My Civil Advocate

Suffering from a severe disability or condition is bad enough, but when that disability or condition keeps you from working, a difficult situation can quickly become far worse. That's why Social Security disability benefits are so important; they can help provide financial relief when holding a job is just not possible. In order to make the process of obtaining benefits smoother, the Social Security Admininistration (SSA) developed what's known as the Blue Book, which contains a listing of the most common impairments that are severe enough to keep people from working. The listing of impairments covers a wide range of major body systems such as respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular, digestive, skin, and several others. Additionally, there is information under each body system about what types of disabliling conditions can occur within each and detailed requirements about the severity, symptoms, clinical findings, lab tests, etc., that are required for an applicant to qua...

If you've been injured in an auto accident due to the negligence of another driver, and our injuries prevent you from working or reduce your ability to work, you have a right to recover lost wages. Generally, to recover for lost wages, one of two things must occur: An injury must be the direct result of the accident, or a pre-existing injury was made worse by the accident. To prove lost wages, produce the pay stub from your most recent paycheck prior to your injury. Tips and non-salary benefits should be included as well. If you are self-employed, you will need to submit proof of what you would have earned. Keeping detailed, organized records pays off in these circumstances. If a motor vehicle accident results in a long-lasting or permanent injury-including chronic pain or fatigue - that will affect your ability to earn a paycheck, you may have grounds to recover for "lost earning capacity." In some situations, you can claim this even if you can work- for instance, if...

If you have applied for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, be forewarned that roughly 65 percent of applicants are denied initially. Here are some key reasons why: The limit for monthly work income for a disabled person is currently $1,090 ($1,820 if you are blind). If you exceed this limit, you're not eligible.  Your impairment must cause severe limitation to your ability to work and be expected to last at least 12 months or result in your death.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) must be able to contact you regarding your application over the matters. Make sure you are accessible  If you fail to release your medical records, or the SSA asks you to undergo a "consultative examination" conducted by an SSA doctor - e.g., you don't have a regular physician or your medical records may be incomplete - and you refuse, your application will be dismissed. Failing to carry out prescribed therapies ordered by your doctor can cost you, although there are a...

If you are suffering from a debilitating skin condition that is preventing you from working, you may be eligible to receive disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA evaluates skin disorders that may result from hereditary, congenital, or acquired pathological processes. The kinds of impairments covered by these listings include: Ichthyosis: genetic skin disorders that produce extremely dry, scaly, flaky, or thickened skin that may painfully crack, bleed, and deteriorate. Bullous diseases: autoimmune diseases that cause painfully large blisters or lesions to form on the skin. Chronic infections of the skin or mucous membranes. Severe dermatitis: any type of disorder that causes severe flaking, itching, swelling, or redness of the skin, including psoriasis, dyshidrosis, atopic dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis,  and allergic contact dermatitis. Hidradenitis suppurativa: a chronic skin condition that features painful pea sized to marb...

Peripheral nerves carry messages from the spinal cord and brain to the rest of the body, and vice versa. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when these nerves are damaged. Diabetes is a major cause of peripheral neuropathy. Other culprits include metabolic disorders, toxins, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases, to name a few. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can range from muscle weakness, balance issues, and diminished coordination to numbness or tingling in the extremities, loss of sensation, and a burning-type feeling, among others. THe end result of these symptoms may be chronic pain and/or walking, standing, and controlling muscle movements. In addition, some people who have lost sensation may unknowingly experience injuries, which can lead to infection and amputation. For some, trying to work while dealing with peripheral neuropathy may be an extreme challenge or outright impossibility. The Social Security Administration lists peripheral neuropathy in its "blue book...

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provides insurance to millions of American workers and their families. IT is an important part of our nation's Social Security system. Established nearly 60 years ago, workers and their families are provided insurance in retirement and in the event of a serious long-term disability. The 11 million Americans currently benefiting form SSDI could face an abrupt reduction of 19% in benefits if lawmakers cannot address a long-projected shortfall in the program's finances. How the Program Works SSDI is an insurance program that workers pay for while they are employed. If the employee is unable to maintain employment because of a severe disability, SSDI replaces part of the lost income. Beneficiaries earn coverage under the Social Security system through employment and paying into the system. Most people receiving SSDI earned middle-class wages before becoming disabled, and beneficiaries usually have paid into Social Securi...