to improve life expectancy and quality of life for Massachusetts cystic fibrosis patients.
When CF is diagnosed early, it can be treated, and a good treatment plan can go a long way toward allowing sufferers to live fuller lives than was ever imagined 50 years ago. Lung and digestive problems are the primary effects of this disease. Treatments for lung problems might include:

Antibiotics used to prevent and treat infections.
Inhalers that help to open the airways.
Enzyme therapy designed to thin the mucus created by the disease.
Vaccines for flu and pneumonia given annually to prevent complications.
Oxygen therapy, which is sometimes needed to ease breathing.
Exercise, which has been associated with marked improvements in the condition and may include jogging, swimming and bicycling.

Bowel problems caused by CF are also treatable. Some of these treatments are:

Special diets that help with all aspects of the disease.
Enzymes aimed at absorbing the fats and proteins that cause problems in the pancreas.
Vitamins like A, D, E, and K, often used as supplements.
Increased fluid intake, especially for babies and children to thin secretions.

While the prognosis for cystic fibrosis is still sometimes grim, most children today can live fairly healthy lives, attend school and participate in most activities. Many young adults with CF attend college and go on to employment.
However, because it is an inherited disease that is usually diagnosed by the age of six months, the youngest CF patients require more care than other, healthier children. The parent of a CF child may not be able to work outside the home, and a young adult with CF may need extra income to live.
In cases like these, the Massachusetts disability experts at Keefe Disability Law can help you apply for and begin receiving Social Security disability benefits. Please call us toll free today at 888-904-6847 or fill out the confidential form on this page for a free case review.

New England SSI Disability Applicants: Who is on Your Side?

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Social Security Administration (SSA) disability program provides benefits to many deserving New England people each month. But this important resource for the disabled is growing at such a rapid rate that disability applicants are facing huge obstacles in getting approved.

Here are some of the problems:

In 2001, there were 392,397 backlogged appeals; today that number is 771,318, almost double.
In 2001, the SSA disability program paid out $55 billion in benefits; this year that number jumped to $124 billion.
In November 2011, The Wall Street Journal reported that the SSA disability program could run out of funds in six to seven years.
Estimates say that 3.2 million people will apply for disability this year.
Doctors are assigned to review cases out of their fields; in one instance, a dermatologist reviewed a stroke victim’s claim.

All of these problems add up to two things: the disability system is in trouble, and getting qualified for benefits is becoming harder and harder.

For example, one truck driver suffering from neuropathy became unable to drive. With two private doctors backing him, he was still denied, partially because of the judgment of a retired pediatrician. Two years later he was finally approved. But by then he and his family had lost both of their cars were using food stamps to survive.

The Massachusetts experts at Keefe Disability Law work hard to help our clients follow up their applications for benefits. If you have applied and are concerned about your chances, call us today toll free at 888-904-6847 and see what we can do for you.

Immune Deficiency Patients Lose Control of Their Treatments

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you are being treated for an immune deficiency disorder in Massachusetts and applying for Social Security disability benefits, you need to keep up with the latest news about your condition. While you would certainly prefer not to have this condition in the first place, hopefully your doctor has been able to stabilize your health with the use of drug therapy.

But, as always, the bottom line comes first with insurance companies, and some are choosing to pull the rug out from under doctors and patients throughout the country by changing the drugs that are available to them.

On November 22, 2011, it was announced that Coventry Health Care plans to change its formulary for many approved drugs, including those used to treat immune deficiency disorders.

Patients could be forced to change their current successful treatments and face the instability of untried drugs. And, if you are currently being treated with immunoglobulin, the FDA says there is no generic replacement. Also, immunoglobulin treatments cannot be interchanged.

This is just one example of how insurers are dictating the health of many Americans. It is happening everywhere. The Immune Deficiency Foundation, a patient advocate group, is fighting these changes and has launched an initiative dubbed, “Insurers are Not Doctors.” Their director, Dr. Michael Blaese, says, “Insurers are not doctors, and it is important that we act quickly to stop health insurance plans like Coventry from disempowering patients and physicians.”

The experts at Keefe Disability Law represent people like you in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island. We keep up on the status of Social Security disability issues and work hard to support our patients. Call us toll free today for a free case evaluation at 888-904-6847.

SSA Disability Case Demonstrates How Important an Appeal Is

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

We all know that a New England Social Security Administration (SSA) disability claim can take a long time. After the initial application denial, a long road of appeals begins. A Rhode Island widow has just found out how long this process might take.

Cecelia Frusher was just awarded 30 years of SSA disability benefits retroactively for her deceased husband's disability.

Frusher's fight began in 1974, when her husband, Dr. Richard Frusher, exhibited symptoms of mental illness. A veteran of WWII, Dr. Frusher was diagnosed in 1975 with schizophrenia. He applied that year for benefits and was denied.

Frusher's family reapplied in 1978 as his condition continued to deteriorate. The family gave up after the second denial and didn't try again for 25 years when Frusher turned 62. At this time, Mrs. Frusher applied for early retirement benefits for her husband and also reapplied for SSA disability.

The SSA said that Dr. Frusher was now ineligible for SSDI, but could apply for SSI. He was then awarded benefits for the period of time starting in December 2003. At this point, Mrs. Frusher took her case to court.

And, after six years of legal battle, and 36 years from the first denial, the Frusher family was awarded benefits dating from the first application in 1975 until Dr. Frusher's death. Mrs. Frusher said, "This decision finally honors my late husband, and he deserves it."

The specialists at Keefe Disability Law in Massachusetts urge you not to give up your quest for SSA disability benefits. If this family had appealed the SSA's decision in 1978, perhaps their story would be different.

The smartest thing you can do if denied is to pursue the SSA disability appeals process. Call Keefe Disability Law toll free today at 888-904-6847 and get the legal representation you deserve.

Even With Compassionate Allowances, SSA Disability Approval Can Be Slow

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Social Security Administration's (SSA) compassionate allowances program is a great idea for the New England disabled. Who can argue with a system to speed up the disability application process?

Well, according to the Foster's Daily Democrat, Herbert Russell of Farmington, New Hampshire, is doing just that. Arguing. In a November 6, 2011 article, Russell tells his story.

Russell's daughter, Heather, fought her battle with stage IV small cell lung cancer bravely and continued to work at Home Depot until October 2009, even though the cancer had spread to her brain, neck, pelvis and adrenal glands. Her doctors finally insisted she stop working.

The SSA turned Heather down for benefits because they said she had done the paperwork incorrectly. She was approved finally in November 2009, but told she had to wait a mandatory five months to begin receiving benefits. Sadly, Heather died in April and never received that first check.

So, her father has taken up the battle with the Social Security Administration disability program. Many others have joined his protest of the five-month waiting period for the terminally ill. Even if the applicant qualifies for the compassionate allowance, the five-month waiting period remains.

Some legislators have unsuccessfully tried to get the waiting period changed since Heather's death. Currently, there is a bill the US House of Representatives, the "Social Security Fairness for the Terminally Ill Act of 2011." A bill like this would close loopholes for many seriously ill Americans.

If you or a loved one needs advice about applying for disability and the compassionate allowance program in New England, contact Keefe Disability Law toll free at 888-904-6847, or simply fill in the form on this page for a free case review. We serve many clients in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Autoimmune Disorders: Can You Continue to Work?

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

What a shock. You were not feeling very good; your achiness had you popping aspirin, you were always tired and even ran a low-grade fever from time to time. Finally you decided to see your doctor, and, after many tests and visits, you were diagnosed with an autoimmune disease like Addison’s, multiple sclerosis or reactive arthritis.

Now what? Can you continue to work? How will the bills get paid if you can’t?

Your productive working life is not necessarily over because of your diagnosis. Even though an autoimmune disorder is chronic, many people stay in the work force for years. The law guarantees you this right and the right to accommodations in your workplace. Here are a few examples of accommodations you can request:

Retraining to new skills allowing you to continue working. For instance, if you originally stocked a warehouse, you could be retrained to do the paperwork in the same location.
Asking for a work schedule that allows you to work at your best times of day and days of the week.
Adapting your workspace to accommodate any special equipment you might need. Also, providing things like pencil sharpeners so you do not have to cross the room to use them, or locating your desk near the copy machine if you use it a lot.

Many people successfully continue to work with an autoimmune disease, but if you reach the point where you just can’t, you also have a right to apply for Social Security Administration disability benefits.

The Massachusetts experts at Keefe Disability Law can help you when you need it. Just call us toll free at 888-904-6847 for a free consultation about your New England disability claim. And don’t forget to order our free book, Five Most Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability. We want to help.

Why Most People Need Help With New England Social Security Disability

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

When you apply for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits in New England, two things can happen. You can be accepted and begin receiving benefits, or you can be denied and be forced to appeal the decision.

If you are accepted, you are among the lucky few. In 2010, almost three million Americans applied for disability benefits. A little over one million, or 35.85%, were accepted. That puts your chances at a little better than one in three.

These odds are not in your favor, and that is why so many give up. In our eyes, giving up is not an option! The SSA counts on a certain number of applicants to drop their applications if they are denied, when, indeed, pursuing your claim is the smartest thing to do.

We believe that if your disability is keeping you from working, you deserve the benefits SSA disability can afford you. And we have spent almost two decades helping people like you get and keep your benefits.

Consider the case of James W., one of our clients. He wrote to us and said, "I went to call the bank to check my balance today because I was three dollars short on paying my rent. They told me there was a $36,000 check there from Social Security. I couldn't believe it. I wasn't even going to have a Christmas this year, so I want to thank everyone so much for all of their help . . . I keep pinching myself to make sure this is really true."

Testimonials like these are what keep us in the battle for your rights. If you have any questions about your disability claim and live in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, or Rhode Island, call us today toll free at 888-904-6847. Or, fill out the simple form on this page and we will call you.

New England Disability Fraud and How it Affects Your SSA Benefits

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Nothing is perfect, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) disability program is no exception to the rule. Fraud cases are uncovered constantly throughout New England.

When we hear of such cases we are, naturally, outraged. How can someone take money out of the pockets of the truly deserving? How do they get away with it? And how does it affect benefits for the disabled?

A person or group of people has committed disability fraud when payments intended for the disabled are made to someone who does not qualify. There are many ways to do this including:

The benefits are a higher amount than they should be.
A medical problem is exaggerated and an applicant falsely qualifies.
A medical problem is faked and an applicant falsely qualifies.
A recipient has recovered from his or her medical problem yet continues to receive benefits.
A fraudster obtains access to the benefits of a qualified person through death or deceit.

A well known local disability fraud case happened in 2006 in Massachusetts when Antonios Sarantos, of Plymouth, injured his back working at the local prison, yet continued to cash disability checks while working at the bar he owned. He received over $55,000 in illegally gotten cash.

This is just one example of what amounts to millions of dollars that fraudsters have stolen from the government and the truly disabled. If you suspect disability fraud, the SSA urges you to report your suspicions to them immediately. You can do so at their website online or by phone.

At the Keefe Disability Law firm, we can help you to apply for the benefits you deserve. Call us today toll free at 888-904-6847. Also, order a free copy of our special report, Five Most Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability.

Denied! Social Security Administration Disability Stories

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Applying for Massachusetts Social Security disability is not an easy decision for many people. Most disabled workers want to keep their jobs and incomes. So when a disability makes it impossible to work, the application process may seem like throwing in the towel.

And when the application is denied, a nightmare begins for many. Consider the story of 55-year-old Patricia Heimerl. She began her working life in high school. She bought her first house at age 22 and worked in offices for many years. She paid her bills, paid into a retirement account and paid into Social Security the whole time.

When she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and was unable to work, Heimerl applied for benefits. Six years later she had sold her house, spent her savings and was finally approved, but in the meantime had become destitute.

Or, what about Robert Harris? Before he was disabled, Harris dove into icy water to rescue a man who had crashed his car in a creek, saving the man's life - a true hero. At the age of 44, his degenerative disc disease has left Harris unable to work, and unable to get disability.

The SSA didn't think he needed benefits. After spending his life savings and spending two years living in his van at an interstate rest area, he was still waiting to hear from Social Security. Harris said, "I'll never be able to work again no matter what they decide. I want to work. And I've been made to feel like a cheat and a beggar."

Up to a million people who have been denied benefits give up on the Social Security Administration every year. Half a million continue to fight, but some die while waiting.

If you have been denied Massachusetts SSA disability benefits, there is help. Keefe Disability Law has been successful in helping people resolve their claims throughout New England. Call us today toll free at 888-904-6847 for a free consultation.

What to Do if You Have Lost Your Child's Social Security Number or Birth Certificate

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

When you need Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits for your dependent child in New England, you are required to provide both a birth certificate and a Social Security number. If you are like many parents, you may not be able to get your hands on both! But never fear; there are ways to get a replacement for either one.

To replace an SSA card for a child if you do not know the child's number will require documents proving the child's identity and citizenship. You will also need to prove your identity and relationship to the child.

If you know the child's social security number but have lost the card, it is simpler. In fact, you may not need to replace the card at all. Call your local SSA office if you are in doubt. The wait time for a replacement card is about ten days from the time they receive your request.

If you have lost a birth certificate, it may take a bit longer to get a replacement. You will need to write or visit the "Registry of Vital Records and Statistics" in the state where your child was born.

In Massachusetts, this office is in Dorchester and charges $18 if you apply in person and $28 if you apply by mail. You can find your child's birth state office information by searching for "replace birth certificate" online.

If you are feeling confused or lost in the process of applying for dependent disability benefits for your child, the New England firm of Keefe Disability Law can help you get it all together. Call us toll free today at 888-904-6847 for a free consultation.

Qualifying for Massachusetts Social Security Disability with Lymphoma

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA) disability program "Listing of Impairments," lymphoma cancers may qualify for benefits. While the SSA provides information about this on their website, it is sometimes confusing.

Basically, both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas qualify if certain medical factors exist. For non-Hodgkin's these include aggressive lymphomas that persist or return after treatment.

If Hodgkin's disease fails to achieve remission or recurs within 12 months of the end of therapy, it may qualify. Finally, if bone marrow or stem cell transplantation is used as a treatment, the lymphoma is considered a disability until "at least 12 months from the date of transplantation."

The SSA needs the following medical evidence to evaluate your claim:

Evidence of the type, extent and site of the lesion
Copies of reports on biopsy or needle aspirations
Sometimes evidence about recurrence, persistence or progression of the malignancy

You may very well need some guidance as you look into the SSA disability benefit process. You can apply for Social Security disability online, but often the evidence you need and the many details can discourage you.

The Massachusetts experts at Keefe Disability Law are ready and able to guide you through this complicated process. Call us today toll free at 888-904-6847 for a free case review. Based in Medford, we proudly serve clients throughout New England.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A heart attack can happen in a moment and change your life forever. All heart attacks are caused by some form of cardiovascular disease and are a signal that something is wrong with your heart.

So, it stands to reason that heart attacks can be avoided by overall heart health. However, heart attacks still happen, and it is important to know the warning signs and what to do if you have one.

Heart attack warning signs include:

Discomfort in the chest center that comes and goes or lasts more than a few minutes. The feeling can range from pressure to squeezing or fullness, to pain.
Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body including arm(s), back, jaw, neck or stomach
Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
Breaking into a cold sweat
Nausea
Dizziness or lightheadedness

If you suspect you are having a heart attack, you must not wait to get help. Too many people think it is just indigestion or some other common malady and wait too long.

What to do if you think you are having a heart attack:

Call 911 immediately. Paramedics are trained to treat heart attacks and know how to start this treatment before you get to the hospital. They can even save your life if your condition worsens en route.
Unless you are allergic, chew an aspirin. Studies show that one adult-strength or 2-3 low-dose aspirin can stall the damage of a heart attack.
Sit or lie down until help arrives.

If you have suffered a heart attack and been diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease that has interfered with your Massachusetts job, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Keefe Disability Law can help you throughout the application process. Call toll free today at 888-904-6847 and get the help you deserve.

Is Returning to Work an Option for Massachusetts Social Security Disability Recipients?

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

While lawmakers and critics continue to complain about the amount of money paid out each year to Social Security disability recipients, these payments are crucial to the survival of many disabled Americans. The current outcry to send the disabled back to work assumes two things:

They are able to work.
They don't want to work.

Both assumptions are unfair and untrue. An Arkansas man, Christopher Howard, 36, has herniated discs in his back, knee problems and suffers from hepatitis C. He collects $574 each month from SSA disability. And Howard wants to work. "It makes me feel like I am doing something, instead of just being a bum, pretty much."

But Howard's disabilities and the poor job market have kept him out of the workforce. So, he must continue to try to survive on a small monthly check.

The SSA has provided some incentives to the disabled who want to work:

For nine months after getting a job, beneficiaries can earn any amount without loss of benefits.
For the next three years, if they earn less than $1000 per month, their benefits will continue.
For eight and a half years, they can keep their Medicare coverage.

Yet, even with these incentives, very few people are actually able to leave the disability program. Whatever your situation is, Keefe Disability Law stands ready and able to help you with any Social Security disability problems you may have. Please call us today toll free at 888-904-6847 to get your questions answered.

In the End, an Appeal is the Best Solution for a Massachusetts Disability Denial

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

There is no greater frustration than suffering a disability and being denied by the Social Security Administration disability program when you desperately need help to keep a roof over your head and food on the table.

This is exactly the situation a 54-year-old Arizona woman is facing. Gayle DeVilbis was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2007. She was denied SSA disability. Then it was discovered that her actual health issue was Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a serious cancer.

She became very ill from the chemotherapy, was put on oxygen and remains unable to work. She applied again for disability and was again denied because the "regimen of treatment" for her impairment was not expected to last 12 months.

In the end, Ms. DeVilbis made the local news when she uploaded a You Tube video for President Barrack Obama in which she tells him, "I just don't understand what [diagnosis] you have to get to get Social Security disability . . . "

While making a video for the President of the United States is a strong gesture and helps publicize the plight of the disabled, one hopes DeVilbis will also appeal the SSA decision.

Because at least 60% of disability claims are initially denied, it makes sense to take the next step and ask for a review. Keefe Disability Law works to help every Massachusetts client who has been denied benefits get a second chance. Please take the time to call us toll free at 888-904-6847 for a free case review. We also offer free reports ,including 7 Costly Mistakes that can Ruin Your Social Security Disability Claim. Order it on this website today.

Asthma Is Covered by Massachusetts Social Security Disability

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

One of the most frightening experiences is a swift and severe asthma attack. An attack can happen anytime during the day or night and disrupt your life. If you suffer from this condition, you likely have done so since you were a child.

Most asthma sufferers are able to cope with asthma with the help of medications. Inhalers can work quickly to curb a severe attack and work well as long as they are not used too often. More than twice a week is too much. Long-term medications are also helpful.

However, if the asthma sufferer begins to lose sleep, miss work, and become worse, then he or she may consider applying for Social Security disability benefits. While no one wants to become dependent on the government, the bills must be paid, and there is no shame in asking for assistance when you really do need it.

Hopefully you have a good relationship with your doctor and are working together to control your asthma. Hopefully this disease has not disrupted your life too much. However, if it has, you might want to contact an experienced disability law specialist.

Keefe Disability Law can guide you through the complicated application process for asthma or any other medical condition. Call us toll free at 888-904-6847 today for a free case review.

How Do You Qualify for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Disability?

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are difficult to prove in the Massachusetts Social Security disability application process. Because the symptoms are caused by something you do repeatedly every day at work, they arise slowly, and it is sometimes difficult to say when the condition began and how long it has taken to develop.

For this reason, you should visit a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms. If your disorder has progressed beyond the early stage, see a doctor now. First, you can get some relief, and second, you can begin to document your treatment.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) qualifying process looks at a number of factors in determining if your condition is severe enough for you to receive benefits. Some of these factors are:

Your condition must be permanent and prevent you from working.
Your condition must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months.
You must be unable to earn more than $1,000 per month.
You must have a fairly consistent work history and paid Social Security.
You must be able to document that all of the above requirements are true.

The SSA suggests that all applicants to get some kind of help when applying for disability. Because more applications than ever are coming in each year and more than 60% of these are denied the first time they are received, this government agency actually urges you to get a lawyer. Their website states: "Having representation will help you to know and understand your options in the case of a denial. In addition, an experienced lawyer or advocate can help to organize paperwork and medical records, prepare you or your witnesses for hearing, and will likely have a vast amount of previous experience dealing with SSA offices and judges in your area."

Call us today and let us get started on your disability claim. Our team at Keefe Disability Law will make your needs our priority and give you the best representation in the state of Massachusetts. We can be reached toll free at 888-904-6847.

Working With Arthritis: How Long Can I Continue?

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Many people in Massachusetts suffer from arthritis. Perhaps you are one of them. This common condition can cause the sufferer more than just pain. When arthritis becomes severe, simple daily activities seem impossible, let alone trying to go to work every day.

Most people would like to continue working as long as they can. A good job cannot be replaced by any kind of disability benefit. Studies show that over half of rheumatoid arthritis patients stop working in the ten years following their diagnosis. But of course, how long you work depends on the kind of job you have.

You are expected to maintain a level of productivity on the job. If you work in the construction industry as a carpenter, this level will be more difficult to maintain than if you manage an office and do a great deal of desk work.

If you are able to adapt your work environment to your condition, you have a much better chance to stay on the job longer. Here are some ways to do this if you have a good relationship with your employer:

Change your desk or chair height, or even relocate them to an easily accessible space.
Change the location of office supplies and things that you use frequently.
Use mechanical items when you can, for instance, an electric pencil sharpener.
Adjust your work schedule to your needs. Maybe you can start later, or adjust your lunch schedule.

Because arthritis is a degenerative disease, a doctor is the best person to determine when you need to stop working. Ask your physician when you might need to start looking into Social Security disability and be sure he or she is documenting your disease.

When you are ready, please call Keefe Disability Law toll free at 888-904-6847 for a free case evaluation. We have helped many New England workers make the transition out of the work force. We can help you, too.

Questions to ask a Massachusetts Disability Lawyer Before Hiring

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

You want to hire a lawyer to resolve your Social Security Administration (SSA) disability claim. You are no longer able to work and the bills are piling up. Perhaps you need help applying, or you have been denied and don't know what to do next. It stands to reason that an expert in disability law should stand by your side in this difficult time, but what questions should you ask before hiring him or her?

Here are some suggestions:

How long have you been practicing disability law?
What experience do you have in disability law?
How long will my case take to resolve?
What are the outcomes I might expect in my case?
How often do you contact me about my case?
How soon can I expect to hear from you when I need help?
How familiar are you with the courts and judges in our area?
Who will be working on my case?
What are your fees and how am I billed?
What is a reasonable estimate of how much my case will cost overall?

We know that hiring a lawyer is a big step for you. You need assurance that the firm you hire will work as a team, care about you as a person, and work hard to resolve your issues and get you the benefits you deserve. A good start is to know as much as you can about your attorney. Asking these suggested questions and any others you may have is a good way to feel comfortable with your decision.

At Keefe Disability Law, we take each client seriously. We welcome questions and have the answers. Please contact us today at our toll free number, 888-904-6847, and start getting your questions answered. Our office is in Medfield, Massachusetts, but we also serve clients in New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Don't delay your benefits any longer.

Don't Let Pride Stop Your Application for Massachusetts Mental Disability Benefits

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Applying for Social Security disability can sometimes be a difficult thing to do. For some, admitting that they are no longer able to work and provide support to their families represents a loss of control over life. It is especially difficult for those suffering from mental disorders. Yet, the disability program in the United States was established to help people who need it, and admitting your need is a first step in regaining control.

The statistics for conditions covered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) disability program include a wide variety of illnesses, injuries and diseases. Of these, mental disorders accounted for 25.2% of all benefits paid out in 2010.

The SSA lists nine diagnostic categories for mental disorders:

Organic mental disorders
Schizophrenic, paranoid and other psychic disorders
Affective disorders
Mental retardation
Anxiety related disorders
Somatoform disorders
Personality disorders
Substance addiction disorders
Autistic disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders

Perhaps you recognize your or a family member's disorder in this list. And while many people suffer from some form of mental disorder, if yours has made it impossible for you to work, then you need to consider getting government assistance. The best way to do this is to swallow your pride and get started in the application process.

Keefe Disability Law offers its Massachusetts clients compassionate, expert advice in every aspect of disability claims, from the initial application, through denials and appeals, relieving you from the burden of endless paperwork and frustration. Let us help you. Call today toll free at 888-904-6847 or fill out the form on this page for a free case review.

How Do You Know What the Social Security Administration Considers a Disability?

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Dealing with a disability challenges many New England residents each and every day. For many, simple tasks like brushing your teeth or getting dressed in the morning can be an ordeal. And getting employment may well be out of reach. This is when Social Security disability benefits can really make a difference.

If you are struggling with a disability, you may have wondered exactly what conditions qualify for Social Security Administration (SSA) assistance and whether your condition is one of them. The SSA provides a "Listing of Impairments", which lists medical conditions for each body system. For a successful disability claim, the following must be true:

The disability will appear on the Listing of Impairments.
The disability has lasted or will last at least 12 months.
You are unable to perform your previous job duties or adjust to other work because of your condition.

Sometimes your physical disability will prove easy to document and be severe enough that your claim will sail through in a matter of months. But more likely, with the huge demand and growing backlog, the SSA will take much longer to determine if your claim qualifies. Some people wait more than two years.

Meanwhile, you need to continue to live your life. At Keefe Disability Law, we have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the process of qualifying your condition as quickly as possible, as long as it meets the SSA's definitions. We urge you to give us a call toll free at 888-904-6847 to set up a free consultation. We proudly serve residents of Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability is Rarely a Simple Process

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Nobody wants to face the problems that long-term disability in Massachusetts can cause. The disabled person's family and friends can provide emotional support, as can faith communities and other social service organizations.

But in the long run, when someone finds that he is no longer able to work, one of the most difficult obstacles is money. How will the bills get paid? Sooner or later, any disabled person finds him or herself facing this issue. One way to solve this problem is to apply for and receive Social Security disability benefits.

The first step in receiving these benefits is to qualify with the Social Security Administration (SSA). But what qualifies you? The SSA says you qualify if:

You can't do the work you were doing before;
You can't adjust to other forms of work; and
Your disability has lasted or will last at least 12 months, or may result in death.

This seems pretty simple and straightforward, but nothing in this life is ever too simple. The SSA website goes on into many details and exceptions in explaining the qualification process.

The unfortunate truth is that the average person applying for Social Security benefits may have to wait many months or even longer to actually start receiving checks. And that is if the process is not delayed by a denial or requests for more information.

You might want to consider bringing your disability case to an expert who can guide you through the many confusing aspects of disability qualification. The attorneys at Keefe Disability Law offer caring and expertise to their clients and, bottom line, can help you to find success more quickly. Call us today toll free at 888-904-6847 for a free consultation.

How Do We Get Benefits for a Disabled New England Worker's Family Members?

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

It is comforting to know that, under the right conditions, your family members can receive benefits based on your Social Security disability record. Maybe you have supported your family with your earnings in the past. Having to stop earning due to disability can be catastrophic to a family.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) names the following family members who may be eligible for benefits if you are disabled:

Your spouse
Your divorced spouse
Your children
Your disabled child

Yet, even though these family benefits are available, getting them can be difficult. If you have applied for and received a Social Security disability for yourself, then you know how long the process can be. Even though the SSA posts a wait time of three to five months on its website, if you are denied and must appeal, or even go to court after a second denial, that wait time can and does sometimes grow to over two years.

Discouraging? Don't give up! The United States government has pledged to help disabled workers through the Social Security disability program. And here at Keefe Disability Law we have pledged to help every disabled person in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont get the help he or she needs.

If you are trying to get benefits for a dependent family member on your record and having trouble, please do not hesitate to call us today toll free at 888-904-6847 for a free case review. Or order one of our free books right here on our website: Unlocking the Mystery - The Essential Guide for Navigating the Social Security Disability Claims Process or 7 Costly Mistakes that Can Ruin Your Social Security Disability Claim.

Parkinson's Research Uses Laser Targeting Technology to Find a Treatment

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

San Francisco’s Gladstone Institute is exploring the use of laser technology to find more successful ways to treat Parkinson’s disease. And the results are promising for the future of this disabling condition.

Researcher Dr. Anatol Kreitzer has studied the neural pathways that are associated with Parkinson’s for years. He began by using lasers to map the pathways. He explained, “The first step was to identify which circuits are actually affected in Parkinson’s disease, and that’s what we did.”

The success of this “first step” led the researcher to search for a way to interrupt the circuits that were malfunctioning and causing Parkinson’s symptoms. Kreitzer and his team were able to locate a protein called RGS4, which is responsible for the brain signals that regulate movement. He reported that, “RGS4 becomes overactive in Parkinson’s disease and it actually causes these circuits to become overactive as well.”

To test the relationship between dopamine, which drops in Parkinson’s patients, and RGS4, the scientists studied the effects in mice. What they discovered is that in mice the RSG4 acts as a “messenger” that, with dopamine removal, causes erratic movement.

It is hoped that this discovery will lead to a more effective drug treatment for the disease. Kreitzer believes that they will find a “symptomatic treatment that has the potential to normalize motor behavior”.

The research continues into ways to target RGS4. While it could take a number of years to test compounds capable of doing this, human trials could begin within the next ten years.

Montana Man Threatens SSA Disability Workers, Given Probation

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Michael James Long, a 50-year-old Sanders, Montana resident, appeared before U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull on January 26, 2012 to answer charges stemming from his attempted threat on Social Security disability workers in Billings, Montana last May.

Long was charged with attempting to threaten Social Security workers after family members called Billings law enforcement to report that he had left the house with a gun, headed for the SSA disability office there. The Treasure County sheriffs were able to apprehend him in Hysham before he could carry out his mission.

Long was reported as telling the Judge he was having “a really bad day” and that he is currently working with both an attorney and mental health medical professionals to resolve his problems with the Social Security disability application process.

After hearing the case and Long’s plea of guilty, Judge Cebull sentenced the defendant to one year of probation. In addition, Long was told he could not enter any federal building without first getting permission from his probation officer. He is also prohibited from possessing any firearms during the probation period.

The Boston area legal team at Keefe Disability Law knows the frustration that can mount while people wait for a response from the Social Security Administration about their benefits application. We urge you to consult a Massachusetts disability attorney to streamline your process before frustration gets the best of you.

Relief for Boston Disabled? FDA Approves New Epilepsy Drug

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

As long as people suffer from epilepsy, researchers will continue to work hard to develop new treatments. The news was good in June 2011 when the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new epilepsy drug,

Potiga (ezogabine) has been approved as a supplementary medication to help control partial seizures experienced by many epilepsy patients. Partial seizures only affect a portion of the brain, but are still considered serious, as they can spread to other parts of the brain and cause troublesome symptoms.

According to Russell Katz, MD, who directs an area of the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, “About one-third of people with epilepsy do not achieve satisfactory seizure control from treatments they are currently using.” He continued, “It is important to have a variety of treatment options available for patients with epilepsy.”

Studies of Potiga were conducted with a sampling of 1,000 adults with epilepsy. The frequency of seizures was reduced by somewhere between 30 and 40 percent in the people studied.

However, there are side effects. About 25% of the people in the trials quit the test because of these. The most common side effects include fatigue, confusion, dizziness, tremors, lack of coordination, attention problems and memory lapses. Some bladder problems were also reported.

However, the FDA saw the drug as promising and safe enough to allow it to be prescribed, beginning late in 2011.

According to the FDA, Potiga is the first drug to be approved in a new class of medications designed to help with epileptic seizures. These new drugs are not fully understood, but it is believed that they help with seizures by “stabilizing potassium channels in the brain.”

New Year, Old Problems: Couple Sent to Jail for SSA Disability Fraud

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

The year 2012 has arrived and so has another raft of Social Security disability fraud cases. On January 6, the Seattle Times reported the sentencing of a Mill Creek couple for a long-time fraud operation.

Anthony George, 37, and his wife, Roxanne George, 35 were prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office when they discovered that he was claiming disability while she claimed to be his sister and neighbor.

In 1982, Anthony George’s mother was able to obtain a second Social Security number for her son under the name of “Sonny Fisher.” As soon as George turned 18, he applied for disability benefits. Every time he was interviewed by the SSA, George, using the fictitious name Sonny Fisher, claimed to be disabled and incapable of working at a job.

Meanwhile, in 2010, Roxanne George claimed that she was “Sonny’s” neighbor and testified that the man who is actually her husband was disabled and unable to work. She claimed that Fisher had only $100 in his checking account.

Federal officials found that, in truth, George made a good living buying and selling cars. He was found to be living in a $430,000 house and with a bank account that held $10,000.

In other documents and home visits, the Georges claimed to be brother and sister in order to dupe the government.

Roxanne George, all on her own, ripped off the state of Washington for $67,510 in various public assistance benefits.

In the end, the couple was sentenced. Anthony George was sentenced to 27 months in prison and $198,148 in restitution. His wife received a six-month prison sentence and $91,527 in restitution. Both pled guilty to Social Security fraud.

Recent Study Links Fibromyalgia and Sleep Problems

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent Norwegian research study, middle-aged women with sleep problems are around five times more likely to develop fibromyalgia. About five million people in the United States suffer from this debilitating condition, and between 80 and 90 percent of them are women.

Paul J. Mork, PhD, was the study’s main investigator. He stated that, “no previous studies have investigated whether sleep problems among healthy women increase the risk of future development of fibromyalgia. Our findings are important because they indicate that sleep problems can be an important factor in the development of fibromyalgia.”

He added that taking sleep problems seriously and treating them early can possibly “decrease the risk of fibromyalgia as well as other chronic diseases.” Mork’s remarks were published online in Arthritis & Rheumatism. 12,500 women over the age of 20 participated in the study, which followed them for ten years.

At the end of this time period, 327 women, or 2%, developed fibromyalgia. The findings are based on the fact that women over the age of 45 who reported existing sleep problems developed fibromyalgia five times more often than those with normal sleep patterns. Women with sleep problems between the ages of 20 and 44 were three times as likely to develop the condition.

As fibromyalgia research continues, it is hoped that the condition can be prevented and treated more successfully than it is now.

If you suffer from fibromyalgia and are unable to work, you may qualify for Massachusetts SSA disability benefits. Give Keefe Disability Law a call toll free today at 888-904-6847 to learn more from your New England disability specialists.

U.S. District Court Overturns SSA Disability Denial

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

This month a federal Oklahoma District Court Judge brought a final ruling to a case involving the denial of Social Security disability benefits to Linda Cay Bonewell, plaintiff. Bonewell had applied for and been denied Social Security Administration (SSA) disability and supplemental security income benefits.

United States Magistrate Judge, Valerie K. Couch, heard the case in December. Couch filed a Report and Recommendation following the hearing. On December 13, 2011, she recommended that the defendant, Commissioner Michael J. Astrue, should reverse the initial decision and then remanded the case for further proceedings.

Judge Couch advised both sides to file any objections to her ruling by January 3, 2012. She also cautioned that if they failed to object to the Report and Recommendation by the deadline, that they were giving up their right to appeal. January 3 came and went and no objections were filed. In addition, neither side requested an extension of time to file any objection.

Therefore, on January 12, 2012, Timothy D. DeGiusti, District Judge, ordered that the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration’s denial of the plaintiff’s application be reversed. The matter was remanded for further proceedings.

These SSA disability case results show just how important it is for disability applicants to pursue their cases as far as necessary to achieve a fair decision. While not every case will go this far, sometimes SSA disability applicants must fight to receive what they clearly deserve. Bonewell, the plaintiff in this case, proved this with her successful decision.

Massachusetts disability attorney John Keefe has taken many New England disability cases to court and is an expert in disability law in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont. If you have been denied, we urge you to continue your fight. We can help. Call toll free at 888-904-6847 for a free case review.

Another Social Security Disability Case Ends in Prison Time

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Las Vegas man was sentenced to two years in federal prison on January 12, 2012. 58-year-old Nelson Vazquez was convicted of bilking the Social Security Administration’s disability program for over $525,000 in illegally gotten benefits.

Vazquez received the benefits in spite of the fact that he was running an accounting firm. It is quite possible that Vazquez’s profession as an accountant helped him find ways to cheat the government.

The theft of benefits occurred over two time periods. The first happened between the years 1976 and 2000. The second, from February 2003 to September 2010, netted the Las Vegas man over a half million dollars of government money.

U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden, who prosecuted the case, reported that Vazquez, who pleaded guilty to theft of government funds in October 2011, was sentenced to two years and ordered to pay restitution to the government and to serve three years of supervised release after his prison time is served.

The U.S. District Judge in the case, Larry Hicks, rendered the decision. Vazquez will be required to begin serving his prison sentence by March 12 for his crimes.

A comment by a reader, Robert Walker, sums up what so many feel when people commit disability fraud: “Social Security works really well for the criminals. But those of us who are honest . . . are starving to death. More than half a million in seven years? Good work if you can get it.”

The Massachusetts disability attorneys at Keefe Disability Law applaud the decision in Las Vegas and caution you not to be discouraged by stories like these. Too many undeserving fraudsters take money from the hands of truly deserving disabled Americans.

Unemployed Americans Try to Survive Through SSA Disability

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

In a December 2011 news story, The Huffington Post reported that many Americans are turning to the Social Security Administration’s disability program to combat their lack of employment.

Times are tough and once their unemployment insurance runs out, people turn to another source of money to get their bills paid. Unfortunately, they are often successful in receiving SSA disability benefits, which they may not deserve. This leads to a great burden on the federal program that helps so many truly disabled citizens.

According to a Wall Street Journal article, the number of SSA disability recipients has grown by 47% since 2002. This whopping increase threatens the ability of the SSA to meet its financial obligations, putting the entire program in financial trouble.

Once a person has qualified for disability, he or she will most likely continue to receive benefits until retirement age is reached and Social Security Retirement kicks in. In one 2006 study, economists David Autor and Mark Duggan found that an average disability recipient will collect a total of over $240,000.

In November, the average length of time an American spends jobless hit a high of 40.9 weeks, a new national record. So, when the unemployment insurance runs out, these people turn to the SSA disability program to pay their bills.

The answer lies with the U.S. Congress, who recently extended unemployment benefits for two months, which some say is too little too late. There is currently a push to extend unemployment insurance to one year. If this happens, it is hoped that the strain will be less for the SSA disability program.

The Boston disability lawyers at Keefe Disability Law represent clients throughout New England. Give us a call today if you need to apply for Social Security disability benefits.

Independent Review of Social Security Disability Program to Begin in 2012

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Wall Street Journal reported on December 15 that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has commissioned a review of the national disability program.
The review was prompted by the concerns voiced by many that the disabled population is being poorly served. They have been charged with finding out why those who need benefits are not getting them while those who do not are.
The independent review will be conducted by the Administrative Conference of the United States and will examine 1,500 administrative law judges. Allegedly, some judges approve many more applicants than others.
The result of this review will be an overhaul of the SSA disability appeals process next year. Next week the SSA will end the practice of telling applicants who their judge will be in order to keep them from “shopping” for lenient judges.
Judges began to be more closely examined when it was discovered that a West Virginia judge had approved 100% of the cases brought to him during the first six months of 2011. According to Michael Astrue, SSA Commissioner, there are 100 judges who award benefits at least 85% of the time.
The review is slated to begin in August and end in November, when recommendations will be made. How these will affect SSA disability applicants who have been denied remains to be seen.
If you have applied and been denied for Massachusetts Social Security disability benefits, you should seek legal counsel. The Boston disability attorneys at Keefe Disability Law can help you find your way through the changes and reach success with your appeal.

Finally Caught: Seattle Couple Guilty in SSA Disability Fraud Case

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Friday, October 14, 2011 will be a day to remember for a Kent, Washington couple who pleaded guilty to a disability fraud scheme. But the memory will not be a good one.

Ronnie George, 49, and Nancy Stone, 45, stole more than $320,000 in a disability fraud that lasted over 20 years. Appearing in Seattle U.S. District Court, the couple struck a plea agreement that could result in up to five years behind bars and $250,000 in fines when they are sentenced in January.

George admitted to receiving Social Security Administration benefits beginning in 1990, claiming a mental disability. He claimed that he was unable to take care of his daily needs and that he played with “my cars and cowboys and GI Joes.”

In both 1999 and 2009, George reported that he had never worked and that Stone was his caregiver. In reality, Stone was his common-law wife and the couple ran a successful business buying, repairing and selling used vehicles.

The fraud did not end with the SSA fraud. According to the plea agreement statement, Stone received more than $150,000 additional benefits from the state of Washington DSHS to act as George’s caregiver. They also ripped the state off for $10,000 for his medical bills. Finally, they bilked the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development out of $14,000 for housing assistance.

When the dust settles and the couple is sentenced, the Massachusetts disability specialists at Keefe Disability Law would like to see the maximum penalty applied in this disturbing case.

Texas SSA Disability Fraudster Found Guilty in Federal Court

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Social Security disability fraud strikes again, this time in Tyler, Texas. At the end of November 2011, U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced that a 44-year-old man pled guilty to social security fraud in the Eastern District of Texas.

Michael Wayne Jobe pleaded guilty in federal court to theft of government property. According to the testimony, Jobe applied in 2006 and 2007 for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for his two children. The CPS removed the children from his home during that time period.

The benefits resumed from 2009 until 2011, but during this time period it is alleged that Jobe’s children both moved away from home to live with other friends and family while he continued to collect their benefits. His false reporting that they were still living with him led to his arrest.

Jobe’s fraud resulted in an overpayment of benefits of more than $1,000. He was indicted by a grand jury in September 2011. When sentenced, Jobe could serve up to ten years in prison for his crime. The sentencing date has not been set.

Keefe Disability Law in New England finds the actions of those who would cheat the Social Security Disability program deplorable and hopes that the case comes to a successful final conclusion.

14 Congressmen Look Into the SSA Benefit Payment System

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A major online disability news source, Disability Scoop, reported in November 2011 that the U.S. Congress is getting involved in the Social Security Administration’s oversight of the disability program. The recent horrific news of the four disabled people held captive in a Philadelphia boiler room brought the issue to light.

Fourteen members of the U.S. Ways and Means Committee are calling for more efficient oversight of people called “representative payees,” who manage the benefits of those unable to take care of their own affairs. The lawmakers expressed their concerns about this issue in a letter to the Government Accountability Office.

The Congressmen pointed to the 5.6 million representative payees who oversee around $61 million in SSA benefits for over 7 million Americans. Rep. Sam Johnson, R-Texas, wrote, “Despite requirements in the law and regulations . . . the SSA’s oversight of representative payees remains a clear challenge.”

The Massachusetts team at Keefe Disability Law applauds the efforts of this committee. We also urge all who have questions about SSA disability to contact us toll free at 888-904-6847 for a free case review.

SSA Announces Raise in Massachusetts Disability Cost of Living

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The news is good for Massachusetts Social Security Administration (SSA) disability recipients. For the first time since 2009, payments will increase. The SSA announced a 3.6 percent cost of living increase to begin in January 2012.

The change will affect the more than 55 million Social Security recipients and the eight million Americans who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). With all the bad news about Social Security in the press lately, this increase has been praised by just about everyone.

Brett Albren, President of The Advocator Group, reported in The Wall Street Journal’s “Market Watch” that, “We are thrilled for our recipients and applaud the efforts of the SSA in facilitating the increase. This is very positive news during these trying economic times.” Albren added that recipients who rely on SSA benefits as their only source of income will benefit most from the change.

Since 1975 Social Security has used the Consumer Price Index to figure annual benefit raises. Because there was no typical increase in consumer prices, the last change was in 2009.

If you or a family member is disabled and cannot work, Keefe Disability Law in Massachusetts can handle your SSA disability benefits needs. If you have already applied and are waiting for a response, you may have some questions. We are easy to reach at our toll free number, 888-904-6847. Or, fill out the confidential form on this page for a free case review.

Update on Horrific Philadelphia Social Security Fraud Case

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last month’s shocking news that four mentally disabled victims were being held captive in a smelly Philadelphia basement boiler room in order to steal their disability benefits shows just how far some people will go to rob the Social Security disability system.

Linda Ann Weston, 51, was charged in October 2011, after the discovery of mentally disabled victims locked in her basement. She is accused of keeping them locked up in squalid conditions in order to cash in on their monthly disability checks.

Three additional suspects have been named in the case: Jean McIntosh, 32, Weston’s daughter; Gregory Thomas, 47, Weston’s boyfriend; and Eddie Wright, 50. All are charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment and more.

Since the initial arrests, new charges were filed involving a 19-year-old woman who was allegedly locked in a bathroom closet for at least two weeks. The investigation continues to serve up new information. The four defendants in this case will appear in court December 19.

Robert Sanabria, 29, the younger brother of Edwin Sanabria, one of the victims, saw his brother’s name in the news. An Army sergeant, he traveled from Ft. Bragg to Philadelphia to his brother’s rescue. Sanabria says Edwin has begun to describe the horrific conditions in the basement. He plans for Edwin to come and live with him.

While abuses of the Social Security disability system like the Philadelphia basement case are rare, they illustrate the vulnerability of many disability recipients.

Alabama Woman Indicted on Social Security Disability Fraud Charges

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

When the Social Security Administration disability program is ripped off, fraud charges are leveled. One of the most common methods of disability fraud is illegally receiving checks for people who have died.

Such is the case of Cheryl Sue Young, 59, of Birmingham, Alabama. A federal grand jury indicted Young on November 1, 2011 for stealing government property. She allegedly took more than $33,000 in monthly benefit checks over a period of time from December 2006 to February 2011.

The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, represented by Guy P. Fallen, investigated the case. U.S. Attorney Joyce Fallen has reported, "My office will continue to prosecute people who steal Social Security disability benefits so that those funds will be available for those who really need them."

If found guilty, Young could spend up to ten years in prison and pay a $250,000 fine.

The Massachusetts firm Keefe Disability Law urges anyone who suspects someone of disability fraud to report it to the SSA. And if you or a loved one is disabled and unable to work, please call us toll free at 888-904-6847 to apply for SSA disability benefits. We would love to guide you through the confusing process.

Stranger than Fiction: "Adult Baby" Fights and Keeps Disability Benefits

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A California man, Stanley Thornton, spends his free time living like a baby. He sleeps in a crib, drinks from a bottle, and recently was featured on Taboo, a National Geographic television show.

This television appearance led Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn to call for an investigation into Thornton's eligibility for his Social Security disability benefit of $860 per month.

Thornton, who maintains a website, reported on his site that he has been cleared by Social Security and other agencies and will continue to receive benefits for his disabilities which include post traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, spinal problems and depression.

Thornton, outraged at the way he was attacked by Coburn, wants an apology. Instead, Coburn's office said in an email to Fox News, "Coburn believes Congress should apologize to the American people for failing to provide adequate oversight over our disability programs."

While your problems may not be as strange as Thornton's, you, too, have the right to collect SSA disability benefits if you are disabled and unable to work. Call Keefe Disability law toll free today at 888-904-6847 and begin the disability application process.

New Hampshire Man Admits to Social Security Disability Fraud

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Nashua, New Hampshire man admitted to ripping off Social Security by collecting disability benefits while being paid to direct the Spartan Drum & Bugle Corps.

Peter LaFlamme, 56, appeared in Concord U.S. District Court on October 25, 2011. He is charged with hiding his employment with the Drum and Bugle Corps from the Social Security Administration so he could continue receiving disability benefits.

LaFlamme was indicted and arrested in June after an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. According to U.S. Attorney Paul Kacavas, he illegally collected over $376,000 in benefits from January 1992 until April 2008.

The Spartan Drum & Bugle Corps is a national award-winning musical group that, under LaFlamme's direction, marched in the 2005 inaugural parade. He retired in 2008.

LaFlamme has been released on bail and faces sentencing in January 2012. He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or up to two times the amount he illegally received.

When so many of our citizens make legitimate disability claims, cases like this anger many. New England's Keefe Disability Law firm knows just how important SSA disability is to many of our residents.

If you or a loved one needs help getting disability benefits approved, call us today for a free case evaluation at our toll free number, 888-904-6847. We represent clients in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island.

Philadelphia Woman Victimizes Disabled in Social Security Disability Rip-off

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Linda Ann Weston was arrested in Philadelphia in October 2011 and charged with keeping four mentally disabled people in her basement in order to collect their Social Security disability checks.

The authorities found the four victims, aged 29 - 40, to be malnourished and possibly tortured. As facts about the case emerge, the scene becomes more and more unimaginable.

There is still no clear idea of how Weston found the victims or got access to their Social Security checks. What is becoming clear, though, is that her crimes were not limited to the four captives. Police found identification paperwork for as many as 50 people, including Social Security numbers, in Weston's possession.

Weston had previously served eight years in prison for starving a young man to death in her apartment in 1981. Also arrested in the current crimes were Weston's boyfriend, Gregory Thomas, and a homeless man, Eddie Wright.

Philadelphia Police Lt. Ray Evers said, "You can't get any lower than how they preyed on these people." He added that, as they locate family members of the victims, "The relatives are just falling down to the floor to hear that these people were found."

While stories this horrific are rare, Social Security fraud is not. But every time one abuser is arrested, funds become available for one more deserving beneficiary.

The attorneys at Keefe Disability Law are always encouraged when officials uncover disability fraud.

Kentucky Newest State to Combat Social Security Disability Fraud

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new Cooperative Disability Investigations Office (CDI) has been formed in Lexington, Kentucky to deal with the many instances of Social Security Administration (SSA) fraud in that state.

The September 28, 2011 announcement was praised by Guy Fallen from the Office of the Field General for the SSA. "Since it began, the Cooperative Disability Investigations program has had great success in identifying and preventing fraud and abuse in federal disability programs, and seeking prosecutions when appropriate." Fallen is pleased that Kentucky is joining the "efforts to combat disability fraud."

The CDI program began in 1998. It was established to fight fraud in the SSA disability program, using the combined resources of several federal and state agencies. By sharing their knowledge, these agencies aim to curb fraud in 26 participating states and free funds to serve those who qualify and truly deserve disability benefits.

Anyone who wants to report disability fraud is urged to call the Social Security Fraud hotline at (800) 269-0271 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time or visit http://www.ssa.gov to report online to the SSA.

If you are truly in need of Massachusetts Social Security disability assistance, it is good to know someone is working to stop fraud. If you need help getting approved for the SSA disability program, call Keefe Disability Law today toll free at 888-904-6847.

Another One Bites the Dust: Social Security Disability Fraudster Pleads Guilty

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Alma Williams, a 49-year-old Avondale, Louisiana resident, has pleaded guilty to defrauding the Social Security Administration (SSA) disability program out of almost $70,000.

Williams faces a maximum of ten years in prison at her December sentencing. U.S. Attorney Jim Letten reports that Williams has been collecting disability payments since 1993, although she accepted a job and worked from 2003-2009.

The defendant never reported the change in her work situation to the SSA and used a fake social security number on her job application to dupe the government. Williams was confronted with discrepancies in her personnel file and finally admitted she had been collecting disability benefits after returning to work.

The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General investigated the case, and Williams was prosecuted in Federal Court in New Orleans. She pled guilty to the charge of theft of government funds.

Massachusetts-based Keefe Disability Law experts agree that every time a disability fraud case is closed, a door opens for the truly deserving. If you have a disability that prevents you from working and have been denied SSA disability benefits, contact us today for a free case review. Just call toll free at 888-904-6847.

Massachusetts Social Security Disability Offices Told to "Slow Down"

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

During the first week of October 2011, Social Security disability managers told their employees to slow down. This unusual request came for reasons the average person would not be aware of.

Every five or six years, the fiscal year for the federal government ends up with an extra week in the 52-week calendar year. What this means is that any disability claims approved during the 53rd week do not count towards the annual targets for Social Security judges or field offices.

While Social Security Disability offices usually average about 3,000 cases a day, only 230 were approved on Monday, October 3. With almost 750,000 applications on hold and more than ten million already in the program this year, many Americans could be affected by this slow-down directive.

More important is what this directive says about the way the SSA does business. Witold Skwiercznski, a labor union president, said, "It's an indication of the philosophy of how the agency operates, that the numbers are more important than the service."

In the end, due to complaints by judges, professors, and unions, the agency was ordered to resume normal operations, but not before many questioned the importance of the disabled worker's rights.

If you have been stalled or even denied in the disability application process, you are not alone. Contact the experts at Keefe Disability Law to learn your rights. Call toll free 888-904-6847 for a free case review.

Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Social Security Fraud Charges

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Missouri man pleaded guilty to Social Security fraud charges in September 2011 in Kansas City federal court, after fraudulently receiving almost $140,000 in disability benefits.

Centerview plumbing company owner, Kody Ray Erisman, 35, accepted a plea agreement that states that he and his wife, Danelle, deliberately concealed his work activity from the Social Security administration. The scheme netted the couple $139,967 in disability benefits.

Citing anxiety-related and affective mood disorders, Erisman successfully obtained benefits for himself and ancillary benefits for his wife and four children in 2002. In 2003, the couple began D.E. Plumbing. Although the company was supposedly owned and operated by Danelle, her husband worked full-time on many contracted projects, netting the couple about $11,000 to $70,000 a month.

The Erismans also successfully applied for and received $500 monthly economic stimulus payments. Evidence offered included photographs and investigators' eyewitness accounts of Erisman doing physical labor and operating heavy equipment at job sites.

Erisman could face up to ten years in jail and a fine of up to $250,000 when sentencing is handed down.

The attorneys at Keefe Disability Law always welcome news that fraudsters have been stopped because we work with so many deserving, honest people who truly need disability benefits. If you or a loved one needs help with your disability claim, please call us toll free in Massachusetts at 888-904-6847. We also serve clients in New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island.

Washington Car Dealers Plead Guilty in a Disability Scam

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Mill Creek, Washington car dealer and his wife have pleaded guilty in a disability scam that netted them almost $300,000. On September 19, 2011 Anthony George, 37, and Roxanne George, 35, accepted responsibility for federal charges of Social Security fraud. Seven other people have also been accused of being in on the same scam.

The couple is accused of getting Social Security disability benefits by using a false identity. In 1982, Anthony George allegedly applied for a second Social Security number, using the name Sonny Fisher, and received benefits under that name.

Roxanne George is accused of lying about her husband's condition, saying that he was unable to work. The couple and their co-defendants are accused of claiming mental disabilities severe enough to keep them from working. The entire group netted over $700,000 in benefits.

By using multiple Social Security numbers, inaccurate information about their assets and work, convincing misrepresentations of their conditions at interviews, and fake driver's licenses, the accused are said to have cheated not only the system, but the taxpayers as well.

U.S. Attorney Janet Durkan said, "This kind of fraud tears at that safety net and betrays taxpayers who expect their hard earned dollars to go to the truly needy."

Roxanne George has agreed to pay restitution of $91,500 while her husband has agreed to $198,100. The couple faces up to five years in prison. Six of the other seven accused remain under indictment.

The attorneys at Keefe Disability Law in Massachusetts condemn the use of the Social Security disability program to line the pockets of the greedy. Too many really are disabled and need help. If you are one of the needy and not the greedy, please call us today toll free at 888-904-6847. We want to represent your legitimate claim.

Social Security Announces New Compassionate Allowances: Speed Up Your Disability Claim!

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

On July 14, 2011, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced an updated list of Compassionate Allowances Listings, bringing the total number of conditions that could qualify disabled applicants for benefits to 100. The 12 added allowances all deal with severe heart problems.

Compassionate Allowances Listings is a program begun by the SSA in 2008 with just 50 qualifying conditions, a number that has doubled with the most recent additions. The program is designed to help people suffering from more severe disabling conditions to expedite their claims process. Waiting periods for benefits approval can normally take from several months up to years. For some, this is just too long.

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, said, "We have reached a significant milestone for the Compassionate Allowances program. We have an obligation to award benefits quickly to people whose medical conditions are so serious they clearly meet our disability standards." It is now possible to qualify in less than a month.

The medical conditions in the Compassionate Allowances Listings are among those in the Listing of Impairments. Because these 100 conditions almost always qualify, listing them separately can greatly improve the ability of the SSA disability program to fast track claimants in need of immediate aid.

In combination with the Quick Disability Determination program, the Compassionate Allowances program hopes to speed up the claim process for 150,000 applicants this year, up from 100,000 last year. If you or a family member needs more information about this important program, visit the SSA link below and/or contact Keefe Disability Law by calling toll free 888-904-6847.

A Low Blow: Man Steals Identity and Disability Payments from an Elderly Victim

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Louisiana man has been booked for allegedly stealing almost $25,000 from a 74-year-old man's Social Security disability account. Rendell Cook, 41, of Braithwaite, Louisiana, used the victim's social security number to dupe the Social Security Administration into depositing the older man's disability checks into his own bank account each month.

On August 16, 2011 the victim told deputies that his funds, which were supposed to be deposited into his account, had been deposited into Cook's account for 18 months. Shortly thereafter, Cook surrendered and was arrested by the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office. He was charged with Identity theft and theft of the disabled or elderly.

The victim had been hospitalized on and off throughout the period and did not realize he was being bilked. When he found out about the theft, he contacted the police.

Social Security disability benefits are designed to help those who need it, not to line the pockets of the dishonest and greedy. Yet this kind of theft takes place far too often. The Keefe Disability Law professionals abhor such actions and hope that the funds are returned to the victim soon.

If you need help with a disability claim, please do not hesitate to call toll free, 888-904-6847, for a free case evaluation.

California Docs Making Big Bucks for Reviewing Social Security Disability Claims

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Because of the backlog in disability cases nationwide, the California Department of Social Services hires mental and physical health professionals to review disability claims. Two of these professionals, both psychiatrists, garnered over $500,000 in 2010 bonuses from the state funds.

Dr. Robert Paxton, 62, received $306,315 in bonuses, and Dr. Kelley J. Loomis, 45, raked in $237,168 above his regular earnings. Attorneys who represent the disabled in California allege that the caseload required for those earnings is physically impossible. If Paxton worked 221 days of the year, he would have to have handled around 70 cases each day, which adds up to 15,000 in a year. Critics maintain that if he worked as many as ten hours a day, Paxton could spend no longer than nine minutes for each claim.

Given that some cases run as long as 100 pages, experienced disability lawyers are questioning the earnings. Alise M. Kellman, San Diego Attorney, has spent 27 years representing the disabled. She said, "It is impossible to review that many cases in one day and give a thorough review, a fair review."

According to Social Security data, the California program paid $1.9 million in bonuses in 2010, which is enough to review 71,147 disability cases. Cases reviewed totaled 353,414 in 2010. California attorneys are concerned that cases are being rushed through without proper evaluation. In addition, they are concerned that the bonus money paid out could be better spent on the disabled population.

The Massachusetts based law firm Keefe Disability Law hopes that the Social Security Administration disability program is able to sort out messes like these so that their clients can expect a smooth, fair process in their claims. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with your disability claim, contact us today at 888-904-6847.

Angry Man Crashes Van into Social Security Office and Still Receives Disability Benefits

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Tired of waiting for his Social Security disability claim to be approved, a Traverse City, Michigan man lost his temper and patience and backed his van into a local Social Security office entrance. The July 3, 2011 incident was closely followed with the news that his claim had been approved and he would be receiving about $1,000 a month.

Douglas McCallum, 47, said that he was in a "fit of rage" after "being screwed over" for years by the government. His claim for a bad back was, ironically, approved, but he may not see the money now because of his legal troubles.

Even though the Social Security office was closed and no one injured when McCallum rammed it, he still faces criminal charges for malicious destruction of property and can be jailed as long as five years. He is being evaluated for mental health issues and his lawyer is entering a plea of insanity.

Robert Simpson, district manager for the Social Security Administration, said, "People who are allowed Social Security, we pay them based on their disability factors, and if Mr. McCallum is eligible, we would go ahead and pay him. Of course, we are always bothered when people get benefits that have harmed other people, but it's the law."

However, he added that disability payments are typically suspended if someone is imprisoned. McCallum could, if found guilty and sentenced to jail, begin the process again in order to be reinstated.

The Massachusetts experts at Keefe Disability Law urge anyone who is having trouble getting a disability claim processed to seek legal help before too much time goes by. Our legal team stands ready to defend your rights. Call toll free at 888-904-6847 for a free case evaluation.

Social Security Disability Program Flooded With Claims

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

With the current economic problems in the United States, it is no surprise that the Social Security disability program has its share of headaches, too. Between the number of Baby Boomers reaching retirement age and the great numbers of laid-off workers, applications for benefits have risen almost 50% over the last ten years.

About 3.3 million people are forecasted to apply for Social Security disability benefits this year, a gain of 700,000 since 2008.

With over seven million jobs lost in the US, people with disabilities are finding it more and more difficult to find work when laid off. The Social Security Disability Program, already known for huge backlogs in cases, is overloaded, to say the least.

Social Security Commissioner, Michael Astrue said, "It's primarily economic desperation. People on the margins who get bad news in terms of a layoff. . . take a shot at disability."

Applicants for benefits are waiting up to two years, and even longer in some cases, to see their benefits arrive. Meanwhile, Congress has estimated that the trust fund used to pay the disabled will run out by 2017. While Congress has debated retirement benefits a great deal, in truth, the disability program is in much worse shape and needs lawmakers to address its problems very soon.

Perhaps you are one of the many claimants waiting and waiting to get government help. Or maybe you are just thinking about filing a claim. The attorneys at Keefe Disability Law can make your disability claim simpler and more successful. Call today toll free at 888-904-6847 to discuss your concerns.