Are you unable to work because of a disability? Get the answers you need on Social Security Disability to protect your rights

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness of the voluntary muscle group and can be debilitating. It is listed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) under the Neurological - Medical Listing 11.12. This means that if you meet their very specific and stringent standards your condition may be approved for disability benefits.

The Evidence You'll Need to Present

The SSA does not grant benefits based solely on the diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis. Like so many disabilities, Myasthenia Gravis is difficult to qualify for. Detailed medical records from your physicians and specialists will be crucial to being approved for benefits. In addition, it is very important that you speak with both your doctor and attorney about getting a specialized medical source statement before you being the process. Doing so is often the determining factor in being denied or approved for disability benefits.

The Process for Applying for SSA Disability Benefits for Myasthenia Gravis

The process for gaining SSA disability benefits for Myasthenia Gravis takes place in stages. Each stage must be passed before the next will be examined. If at any point during this process the SSA determines that the claimant doesn't meet the criteria, the application for disability benefits will be denied. The steps for approval are as follows:

1. Establish if the MG sufferer is currently working. If he or she is working and is earning more than $1,040 a month, he or she may be disqualified from benefits.
2. Determine if the Myasthenia Gravis symptoms are severe enough to impact the ability to complete work-related activities.
3. Since this condition is episodic, the SSA will need to determine the frequency and duration of the crises as well as how long remissions typically last. That being said, if either of the following conditions is present it's likely that the person will be determined disabled:
   • Significant motor weakness, rapid fatigue of muscles of the arms and legs when performing repetitive resistance activity while on prescribed therapy.
   • Significant difficulty in speaking, swallowing or breathing while on prescribed therapy.
4. A review of age, education, prior work experience and both physical and mental conditions will be performed. This is done to determine what disability rating will be given and is based on medical-vocational guidelines.

Have Your Disability Benefits Been Denied? Do Not Give up Hope!

This doesn't have to be the end of your fight for Social Security benefits in Massachusetts; far from it! If you need to appeal please call 888-904-6847and talk to one of our attorneys, chat live on the site, or fill out the contact form on this page.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Why Medical Evidence Will Make or Break Your SS Disability Claim Exactly What to do if You've Been Denied Massachusetts Social Security Disability Benefits

There are two types of people who receive Social Security Disability—those who are grateful for any support they can get and those who believe that the government should give them more. However, considering that the Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t have unlimited funds at its disposal, it tries to budget disability benefits based on need.

Is this fair? Shouldn’t the SSA be able to support all who need assistance? There can’t be that many people who are physically unable to work. So why can’t they give you enough to fully support your family?

2014 Average Disability Payment Amounts 

Over the past 30 years, the number of people receiving supplemental income and  disability from the SSA has nearly tripled. According to the SSA’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program Report, there are currently more than eight million families on disability with a projected increase to over 10 million by 2030.  This means that one out of every 30 people living in the U.S. is dependent on some sort of disability support.

Although these families require aid for treatment and living expenses, you can see how quickly the funds add up. In fact, the budget has gotten so out of control that the SSA Commissioner has requested an additional $12 billion in order to cover costs for 2015.

$12 billion?? Where does all that money go? You know that you’re not getting that much. So who is?

Below is the average monthly budget for SSI payments throughout 2014:

Month	Total Payout	Average Individual Payout
February	$4,702,000,000	$535
March	$4,742,000,000	$535
April	$4,822,000,000	$537
May	$4,741,000,000	$535
June	$4,785,000,000	$536
July	$4,704,000,000	$535
August	$4,724,000,000	$536
September	$4,785,000,000	$535
October	$4,660,000,000	$532
November	$4,662,000,000	$532
December	$4,686,000,000	$532
January	$4,687,000,000	$541
YearlyTotal	$56,700,000,000	$6,421

Although $6,400 a year is way below poverty level and doesn’t seem like a lot of assistance, the $56 billion the SSA spends overall is definitely a lot for the government to spend on disability. This is why disability approval has become increasingly difficult. Applications need to be perfect and disability must be severe in order to get approved, and even then the SSA can only provide limited benefits each month. This is where an experienced disability lawyer like Keefe comes in.

Help You Deserve to Get the Aid You Need

When you need disability benefits you can’t chance being one of the thousands of applicants who get denied. The SSA has limited funding, which means it is extremely strict when it comes to application approval. Make sure your claim gets noticed by contacting us before you file. We can help ensure that every aspect of your application is prepared correctly to avoid delays, as well as make sure your application gets the proper attention it deserves.

Allow us to help you benefit from the SSA budget. Call (508) 283-5500 now, and get the help you need, the support you deserve, and peace of mind that comes with knowing we have your back.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Compassionate Allowances for Extreme Disability Consideration How Social Security Disability Fraud Hurts Applicants Factors Determining Disability Payment Scheduling

Once you’ve decided to pursue a disability claim on behalf of your child for her skin condition, filling out the proper forms is only a small step toward getting it approved. Although accuracy and thoroughness can help your claim be taken seriously, in order for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine if your claim is eligible, proper evidence and documentation must also be included.

The SSA evaluates applicants’ claims based on the severity of each health condition. Therefore the SSA requires that medical documentation and evidence of severity be provided with each claim. If the documentation clearly shows that your child is unable to function normally and that his condition is bad enough to require extensive treatment, benefits will likely be approved.

However, a simple note from his doctor isn’t going to cut it. In order to be taken seriously and have the best chance for approval your claim needs to be overflowing with evidence.

Too Much Information Is Better Than Not Enough: Paperwork to Include in Your Claim

When it comes to childhood skin issues the SSA requires several types of documentation, evidential proof, and testimonies to make sure that the condition is severe enough to fulfill disability requirements. The SSA recommends that before filing, you and your disability attorney make sure the documentation is strong enough to back up your need for aid.

The three main documentation categories needed are: laboratory findings, testimonials, and hospital reports. Evidence taken from these three sources should include documented findings of the following:

• Onset and duration: When did the condition first start and how long has it been going on?
• Frequency of flare-ups: How often does it occur?
• Prognosis of your skin disorder: Doctor’s diagnosis, specialists’ insights, etc.
• Location. What part of the body does it affect?
• Size. Do the lesions change size? How large are they?
• Appearance of lesions: Descriptions or photographs of condition. 
• History of exposure: Was he exposed to toxins, allergens, or irritants?
• Familial incidence: Is the condition genetic? Does anyone else in the family suffer from it?
• Seasonal variation: Does the issue change depending on the weather or season?
• Stress factors: Does the condition worsen with stress or anxiety?
• Ability to function outside of a highly protective environment: Statements from caregivers, teachers, etc., about the child’s behavior in social situations.

Perfecting Your Claim for the Benefits You Deserve

Although the SSA can help assist you with getting some of this evidence, it will still be up to you to arrange it and file it correctly. This is why it is important to have help accessing it and streamlining it into your application to make sure the SSA can understand it. That’s where we come in! We have extensive experience with accurately filing disability claims as well as the knowledge needed to ensure that your application isn’t lost in the shuffle.

Need more information about your disability rights? Please feel free to download our free guide on understanding disability, Five Most Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability. You’ll learn more about your rights and claim options and also see how our knowledge and experience can help you get the justice you deserve.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Determining Financial Need for Child Disability Approval Types of Dermatitis That Could Qualify for Child Disability Determining If Your Child’s Dermatitis Deserves Disability

Skin disorders affect millions of children throughout the United States. Anything from acne and eczema to genetic abnormalities can cause a child to not only lose confidence in himself, but can also cause debilitating pain and suffering. As a result, the Social Security Administration (SSA), recognizes certain skin disorders for child disability benefits.  

Unfortunately, many parents don’t realize that their child could qualify for disability, let alone what to do to get it for him. Therefore, many children who need and deserve SSA help for treatment, don’t get it. Is your child getting what he needs, or is he one of many who continue to feel uncomfortable in their own skin without the medical care they deserve?

Recognized Debilitating Skin Disorders

“Skin disorder” is an extremely vague term which can easily be assumed to cover minor irritations. However, in order for a skin condition to be considered for disability, it has to be severe enough to be debilitating. To eliminate unwarranted applications, the SSA has compiled a list of skin ailments which could satisfy disability requirements. The list includes the following skin conditions:

• Chronic infections of the skin or mucous membranes, such as:
  • Cellulitis: bacterial infection affecting the deeper layers of the skin
  • Erysipelas: bacterial infection affecting the top layers of the skin
  • Folliculitis: an infection of the hair follicle
  • Erythrasma: infection most commonly found where skin rubs together, such as between the toes, in armpits, and in the groin
• Dermatitis: severe inflammation of the skin which can cause blistering, oozing, flaking of the skin or the appearance and feel of a hard crust. Although examples of dermatitis include eczema, dandruff, and certain rashes, in order to get disability your child’s condition must be severe and cause some sort of functional inability.
• Hidradenitis suppurativa: chronic skin condition that causes pea-sized to marble-sized lumps under the skin that typically develop where skin rubs together (armpits, groin, between the buttocks, under the breasts, etc.), causing severe pain. In some cases, the rubbing of the skin can cause the lumps to spontaneously burst, releasing foul smelling puss and fluid.
• Genetic photosensitivity disorders: disorders that prevent the skin from being able to withstand sun or ultraviolet light, including phenylketonuria, albinism, familial porphyria, cutanea tarda, xeroderma, erythropoietic protoporphyria and Kindler syndrome. This type of disorder not only prevents access to normal treatments, but it can also limit social interaction and the ability to work as the child gets older.
• Second and third degree burns: excessive scarring and nerve damage caused by burn injuries that can cause psychological withdrawal as well as excessive pain or the inability to stretch the skin around certain areas of the body.

For any of these disorders to qualify, they must have shown resistance to treatment for at least three months and must prevent the sufferer from normal daily functions.

Securing Your Child’s Future with a Simple Call

Don’t waste your time, energy and patience hoping that your child’s application will be approved. If he is suffering from one of the aforementioned conditions, he may deserve disability benefits. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Know someone who is having a rough time getting their disability claim approved? Please feel free to share this page with her via email, Facebook or Twitter. You can also recommend us to your friends, family and coworkers on Google+.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Childhood Conditions That Could Qualify for Social SSA Disability Collecting Disability for Your Child’s Severe Skin Disorder Location of Skin Lesions Key in Qualifying for SSD Benefits

Although your child’s height may not seem like a huge concern for his overall well-being, significant delays or rapid growth could be signs of underlying health conditions. This does not mean that just because your child is shorter than his friends, he has a disorder. In fact, in most people, height is determined by parental height—so if you and your wife are on the shorter side, it stands to reason that your child will be also.

However, extremely short stature or delayed puberty could be signs of pituitary problems, genetic disorders, or glandular conditions that could wind up affecting your child throughout his life. This is why it is important to recognize possible growth impairments in your child and to know what to do in order to get him the help he will need when growing to adulthood.

Diagnosing Growth Impairments for Disability

Disability benefits from the Social Security Administration can help make the difference between your child growing up healthy and suffering the consequences of growth defects. However, in order for your child’s disorder to be approved, it must be proven to be an actual disorder, not just the normal result of parental height genetics.

This is why when determining growth impairments for disability, height factors are based upon comparisons of the following:

• Current height with at least three previous determinations (including length at birth, if available)
• Standard growth chart recordings (WHO growth standardsand CDC growth charts)
• Adult heights of the child's natural parents as well as the heights and ages of siblings

If these comparisons show a compelling difference in height and development, your child could be suffering from a growth impairment. Further tests should be used to diagnose the origin of the impairment in order to determine the severity of the issue and whether it can qualify for disability benefits.

The Boost Your Child Needs to Get the Benefits He Deserves

When your child is diagnosed with a growth disorder the next step you should take to protect his future is to file a disability claim. Disability can help pay for treatments as well as help you and your family care for him throughout his childhood. However, applying for disability and being accepted are too very different things.

Dedicated legal representation, such as ourselves, can make sure you have the required tests and documentation before applying. So, before filing, contact us for a free consultation. You’ll see how we can help you and your family get the support and guidance you need to properly pursue your child’s disability claim. Trust us—he’ll be glad you did.

Know someone who is having a rough time getting their disability claim benefits? Please feel free to share this page with her via email, Facebook or Twitter. It’s our job to help our clients get the support and justice they need, so let us help your loved ones get what they deserve. Click the media icons on this page to instantly show your support.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: California Measles: Physician Warns of Vaccination Crisis Childhood Conditions that Qualify for Social Security Disability Determining Financial Need for Child Disability Approval

Although the majority of disability claims are focused on adult conditions that prevent the claimant from being able to support himself, childhood disability payouts may be more common than you realize. The Social Security Administration estimates that 1.3 million disabled children received disability benefits in 2014. However, the number of disabled children in the U.S. who may be entitled to benefits is ten times that.

Unfortunately, many parents don’t realize that their child may qualify for disability, let alone what to do to get it for him. Therefore, too many children who need and deserve SSA help, don’t get it. Is your child getting what he needs, or is he one of many who continues to struggle without the proper care he deserves?

Disability by the Numbers

In order to get a better understanding of how many children in the U.S. are affected by physical and mental disabilities, the National Center for Education Statistics researched the prevalence of different types of disorders affecting children. This research was based upon the 6.4 million disabled children currently enrolled in public school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Children under 5 and those too disabled to attend school aren’t factored, and could raise stats by several percentages.

Findings show that within the IDEA program, the following conditions were prevalent:

• Learning disabilities: 36% or 2.3 million
• Speech impairments: 21% or 1.4 million
• Autism: 7% or 450,000
• Intellectual disabilities: 7% or 450,000
• Emotional disturbance: 6% or 385,000
• Developmental delay: 6% or 385,000
• Multiple disabilities: 2% or 130,000 
• Hearing impairments: 1% or 64,000
• Orthopedic disorders: 1% or 64,000
• Other health disorders (musculoskeletal, digestive, cardiovascular, cancer): 12% or 770,000

Given these numbers and the financial burden addressing these conditions can place on families, it’s extremely important to know where to turn to get the help you need to secure your child’s future.

Filing a Claim to Get the Benefits Your Child Deserves

Every parent wants the best for their child. Unfortunately, ensuring your child gets the best can come at a high price when your child is diagnosed with a disability. Filing a disability claim on his behalf may be your best option to guarantee his financial security. Unfortunately filing a disability claim for a child can be confusing and difficult.

If your child needs SSA benefits, don’t risk a denial due to improper paperwork or misunderstanding—your child deserves better than that. Contact us today for a free consultation and review of your claim. Let us help you discover your child’s legal options for government assistance. Without representation your claim could easily be denied and take years for reconsideration. Don’t waste time. Call now!

Know someone who is having a rough time getting disability claim benefits for a child? Please, feel free to share this page with her via email, Facebook or Twitter. It’s our job to help our clients get the support and justice they need; so let us help your loved ones get what they deserve. Click the media icons on this page to instantly show your support.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: California Measles: Physician Warns of Vaccination Crisis Childhood Conditions That Could Qualify for Social Security Disability Determining Financial Need for Child Disability Approval

When a medical condition or symptoms of a health issue make it hard to accomplish daily activities, supporting yourself and your family can be next to impossible. However, no matter how much pain you’re in or how difficult it is to function—you still need money to survive. Fortunately, the Federal Government understands this plight and empathizes with the gravity of such situations.

To help those who are physically unable to help themselves, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits for qualifying applicants. However, in order to receive disability income, you must be able to prove that your condition does indeed keep you from being able to support your family.

Now, the SSA understands that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of ailments that can keep a person from being able to work. This is why they have created a disability approved condition guidebook (known as the bluebook), as a way to track ailments and the potential link between severity and work inability.

The Blue Book: The Guide to Approving Your Disability Application

The Blue Book is essentially a manual of how the SSA disability panel evaluates your application for approval or rejection. Although the guidebook doesn’t include every factor for eligibility, it is a good reference to help determine if filing for disability is a viable option. The book includes specific explanations on what the panel is looking for in an application. Types of conditions that are eligible for disability: the categories of disorders within the blue book are as follows:

• 1.00 Musculoskeletal System
• 2.00 Special Senses and Speech Disorders  
• 3.00 Respiratory System
• 4.00 Cardiovascular Disorders
• 5.00 Digestive System
• 6.00 Genitourinary Disorders
• 7.00 Hematological Disorders
• 8.00 Skin Disorders
• 9.00 Endocrine System
• 10.00 Congenital Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems
• 11.00 Neurological Disorders
• 12.00 Mental Disorders
• 13.00 Neoplastic Disorders
• 14.00 Immune System*
   

The Blue Book also includes:

• Qualifications – How long an applicant must have had the condition to qualify and what types of symptoms the applicant must show.
• Definitions – Explanations on how the SSA defines certain conditions, symptoms, maladies, and diseases.
• Evaluation – How conditions are evaluated, how and when the condition was diagnosed, and how the condition impairs the applicant from working.
• Severity ratings – How symptoms are classified for severity and how disabling the condition is.
• Evidence – What type of evidence or proof is needed for the application to be considered for approval.

Making Your Case

Although the Blue Book provides excellent resources to help you decided whether to pursue a claim, filing can still be extremely difficult and confusing. Don’t allow your claim to be jeopardized because of the complex jargon or misdirection. Contact us today to see how an experienced disability lawyer can help you better understand the application and help get the results you need out of your application.

Our vast experience with disability claims, as well as our unique knowledge of the claim process, will help make sure that you have all the necessary documentation, requirements, knowledge, and confidence to ensure increased odds of approval. Don’t waste your time waiting for a rejection letter—let us fight to ensure that you get the consideration you deserve and the benefits you and your family need. Call us today for a free consultation, and take the first step toward getting your rightful disability.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Proving Your Eligibility for Social Security Disability Immune System Disorder Signs that Qualify for Disability

 

According to the National Institutes of Health’s review of endocrine and metabolic disorders, Americans suffer from 54 different disorders related to the endocrine system. However, the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments (Blue Book) only names a handful of specific endocrine disorders that meet their medical criteria for disability consideration. So, does this mean the other 40+ ailments caused by endocrine problems aren’t severe enough to warrant disability?

Not necessarily.

Additional Endocrine Disorders That Could Qualify for Disability

The main factor that determines disability approval is whether the condition from which you suffer prevents you from physically, mentally, or emotionally being able to work. As long as you can prove that your endocrine condition prohibits you from financially supporting yourself and family, the disability panel is required to investigate the condition further to determine eligibility.

Some common endocrine disorders (not specifically listed by the SSA) that can be severe enough to warrant investigation include:

• Adrenal insufficiency. This condition occurs when the adrenal glands release too little of the hormone cortisol. This imbalance can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure, fatigue, stomach upset, and severe dehydration.
• Cushing's disease. This disease is caused by the overproduction of a pituitary gland hormone, generally caused by a tumor, which leads to an overactive adrenal gland. Debilitating symptoms include backaches, bone pain, thinning of the bones (which leads to rib and spine fractures), and weak muscles.
• Gigantism (acromegaly) and other growth hormone problems. If the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, a child's bones and body parts may grow abnormally fast. This can put excessive pressure and strain on the bones and muscles, causing pain, bone damage, and heart strain.
• Hyperthyroidism. This occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to excessive weight loss, fast heart rate, sweating, and nervousness.
• Hypothyroidism. This occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and depression.
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia I and II. These conditions are rare and are passed down through families. They cause tumors of the parathyroid, adrenal, and thyroid glands, leading to overproduction of hormones.  
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS is the overproduction of androgens which interfere with the development of eggs and their release from the ovaries. PCOS can be extremely painful due to cysts pushing on the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, and can also cause emotional issues.

Proving Your Right for Disability

If you’ve been diagnosed with an endocrine condition and you feel that symptoms of that condition are interfering with your ability to work, you may be eligible for disability benefits. However, before filing a claim, make sure you’re not wasting your time with incomplete forms. Our extensive knowledge and experience with disability claims will help ensure that your claim is properly filled out, filed, and justifiable in order to get the attention it deserves.

We know how the panel works to determine eligibility and approval, and we’ll make sure your claim gets the attention and investigation it deserves. Don’t waste your time waiting for a decline letter; instead, let us help you file the best claim you can to get the benefits your condition deserves. Not only is the consultation free, but you’ll also save valuable time, effort, and stress. Call now!

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Diabetes Complications That Could Qualify You for Disability Symptoms of Disabling Endocrine Disorders Disability Evaluation for Endocrine Disorder Symptoms

Although most minor skin conditions such as acne and eczema are merely cosmetic frustrations, more serious conditions such as severe dermatitis and chronic infections can be life altering. According to the National Institute of Health, morbidity is significant with severe skin ailments through potential disfigurement, disability, or symptoms such as intractable itch. Severe skin conditions can also cause a reduction in quality of life by forcing isolation due to embarrassment and depression. Even worse, the pain of certain conditions can keep a sufferer from participating in day-to-day activities, including work.

As a result of this debilitation, chronic and severe skin conditions are eligible for disability benefits to help aid those financially who are unable to support themselves. However, in order to be approved for benefits, you must be able to prove the severity of your ailment to the Social Security Administration (SSA), based on specific criteria.

Evidential Requirements for Skin-Related Disability Approval    

Although the SSA concedes that certain skin conditions can cause the need for disability assistance, in order to fairly judge this need, each claim is investigated to determine whether there is enough evidence to prove disability. Unfortunately, as a result of claimants being unable to prove that their conditions prevent them from working, only an average of 30% of claims are approved.

The SSA estimates that nearly 60% of all disability claims are denied. Of these denials, 55% are related to insufficient medical proof, while the other 45% are denied based on technical issues. This is why it is extremely important to know what to include in your claim and to get the necessary help to make sure all requirements are fulfilled before you file. To prove the severity of your skin condition, you must collect the following evidence:

• Information about the onset of the condition (how it started, when it started, etc.)
• Duration and frequency of flare-ups (how long they last and how long you’ve been suffering)
• Location, size, and appearance of lesions (to determine mobility issues)
• Any history of exposure to toxins, allergens, or irritants
• Seasonal variations (does the condition get better or worse at different times of the year?)
• Flare-up factors (does anything make the condition worse—stress, movement, etc.)
• Witness statements (discussing your ability to function outside of a highly protective environment)
• Laboratory findings to prove diagnosis (results of a biopsy, blood tests, screenings, etc.)
• Medical testimony describing severity
• Symptoms and pain charts
• Employer/coworker statements describing your ability (or lack thereof) to work
• Evidence that the condition has lasted or will last more than three months

No Need to Jump Out of Your Skin—We’re Here to Help!

When you’re suffering from a condition that keeps you from doing the things you love in addition to the things you have to do to survive, having to justify your pain to others can be extremely taxing. Fortunately, when forced to justify it to the Social Security Administration, you don’t have to do it alone. Our experience, knowledge, and support can help you file without causing added stress which may agitate your condition.

We know how confusing and frustrating filing a disability claim can be, especially when a single mistake could not only delay your ruling, but could deny it altogether. Let us help make sure your claim gets the attention and proper judgment it deserves. Call us today for a free consultation and review of your claim. You won’t be disappointed.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Severity of Skin Disorder Symptoms for Disability Approval Skin Disorders and Diseases That May Qualify for Disability Proving Your Eligibility for Social Security Disability

 

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), over 10 million people in the United States receive disability benefits each year. These benefits are allocated between Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, totaling roughly $11 billion worth of benefit payouts.

If you have been injured or diagnosed with a disabling medical condition and are unable to sufficiently continue working, you may be eligible for SSD or SSI benefits. However, before filing, it’s important to know the difference between these two programs and which one you should apply for.

So, what’s the difference? Should you file for SSD or SSI? Which is most likely to get you the benefits you need?

Differences Between Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income

Although the majority of disability benefits are associated with SSD claims, SSI claims are a significant source of income for many disabled beneficiaries, allowing them to have additional financial support. However, although both programs are controlled by the SSA and provide financial support for disabled persons, the benefits and eligibility requirements for each program are significantly different.

Social Security Disability

SSD is funded through payroll taxes, so you are considered "insured" for SSD only if you have worked for a certain number of years and have made contributions to the Social Security trust fund (better known as FICA Social Security taxes). Other important things to know:

• You must be between the ages of 18 and 65. After two years of disability, or if you’re over the age of 65, you may be eligible for Medicare instead of SSD.
• Your spouse and children are eligible to receive partial dependent benefits (as long as you’re over the age of 18), called auxiliary benefits
• There is a required five-month waiting period after notification of disability. The SSA won't pay you benefits for the first five months after you become disabled and then the amount of your monthly benefits will depend on your previous earnings record

Supplemental Security Income

SSI is called a "means-tested program," meaning it has nothing to do with work history, but strictly with financial need. Since SSI is funded by general taxes, it is available to low-income individuals who have either never worked or who haven't earned enough work credits to qualify for SSD. Other facts to be aware of:

• SSI income requirements are based on the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) and can change annually during cost of living adjustments. However, a good baseline for financial eligibility is if you have less than $2,000 worth of assets ($3,000 cumulative with a spouse) and a limited income (less than $12,000 a year) you should be eligible for SSI benefits.
• You may be eligible under the income requirements for SSI to receive Medicaid. Most people who qualify for SSI will also qualify for food stamps.
• The amount you’ll receive is dependent on where you live, your average cost-of-living, and the amount of your regular, monthly income.
• Unlike SSD, SSI benefits will begin on the first of the month after you submit your application.

Determining Which Program Is Right for You

Are you finding it increasingly difficult to work due to your cardiac disability? Need help getting social security benefits to survive? Let us help! Filing an SSD or SSI claim can be extremely confusing, especially when you’re not sure which one to pursue. However, with an experienced disability lawyer on your side, you don’t have to worry.

Need more information about your medical rights? Please feel free to download our free report on Social Security Disabilities: Five Most Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability. You’ll not only learn more about your rights and claim options, but you’ll also see how our knowledge and experience can help you get the justice you deserve.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: How do I know if I have a cardiac condition that may qualify for disability? Required Evidence for Proving Cardiac Disability Timeframe for Cardiac Disability Test Result Consideration

 

You were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease last summer and since then, your world has basically been falling apart. Between treatment, medications, and medical bills, you’re bank account is quickly becoming depleted. In addition to that, the shaking has gotten worse over the past six months, and it has gotten harder and harder for you to do your job properly.

You desperately need your paycheck, so you try to control your tremors as best you can. However, lately it hasn’t been going that well. Your family is constantly suggesting that you apply for disability, but with the number of bills coming in, you don’t think you can afford to quit your job and wait for the benefits.

If you file for disability, will it really take years to receive the benefits?

Do You Have the Time to Wait for Benefits?

The entire process of filing, getting approved, and eventually receiving your benefits can be long and frustrating. According to the Disability Determination Service, normal claims can take at least six months to determine. The decision process to determine whether your condition even qualifies for disability can take several months alone. If you’re approved, and the judge agrees that your condition is severe enough to qualify, it could take several additional months for your claim to pass through eligibility standards.

However, although the timeframe may seem daunting, there are ways to speed up the outcome. Having experienced legal representation to argue your case can be an important asset. When you have representation, the timeframes are drastically reduced, as seen below:

WITHOUT REPRESENTATION

It generally at least three months for processing a claim. The majority of claims filed by applicants without representation are denied. If the applicant requests reconsideration of a rejected claim, that typically requires at least three months longer. An Appeals Court hearing could take an additional 18 months to schedule, with another two to six months before the decision is rendered. Even if the decision is favorable at this point, it can take 18 to 24 months longer for the appeal to be processed before the first benefit check arrives. The total potential time to receive benefits: two to five years

WITH REPRESENTATION

Even individuals with legal representation can expect to wait three months for processing their initial claim. The majority of claims filed by applicants with representation are approved. It may take an addition six months of processing before monthly benefits begin, but the recipient can expect to be paid for any back benefits he is owed. Total time under this best-case scenario: under one year.

If the claim was one of the minority that is denied despite legal representation, it can take up to six months for reconsideration and Appeals Court hearing; another three months for the decision to be rendered; and 12 months for processing and receiving benefits. The total waiting period for benefits: the majority is approved and received within nine months, while refuted claims are generally settled within two years.

Don’t Waste Your Time

When you physically can’t work to support yourself and family due to a debilitating disease, Social Security disability is your best option for sustainability. Once you’ve made the decision to apply, your best option for timely success is representation from an experienced disability lawyer. Don’t waste time filing yourself or taking your chances with inexperienced attorneys. Call us today for a free consultation and let us convince you why we’re the right choice. Our 20-plus years of experience will work to make sure that you can give up your job with a clear conscience.

Call now to begin the process and get your benefits that much sooner. You deserve it!

Need more information on disability claims? We don’t blame you! Social Security can be an extremely frustrating system to understand. Learn more about the intricacies of SS and disability by requesting our book, Five Most Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability. Don’t allow confusion to affect your benefit rights. The download is free, but the knowledge you will learn is priceless.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: What to Ask Before Applying for Social Security Disability Common Disabilities That Can Qualify You for Social Security Benefits Proving Your Eligibility for Social Security Disability

Arteriosclerosis, also known as the “hardening of the arteries.” occurs when calcium builds up in the artery walls causing them to get thicker and stiffer. It happens to some people as they age. After your doctor told you that you have arteriosclerosis, it’s normal that you’re concerned about what will happen next.

Getting Disability Benefits for Arteriosclerosis

If your doctor recommended that you apply for SSDI in Boston because of arteriosclerosis, you have probably experienced some sort of health condition that has made it difficult for you to work. In order for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to approve your application, you must show that you cannot perform physical or sedentary work.

To be approved, you must have at least one of the following symptoms:

• You must have chest discomfort triggered by stress or physical activity.
• You must have pain or discomfort in other parts of your body, such as your arms or legs.
• You must get short of breath when you exert yourself.
• You must have experienced a coronary artery spasm at rest.

To show the SSA that you have one of these symptoms, you must submit a wealth of evidence with your application. For example, you must show that you had an abnormal stress test and abnormal imaging results. Include these results with your application. You must also have a note from your doctor that describes how your condition impacts your ability to work.

Another important piece of your application is your personal experience with arteriosclerosis. Keep a journal to document how this condition affects you on-the-job both in desk work and in manual labor.

Did you find this interesting? We encourage you to share this article on Facebook. You never know who might be suffering from a heart condition and could benefit from knowing how to receive Social Security disability.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Four Heart Conditions That Qualify for Social Security Benefits When Coronary Heart Disease Becomes a Disability How to Avoid Disability From Coronary Heart Disease

When it comes to applying and qualifying for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), there are many factors that are taken into consideration. Your time in the workplace is one of them.

The first thing you must do is check whether or not you qualify under the Social Security Administration (SSA) disability listing. Some people who are permanently disabled are still able to perform other job functions, such as sedentary work. If you are, you may continue to work and cannot receive SSDI.

The Role Length of Time in the Workforce Plays in Your Massachusetts SSDI Application

The SSA uses a credit system to determine whether or not you qualify for SSDI. The longer you spend in the workforce, the more credits you earn. Credits are earned from annual income. That income can come from either annual wages or self-employment.

Here are a few more important facts about how the credit system works:

• Each year, you can earn as many as four credits. One credit is the equivalent of $1,200 of income. Under the current system, once you’ve earned over $4,800 in one year, you’ve earned the maximum number of credits available for that year.
• Usually you need at least 40 credits to apply. Twenty of these credits must have been earned over the past 10 years to qualify.
• Younger people may qualify with fewer credits. The SSA knows that disabilities sometimes happen before enough credits have been earned. That’s why some younger people may not need as many credits. For example, if you’re under 24 years old, you only need six credits earned over a three-year period. People aged 24 to 31 only need twelve credits over the past six years.

 

The credit system gets very confusing. If you’re still not sure whether or not you qualify based on your years in the workforce, we encourage you to reach out to our Boston Social Security disability lawyers for more guidance on your specific case.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Pursuing a Social Security Disability Claim What to Do If You’re Denied Based on Past Work History How to Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits

When it comes to qualifying for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), the application process is not always easy. Even though you know how difficult it is for you to work, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires extensive amounts of evidence and the proper paperwork to approve your application.

With Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, qualifying for SSDI in Boston can be a challenge. The SSA has not created a specific listing or category for this disease. In addition, because it is a genetic syndrome, you cannot qualify for SSDI based on the arthritis listing, even if arthritis is one of your symptoms.

Qualifying Symptoms for Boston SSDI Benefits for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

To qualify, you must have severe symptoms from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. These symptoms can include:

• Severe joint pain or joint dislocation
• Skin damage and infections
• Difficulty healing wounds
• Back pain
• Foot problems, including flat feet
• Loss of some or all vision
• Rupturing of the eyeball
• Rupturing of a major artery or arteries in the organs or intestines

 

Each of these symptoms can greatly limit your ability to work either in a physical or sedentary position.

When you’re at a point when you need to apply, talk to your doctor as well as your Boston Social Security disability lawyer. Both of these professionals will help you put together your application in a way that shows the SSA what it needs to see to approve you for SSDI.

Do you know someone who was recently diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome? We encourage you to pass this article on to her so it can help her while applying for SSDI in Boston.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Getting SSDI in New Hampshire for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome SSDI Claims and Heart Disease Have You Been Denied SSDI for Back Pain?

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people are unable to continue their jobs. From the moans and groans you make when getting up out of your chair after sitting for a long period of time, to the excruciating pain you feel anytime you lift something heavy, back pain is no laughing matter.

Understanding Back Pain

Your back is filled with small ligaments and tendons that hold your body together. When something goes wrong and your bones or muscles weaken, the pain you feel could limit your ability to perform the same tasks you once were responsible in your job.

One of the most common reasons people give for missing work is back pain. It is not a condition to take lightly. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires that you have a specific diagnosis for why you are in pain.

Here are some of the top causes of back pain that may impact your ability to work:

• Nerve root irritation that carries the signal from your brain to your legs and arms
• Strained back muscles
• Injured joints, ligaments, or bones
• Degenerative disc disease
• Injured vertebrae

 

These injuries are often caused by strain on your muscles and ligaments, which can make it difficult to pinpoint a specific triggering incident. Regardless, your doctor should give you a diagnosis of why you are in such pain. This diagnosis will then determine whether you qualify for SSDI in Rhode Island.

If you need more help with your specific application and symptoms, contact our office for a free consultation. We will go through your case and give you suggestions on how you can increase your chances of being approved.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: A Ruptured Disc May Qualify You For SSDI Spinal Stenosis and Disability Your Back Pain Could Be Caused by Neck Injuries

No one can see what you see. As advanced as modern medicine has become, there are still limitations to how much a machine, test, or doctor can understand how you view the world. When it comes to convincing the Social Security Administration (SSA) that your vision impairment is so severe that it makes it difficult for you to work, it is difficult to know what you can show to help the person reviewing your application see the world through your eyes.

In spite of this, the SSA has a few items that they use to help try to understand how severe your visual impairment is and how it impacts your life.

What to Include in Your Application for SSDI in Boston

Here are a few items that you must submit on your application to increase your chances of being approved:

• An exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. This exam will measure your visual acuity. Based on your exam, your doctor will rate how well they think you can see. This rating plays a significant role in determining whether you qualify to receive SSDI.
   
• A peripheral vision exam. This test is done without help of eyeglasses or contact lenses. In it, you will be asked to read letters from a chart. The results of this show the SSA the extent of your vision loss.
   
• A visual evoked response test. If the SSA believes your loss is not as severe as you say it is, you might have to undergo extra testing. During a visual evoked response test, your brainwave responses will be matched to visual stimuli. This test is not common, but if you have undergone the test, submitting the results might help improve your chances at being approved.
   
• Any diagnoses. If you were diagnosed with an eye disease, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, or other types of diseases, you should include that in your application. This will help the SSA agent reviewing your application get a good feel for your medical history and what you have been through in terms of visual impairments in the past.

 

The goal of your application is to help the person deciding whether you are approved or denied see the world through your eyes. By submitting all of your tests and medical diagnoses, you will paint a clearer picture of your health. Doing so makes it easier for the reviewer to understand the extent to which your vision loss impacts your ability to work.

For more information about applying for and receiving SSDI in Boston for vision loss, we encourage you to read the related articles on this page.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Social Security Benefits for the Blind What Does “Legally Blind” Mean? How Can I Measure Visual Acuity?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes the application process for SSDI in New England very difficult. They require you to meet specific listings. However, no two people have the same exact symptoms, job, work situation, or reaction to treatments. With that in mind, it is no wonder you are confused about which listing you should apply under.

The first step in understanding how to apply is to determine what your symptoms are. By writing these down, you will have a clearer idea of which listing you meet, and how to fill out your application.

Symptoms of a Schizoaffective Disorder

The following are some of the most common symptoms of mood disorders that are considered disabling by the SSA. These are the symptoms that stand in the way of you performing your job to the best of your abilities.

• Disorganized communication
• Rapid speech that is difficult for others to understand
• Extreme paranoia where you worry others might try to hurt you
• Delusions of special messages hidden in various places
• Difficulty focusing or remembering important details
• Hallucinations
• Severe mood swings
• Trouble sleeping or concentrating on a regular basis
   

Applying for Social Security disability insurance in New England is a tedious process. It is one that many people struggle with. Don’t forget that if you get denied the first time, you are not alone. Working with a lawyer can minimize your risk of being denied and help you get the benefits you need on your application.

We encourage you to read our book, The Five Most Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability, to help guide you during the application process even further. If you need any extra help, we are always available to answer questions and work with you to help you get the benefits you deserve.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Do You Qualify for SSDI Under the Schizophrenia Listing? Don’t Let Pride Stop You From Applying for Benefits

Anemia can have a serious impact on your ability to work. From being extremely fatigued to having shortness of breath and not feeling well, it makes sense that you are not be able to perform the job you once used to.

As with any illness, the symptoms affect every person differently. In order to qualify for SSDI in New Hampshire for anemia, you must meet the criteria put in place by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

How to Qualify for New Hampshire SSDI With Anemia

The SSA lists anemia as a disability. Under their requirements, you must meet the following criteria in order for your application to be approved:

• Consistent red blood cell count of 30 percent or less
• An average of at least one blood transfusion every two months 

If you are unable to meet those criteria, you may also qualify based on other impairments caused by anemia. These impairments include any heart disease complications that are impacted by your anemia, or any difficulties you have with breathing that may be listed under respiratory listings.

Knowing whether or not you qualify can be very difficult. It is strongly advised that you seek the help and guidance of a New Hampshire Social Security disability attorney for help with your application. By working with a lawyer from Keefe Disability Law, you can maximize your chances at being approved for Social Security disability. We will help you put together your application and find out which listings you qualify under so that you can give the most clear and detailed information to the SSA as possible making it easier for you to be approved.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: How do I know if my condition is covered by Social Security disability? What is meant by “activities of daily life” when applying for Social Security disability?

Every person is unique. The Social Security Administration knows this, and understands that not every disabled person will meet a specific impairment listing. That’s why Social Security officials developed a form called the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form.

When applying for SSDI, you must use this form to show your disability in Massachusetts. With the information you provide on this form, the person reviewing your application at the Social Security Administration (SSA) can determine what you are still able to do based on your disability.

What To Include on the RFC Form

The person examining your application will search for work that you’ve done over the past 15 years. They will then determine the level of activity that you are capable of doing. Here are a few important things to remember when filling out an RFC:

• Include all physical restrictions. If you cannot lift, carry, walk, or move as you once used to and this has stopped you from being able to perform the duties of your job, you must show this on the RFC. If you cannot work full-time, work regularly, or be productive on the job, then you may qualify for SSDI.
   
• Include all mental restrictions. If you are no longer able to perform any sedentary work, such as working at a desk, then you must show this in your RFC. To do this, you should include anything that restricts you mentally, such as memory problems, inability to concentrate, emotional difficulties, or any other mental restriction that could prevent you from doing your job.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: What can I do when I’ve been denied benefits because of a lack of medical evidence? What can I do to increase my chances of having my SSA disability claim approved?

Hypothyroidism is a disorder in your thyroid gland that causes you to produce too little hormone. This can have a significant impact on your ability to work, including causing extreme fatigue or mental sluggishness, muscle weakness, or a slowed heart rate. All of these can have a major effect on your ability to perform a variety of types of jobs, including sedentary work.

Qualifying For Benefits

Although the Social Security Administration does not provide a specific for hypothyroidism as a disability, there are many ways you may still qualify to receive benefits when you are no longer able to work. You can apply to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in Massachusetts for the symptoms rather than for your thyroid disorder. Here are a few disability benefits that may be available to you depending on your symptoms:

• If your hypothyroidism causes heart related conditions, you can apply under listing 4.00, cardiovascular system disabilities.
   
• If your hypothyroidism causes depression, anxiety, or any other cognitive disorders, you may apply under listing 12.00, mood disorders.
   
• If your hypothyroidism causes unexplained weight gain, you may qualify under listing 5.08, digestive systems.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

Related Links: Can You Get Manchester Social Security for a Thyroid Disorder? How to Document Heart Disease for Social Security Disability? How to Apply for SSDI After a Stroke