In order to win a Social Security Disability claim there must be proof of “severe” impairments. These severe impairments must disable the claimant from work that is found in both the local and the national economy. A recent case from the 4th Circuit found the claimant had “severe” impairments of severe Lyme disease and fibromyalgia.…
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If a claimant does not have a single medical condition that satisfies the requirements for Social Security Disability, a combination of impairments can also lead to Federal benefits. In a recent case the Administrative Law Judge found the claimant’s combination of: Degenerative Disc disease of the spine, Post-Laminectomy syndrome, Chronic Bronchitis, Degenerative Joint Disease, and…
Continue readingIf you are disabled, consider the following factors used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine whether or not you are eligible for disability benefits: Are you gainfully employed? Do you have severe impairment(s)? Is your impairment(s) expected to last 12 months or longer? Are you able to perform the kind(s) or work you…
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If you happened to be watching television Sunday October 6, 2013, you may have caught a spot on the CBS News Show, 60 Minutes, entitled “Disability, USA”. CBS advertised the segment this way: “Steve Kroft reports on the alarming state of the federal disability program, which has exploded in size in the last four…
Continue readingThe short answer is Yes, but deserves a bit of explanation. First, a definition of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): SGA is work that brings in over a certain dollar amount per month ($1,040 in 2013). The Social Security Administration (SSA) figures if a person is able to earn a certain amount of money (SGA), then he…
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