When a person applies for Supplemental Security disability benefits and is denied, they have the right to appeal the decision. Winning an SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) appeal can be a long and difficult process, but it is possible if you know what to do. Learn how to apply for SSI and SSDI, along with some common issues that cause the Social Security Administration (SSA) to deny applications, how to avoid making mistakes during the appeal process, and whether to hire an attorney when handling an appeal.

Common Issues that Cause the SSA to Deny Disability Applications

There are several common issues that cause the SSA to deny applications, including:

  • Lack of medical evidence – The SSA requires extensive medical evidence to support an SSDI or SSI claim. If a person does not have enough medical evidence to support their claim, they may get a denial.
  • Failure to follow treatment – The SSA expects that a person will follow their prescribed treatment plan. If a person does not follow their treatment plan, the SSA may deny their application.
  • Non-medical issues – To be eligible for SSDI or SSI, a person must meet the non-medical rules. If a person hasn’t worked long enough and/or doesn’t meet the income requirements they may receive a denial even if medically disabled. 
  • Failure to cooperate – The SSA may deny an application if a person fails to provide the necessary information or documentation.

Avoiding Mistakes During the Appeal Process

To win a disability appeal, it is important to avoid making mistakes during the appeal process. Here are some tips to help you avoid mistakes:

  • Get organized – Make sure that you have all of the necessary documentation and evidence to support your claim and keep all of your paperwork and medical records in one place. 
  • Follow up with your healthcare provider – Make sure that you are following your healthcare provider’s treatment plan and that you are attending all of your appointments.
  • Be honest – Provide the SSA with honest and accurate information. If you are misrepresenting information, it could harm your case.
  • Hire a disability attorney – An experienced attorney can help you navigate the appeal process and increase your chances of winning your case.

Should You Hire a Disability Attorney?

While it is not required to hire an attorney for assistance on your SSI or SSDI claim, it can increase your chances of approval. An attorney can help you prepare your case and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim. They can also help you navigate how to apply for SSI and SSDI, and represent you at the hearing. A disability attorney can increase your chances of winning your case, especially if you have a complicated case or if you have been denied.

Is There a Limit to How Many Times A Person Can Apply for Disability?

There is no limit to how many times a person can apply for disability benefits. However, it is important to note that the SSA will require individuals to follow the appeal process and can deny a new application due to the concept of res judicata. The appeals process can take a long time, and each appeal level can take several months or even years to be processed. It is important to discuss your claim with an experienced attorney to decide if an application or appeal is the appropriate next step for your claim.

Winning a disability appeal can be a difficult process, but your chances are higher with professional help. By avoiding common mistakes, getting organized, and hiring an attorney, you can increase your chances of an approval. If you are denied SSDI or SSI benefits, do not give up. Keep fighting for the benefits you need and deserve.

If you have applied for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and have been denied, you have the right to appeal the decision and have a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The hearing is a critical stage of the appeals process, as it gives you the opportunity to present your case in person and explain why you believe you are entitled to benefits. Here are some tips on how to prepare for an SSDI appeal hearing.

Obtain and Review Your File

Before the hearing, it is important to obtain a copy of your file from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and review it carefully. This will help you understand the evidence that the SSA used to deny your claim and give you an idea of what to expect during the hearing.

Gather Additional Evidence

If there are any gaps in your medical records or if there is additional evidence that supports your claim for disability, gather this evidence and submit it to the SSA before the hearing. This can include medical records from new doctors, letters from previous employers, statements from family and friends, and additional evidence that supports your claim.

Work With an Experienced SSDI Attorney

An experienced SSDI attorney can help you prepare for the hearing by ensuring your file is complete, gathering additional evidence, and helping you understand what to expect during the hearing. Your attorney can also represent you at the hearing and advocate for your disability benefit approval. An experienced attorney should have knowledge of the judge you will face and familiarity with the hearing process. 

Be Prepared to Answer Questions

During the hearing, the ALJ will ask you questions about your disability, your medical history, and your work history. It is important to be prepared to answer these questions honestly and in detail. You can write down notes with information that you will likely need to answer these questions and keep this with you during your hearing. 

Be Respectful

During the hearing, be respectful and polite to everyone involved. This includes the ALJ, the vocational expert (VE), and any other witnesses who may testify. Your credibility and integrity is important to the judge. 

Stay Calm and Focused

Finally, stay calm and focused during the hearing. It is natural to feel nervous or anxious, but try to stay focused on the questions being asked and answer them to the best of your ability. 

Contact An Experienced Disability Attorney

Adequately preparing for a social security disability hearing requires several detailed steps. With the right preparation and experience, you can present a strong case for disability benefits to increase your chances of obtaining the financial support you need. One of the most important steps in preparing for an SSDI appeal hearing is to seek help from an experienced disability attorney. Contact one of our attorneys today to learn how we can assist you in applying or appealing for disability benefits.

If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and your initial application is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. However, the appeals process can be lengthy and complex. It is important to understand the average timeline for a social security disability appeal and how to prepare for the process.

SSDI Appeals Timeline

The average timeline for SSDI appeals can vary depending on a number of factors, including the level of appeal, the complexity of the case, and the backlog of cases in your area. Generally, there are four levels of appeal:

  1. Reconsideration: If your initial application is denied, you can request a reconsideration. This involves a review of your case by someone who was not involved in the initial decision. The average processing time for reconsideration is about three to six months.
  2. Hearing: If your request for reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). The average processing time for a hearing is about 12 to 24 months.
  3. Appeals Council: If your hearing decision is unfavorable, you can request a review by the Appeals Council. This involves a review of your case by an administrative law judge at the Appeals Council level. The average processing time for an Appeals Council review is about 12 to 18 months.
  4. Federal Court: If your Appeals Council review is unfavorable, you can file a civil suit in a Federal district court. This level of appeal can take around two years depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule.

Why Do Disability Appeals Take So Long?

There are a few reasons why SSDI appeals can take a long time. One reason is the backlog of cases at each level of appeal. There are often more cases than there are administrative law judges and staff to review them, which can cause delays in the processing time.

Another reason for lengthy time frames is the complexity of the appeals process. Appeals can involve gathering medical records, obtaining statements from doctors and other healthcare professionals, and presenting evidence to support your claim. This process can be time-consuming and require a lot of coordination and organization.

SSDI appeals involve legal and medical concepts that can be difficult to understand for people who are not familiar with the process. It is helpful to have an experienced SSDI attorney on your side to help navigate the appeals process and ensure that your case is presented in the best possible light.

How to Prepare for the Appeals Process

If you are planning to appeal a denial of SSDI benefits, it is important to be prepared for the process. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

  • Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, including doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, and medications.
  • Obtain copies of all medical records related to your disability.
  • Make a list of all healthcare professionals who have treated you for your disability, including doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers.
  • Consider hiring an experienced SSDI attorney to help you navigate the appeals process.
  • Be patient and persistent. The appeals process can be frustrating, but it is important to stay focused and committed to your case.
  • Attend all scheduled medical appointments and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. This will help to establish the severity of your disability and demonstrate your commitment to improving your health.
  • Keep your attorney informed of any changes in your medical condition or treatment plan.

Hire an Experienced Disability Attorney to Help

The average timeline for social security disability (SSDI) appeals can be lengthy, but it is important to be prepared for the process and work with an experienced disability attorney to navigate the appeals process. With patience and persistence, you can increase your chances of success and obtain the benefits that you deserve.

When you apply for SSDI, it can be a complicated and challenging process. From navigating complex eligibility requirements to providing the necessary medical evidence, there are many nuances to the application process. That’s why hiring an attorney who specializes in SSDI claims can make a big difference in the outcome of your application.

Completing Your Applications

One of the key benefits of hiring an attorney for your SSDI claim is that they can help ensure that your application is completed correctly and that all the necessary information is provided. This can increase the likelihood that your application will be approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Attorneys who specialize in SSDI claims are familiar with the eligibility requirements and know what types of medical evidence are necessary to support a claim. They can also help ensure that your application is submitted in a timely manner, which is crucial in the SSDI application process.

Easier Appeal Process

Another key benefit of hiring an attorney when you apply for SSDI is that they can help with the appeals process if your initial claim is denied. Many SSDI claims are denied initially, but an attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and request the necessary evidence to support your claim. This can significantly increase your chances of being approved for SSDI benefits.

Get Additional Backpay

In addition to helping with the application and appeals process, attorneys who specialize in SSDI claims can also help clients increase the amount of backpay they receive with their claims. The SSA often changes the date of disability onset, reducing the amount of backpay benefits. If you have already been approved for SSDI benefits but did not receive payments for all the months you were unable to work, an attorney can help you appeal the decision and get the benefits that you deserve. Attorneys can also help clients navigate the complex rules and regulations that govern SSDI benefits, ensuring that they are receiving the maximum amount of benefits possible.

What To Know About Hiring a Disability Attorney

One common misconception about hiring an attorney for your SSDI claim is that it is too expensive. However, most SSDI attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that they only get paid if you win your claim. The fee is typically a percentage of your back pay, which is the amount of money that you are owed from the date of your disability to the date that your claim is approved. This means that you don’t have to pay any attorney fees upfront, and you can be confident that your attorney is working hard to get you the benefits that you deserve.

Another common misconception is that hiring an attorney is unnecessary if you have a strong case. However, even if you believe that you have a strong case, there are many nuances to the SSDI application process that an attorney can help you navigate. For example, an attorney can help ensure you avoid common mistakes that can result in your claim being denied or delayed.

Ready to apply for SSDI? Hiring an attorney who only works with Social Security disability claims can make a big difference in the outcome of your application. Our experienced disability attorneys can help ensure that your application is completed correctly and that all the necessary information is provided. We can also help expedite the appeals process if your initial claim is denied and ensure you receive compensation for all the eligible months you are rightfully entitled. If you are considering applying, appealing, or need assistance with an unfair approval, let us help you navigate the complex SSDI application process and get you the benefits you deserve.

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a complicated and lengthy process. Unfortunately, there are many common mistakes that applicants make that can result in their claim being denied. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 most common mistakes to avoid when applying for SSDI.

1. Failing to meet the eligibility requirements

The first and most obvious mistake is to apply for SSDI without meeting the eligibility requirements. To qualify for SSDI, you must have a disability that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. You also need to have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes over a certain period of time.

2. Waiting too long to apply

Many people make the mistake of waiting too long to apply for SSDI. The process can take several months or even years, so it is important to apply as soon as you become disabled and meet the eligibility requirements.

3. Not seeking medical treatment

It is essential to seek medical treatment for your disability and provide medical evidence to support your claim. Without medical evidence, it will be difficult to prove that you have a disabling condition that meets the eligibility requirements for SSDI.

4. Not following doctor’s orders

If you are not following your doctor’s orders and not doing what you can to manage your condition, it may be difficult to convince the Social Security Administration (SSA) that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working.

5. Not being honest about your condition

It is important to be honest and forthright about your condition when applying for SSDI. If you try to downplay your symptoms or exaggerate your limitations, it may raise red flags with the SSA and result in your claim being denied.

6. Failing to provide complete information

When applying for SSDI, it is important to provide complete and accurate information about your medical condition, work history, and other relevant information. Failure to provide complete information can result in delays or denial of your claim.

7. Not appealing a denied claim

If your claim is denied, it is important to appeal the decision within the timeframe allowed. Many claims are denied initially but are approved on appeal.

8. Failing to get help from an attorney or advocate

Navigating the SSDI application process can be complex and confusing. It is important to get help from an attorney or advocate who is experienced in SSDI claims.

9. Not following up on your claim

It is important to follow up on your claim and make sure that the SSA has received all the necessary information. Failure to follow up can result in delays or even denial of your claim.

10. Being impatient

Finally, it is important to be patient when applying for SSDI. The process can take several months or even years, and it is important to stay positive and persistent throughout the process.

Applying for SSDI can be a challenging and complicated process. However, by avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of success. Seek medical treatment, provide complete and accurate information, be honest about your condition, and get help from an experienced attorney or advocate. With patience, persistence, and some assistance from an experienced disability attorney, you can increase your chances of receiving the SSDI benefits you deserve.

As a person with a disability, you’ve likely relied on Social Security Disability (SSD) payments to help make ends meet. But when does Social Security Disability end, and what are your next steps?

When Does Social Security Disability End?

If you’re under full retirement age (between the ages of 62 and 67, depending on your birth year), your SSD benefits will end if you’re able to return to substantial gainful activity (earning more than a certain monthly amount from work). If you reach full retirement age while receiving SSD benefits, your payments will automatically convert to retirement benefits. However, if you continue to work and earn above the substantial gainful activity amount, your SSD benefits will end.

So, what can you do if your SSD benefits end or if you reach full retirement age and want to extend your disability payments?

File For An Extension

If you’re still unable to return to work, you can file for a continuation of your SSD benefits. This process is called a “review,” and it involves proving that your medical condition has not improved and that you’re still unable to work.

photo of desktop computer with a social security disability claim pulled up to show when social security disability end

Try Work Incentives

The Social Security Administration offers several work incentives to help people with disabilities return to work while still receiving some benefits. For example, the Ticket to Work program provides access to employment services and support, while the Impairment-Related Work Expense (IRWE) deduction allows you to deduct certain expenses related to your disability from your earnings.

Consider Transitioning to Social Security Income (SSI) at Age 65: 

If you reach full retirement age and your SSD benefits end, you may be eligible for SSI, which is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. To be eligible, you’ll need to meet certain financial requirements and have a disability that’s expected to last for at least one year.

Transitioning from SSD to SSI can be a big change, but there are resources available to help you make the transition. For example, the Social Security Administration’s Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program provides free, personalized assistance to help you understand the benefits and work incentives available to you.

Making the transition from SSD to SSI can be a challenging process, but with the right resources and support, it’s possible to maintain your financial stability.

Contact The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill

The end of your SSD benefits doesn’t have to signal the end of your financial support. Whether you’re able to extend your SSD payments, try work incentives or transition to SSI, there are options available to help you continue to live with dignity and security. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill for assistance. 

A very common question people want to know the answer to is: what information is needed to complete an SSDI application? Although the information is available online through the Social Security Administration website, it can still be confusing to figure out exactly what is needed to complete your application or, furthermore, increase the likelihood that your application will be approved. Let’s discuss the ins and outs of what is needed as well as what is not needed for your application, as well as some professional legal tips to increase the possibility of your application being accepted. 

Review Adult Disability Checklist

It is recommended that every applicant review the Adult Disability Checklist provided directly by the U.S. Social Security department. The checklist has a lot of information but can also be confusing for some individuals. We will break down the items needed for your SSDI application along with some insights to the various sections of the application to make it easier to organize the required information. 

Create a My Social Security Account

Before beginning the application, it is recommended to create a My Social Security Account. This can require additional forms of verification to set up, such as your mobile phone to receive texts, an email address for the account, and in some cases, a W-2, tax form, or credit card to aid the verification process. Creating an account allows you to track the status of your application throughout the process.

The Information You Need

1. Date and Place of Birth

Initially, the application intends to validate and confirm your U.S. Citizenship before continuing. This is done through the account creation process, but if you were born outside of the U.S., it is required to provide your birth country and time or your Permanent Resident Card if you are not a U.S. Citizen. 

2. Marriage and Divorce

You are required to provide the name of your current spouse or previous spouse if the marriage lasted over ten years or ended in death. Your spouse’s date of birth and social security numbers are optional but can help further validate your application. Lastly, you need to provide the beginning and ending dates of your current marriage and past marriages, including the dates and city/state/country in which you were married. 

3. Names and Dates of Birth of Children

You will also need to provide the details about your children, including any of your children that became disabled prior to the age of 22, any that are under 18 and are unmarried, or any children aged 18-19 that are in secondary school full time. If you have children over the age of 18 that are not disabled or in school, then their information is not required. 

4. Military Service

If you have served in the military, it is important to also include the type of duty and branch you worked in as well as your service period dates. This can help the Social Security office further evaluate your case. 

5. 3 Years of Employment Details

You will also need to provide your employment details for the current year and two prior years before your application. This needs to include start and end dates, total earnings, and the company and employer name of who you worked for. 

6. Self-Employment Details

If you are self-employed or were self-employed for the current year and 2 years prior, you will need to provide information about the type of business and total net income of your business. 

7. Direct Deposit

You must include your bank routing number, account type, and bank account number to receive your SSDI or SSI payments. This can also go to an international bank, but requires additional info such as the country of the bank, bank name, bank code, and currency type. 

8. Alternate Contact

An additional contact must be provided in order to have someone to contact regarding your medical conditions so they can help you with your claim. This can be your lawyer in the event that you have representation during your application process or are working with a law firm like ours. 

9. List of Medical Conditions

This is one of the most important sections of the application as this is the information that will largely determine your eligibility for social security. It is best to be as thorough as possible in this section. You should include:

  • Names, addresses, phone numbers, patient ID numbers if applicable, and dates of any examinations or treatments received. 
  • Names and dates of medical tests you have had and who placed the test orders
  • Names of medications, reason for medication, and who they were prescribed by
  • Info about additional medical records like vocational rehabilitation services, workers’ compensation, public welfare, prison medical records, records from an attorney, or any other place that may have additional records about your disability needs. 
  • The date your medical condition began and how it affects your ability to work
  • Types of jobs you have had over the 15 years prior to you becoming unable to work because of your condition
  • Types of duties you had on the longest-standing job from your list
  • Highest grade in school completed and any special education including the dates, school name, city, and state
  • Names of any special job training schools, trade schools, or vocational schools, along with dates of completed course work. 

Although this can be a painstakingly long process to collect all of this information, the more thorough you are with the information provided, the more likely your case is to be accepted. Providing additional information could also affect the amount of Social Security Income you are awarded should your application be accepted. 

Contact a Disability Lawyer for Help with Your SSDI Application 

Working with an attorney experienced in disability law can ensure that your SSDI application is as complete and thorough as possible. Application denials can, in some cases, result in months of waiting for an appeal. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill are ready to assist you today. Contact us today for a free evaluation.

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a lengthy and complex process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a set of strict requirements for applications and approvals. Having a lawyer for a social security disability appeal can help you get approved if you have previously been denied SSDI. 

SSDI Cases Are Often Denied Initially

While this may not be the news you are looking for, a large portion of SSDI applications are denied. The SSA denied an average of 67% of the claims submitted in 2021. This number varies throughout the years, but don’t let this statistic discourage you. Some denials are for medical reasons, while others are for non-medical reasons. It is not the end of the road if you are denied SSDI. Hiring a lawyer for social security disability appeal will make the process go smoother and increase the likelihood that you will be approved. 

The SSDI Appeals Process Is Complex

If your application for SSDI benefits is denied, you have the right to make an appeal. According to the SSA, there are four levels in the appeals process: 

  1. Reconsideration by the state Disability Determination Services (DDS)
  2. A hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
  3. Review by the Appeals Council
  4. A federal court review

Reconsideration By The State DDS

This is the first step of the SSDI appeal process. During the reconsideration step, your case will be reviewed in a similar manner as the initial review. A disability examiner and medical team will thoroughly examine the information while allowing you to provide additional evidence to support your application. Your claim could be approved during this first appeal if you were simply missing some medical records or other supporting documents. 

ALJ Hearing

If your SSDI application is still not approved, you can request a hearing before the ALJ. During this hearing, you will have the opportunity to testify regarding your case. A judge will ask you and any medical experts questions about your condition. A vocational expert will also evaluate hypothetical questions asked by the judge. If you reach this step in the appeal process, it is crucial to have the support of a disability attorney to help you prepare for the hearing. 

Appeals Council Review

If you are not satisfied with the decision made during the ALJ hearing, you can request a review by the Appeals Council (AC). This council consists of appeals judges responsible for considering all evidence submitted along with the ALJ’s findings. At this point, the council can either deny, grant, or dismiss the review request. The AC can then modify, uphold, or reverse the actions of the judge. It can also remand the case for another ALJ hearing. 

Federal Court Review

Once you have the Appeals Council’s decision, you can file action in a federal district court within 60 days. If you are still not approved for SSDI, you can take your case to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. 

Hiring a Lawyer for Social Security Disability Appeal

As you can see, the appeals process requires legal expertise. Hiring a lawyer for a social security disability appeal will significantly increase your chances of being approved and take much of the pressure off of you. From organizing documents, to appearing in court, to an overarching knowledge and expertise in disability law, a disability attorney is going to be by your side throughout the process, giving you peace of mind and a much higher chance of successfully appealing.

Call The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill

The disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill are very experienced in the SSDI application and appeal process. We understand that this is a complicated process and can be intimidating for some people. We offer assistance at every step of the process. We can help you gather documentation, organize your appeal, and prepare you for any hearings. If you have been denied, don’t hesitate to schedule a free evaluation today to see how we can help.

Many of us have had discomfort or tingling in our hands and wrists, maybe as a result of spending too much time on our smartphones, typing on computers or working with tools. In other situations, this tingling and discomfort are caused by a disease known as carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome may result in a variety of symptoms. It may even impair your ability to do fundamental tasks such as typing, gripping a pen or pencil, or lifting and carrying items. If your carpal tunnel syndrome is severe enough that you are unable to work, you may be asking, can you get disability for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 

What Is Carpal Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel is inflammation of the median nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel, a tiny canal enclosed by bones and ligaments. Carpal tunnel syndrome produces numbness, tingling, and arm weakness. A person with CTS may also lose strength in their hands and drop items. Causes of CTS include health issues, repetitive hand movements, and wrist structure.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve is squeezed. Thanks to the median nerve, you can feel your thumb and fingers (other than the little finger). It also tells muscles surrounding your thumb’s base to move.

Obtaining Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Disability Benefits

To be eligible for Social Security Disability payments, you must demonstrate that you fulfill the requirements in one of the agency’s impairment listings (from the “blue book”), that your symptoms are substantial “equivalent” to the criteria in one of the impairment listings, or that you are unable to work any job due to your restrictions.

Unfortunately, Social Security claims examiners seldom conclude that the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome alone are severe enough to warrant disability. However, many disability applicants have been successful in obtaining disability payments on appeal by using one of the strategies listed below.

Meeting or equaling the requirements of an Impairment Listing

Carpal tunnel syndrome is not listed as a disability, but if there is nerve damage, your disease may be classified as peripheral neuropathy. However, the listing standards for peripheral neuropathy are very tough to achieve, much more so for someone who has carpal tunnel syndrome. When the carpal tunnel ligaments lead you to lose functional use of your wrists and hands, your condition may be classified as a soft tissue injury.

Alternatively, carpal tunnel syndrome may be a symptom of another condition that is listed as an impairment. Among the mentioned impairments that may cause or contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome are the following:

  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Scleroderma
  • Renal failure

Medical Proof

Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome might be difficult. Numerous test findings may increase the likelihood of a diagnosis of CTS. CTS is diagnosed by demonstrating three components: common symptoms, specific physical evidence, and aberrant electrodiagnostic test results, such as electromyography. 

While a diagnosis of CTS is beneficial, it is not sufficient to establish disability. You must establish your inability to work. Grip strength and dexterity tests may be used to demonstrate a decline in your ability to utilize your hands and fingers efficiently.

Inability to Work Due to Physical Impairments

If your carpal tunnel syndrome is severe enough, you may be eligible for disability payments if you demonstrate an inability to work. Social Security uses the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) evaluation to determine your physical and mental capacity to do a job.

Carpal tunnel syndrome primarily impairs your physical skills, but the discomfort associated with it may impair your mental skills as well, such as your ability to focus.

Physical exertion and constraints

Social Security will evaluate your capacity to work depending on the degree of physical effort you are capable of doing. Social Security considers your capacity to lift, carry, and hold objects, as well as to conduct delicate manipulation with your fingers when determining your physical ability with your arms.

For those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, difficulty with fine motor skills encompasses all tasks that require the use of one’s fingers. This makes performing a job that requires these skills nearly impossible. Additionally, weakness in your hands may make grasping and carrying things difficult, preventing you from doing tasks that need you to use handheld tools or pick up items with your hands.

Allowance for medical-vocational

Social Security recognizes that the loss of fine motor skills may severely limit the types of jobs available to persons who can only do sedentary or light labor. If your carpal tunnel syndrome is severe enough that your ability to use your hands is severely restricted, and Social Security believes your diagnosis of CTS and functional restrictions are believable, the agency may agree that you are unable to do any tasks that require “less than sedentary” employment. As a consequence, you may be eligible for benefits via a medical-vocational allowance.

Can You Get Disability For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome By Hiring An Attorney?

While the ailment is often manageable, it may develop serious enough that a person is unable to work due to discomfort and limits in their ability to use their hand and arm. If your CTS prevents you from working, you may be eligible for compensation.

At The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill, we are committed to assisting those with disabilities who are unable to work. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and answer the question, can YOU get disability for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! We will assist you in gathering documents and assembling a compelling application for benefits, as well as advocating for you throughout the process!

According to the Internet Stroke Center, approximately 795,000 people in the United States experience a stroke each year. According to the CDC, 34% of stroke victims are younger than 65 years of age. If you’ve had a stroke before the age of retirement and are unable to work, you may be facing the difficulty of figuring out how to make ends meet. Does a stroke qualify for disability? The Social Security Administration (SSA) disability insurance programs, either one or both, may provide the solution you’re looking for. Disability benefits may be available if your stroke led to the development of additional medical conditions and/or a limitation in your ability to work, and the experts at KKB Law can help you apply for disability benefits.

When A Stroke May Cause Disability

A stroke can be caused by either a brain hemorrhage (hemorrhagic stroke) or a blocked blood vessel (ischemic stroke), both of which result in decreased blood supply to the brain and can cause damage. Speech, walking, and vision problems can all be various impacts of a stroke. Stroke patients commonly have muscular weakness, generally on one side of the body, as well as numbness and sensory loss. For some, the damage is temporary; for others, it is permanent. For some stroke sufferers, the lingering symptoms of the stroke make it impossible to return to work. In these cases, a stroke may qualify for disability benefits. 

Financial Impact of a Stroke

According to the CDC, “stroke-related costs in the United States came to nearly $46 billion between 2014 and 2015.” Medical treatments, health care services, prescription drugs and missed work hours for all impacted adults each year all go into this total. Diagnostic and early treatment costs, as well as long-term or permanent deficiencies, are all things to consider when it comes to your direct personal costs. Initial diagnosis and treatment expenses are influenced by the kind of stroke. In many cases, patients are simultaneously suffering from a variety of other ailments, such as heart disease, diabetes, or a traumatic brain injury.

Main Qualifying Factors for a Stroke

Similar to other types of disabling conditions, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income. SSDI may be available to you if you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for five of the previous 10 years. If you are under the age of 31, you may not be required to have worked for as long. The SSA will use a five-step process to determine eligibility, including asking questions like:

  • Are you currently working?
  • Is your condition severe?
  • Is your condition included in the Blue Book list of disabling conditions?
  • Can you do the work you did previously?
  • Can you do a different type of work?

Many people want to know “does a stroke qualify for disability” and there are three basic ways people qualify:

  • You meet or equal disability listing 11.04, Vascular insult to the brain
  • You meet another disability listing
  • You are not able to perform your past work or any other work based on your physical and mental limitations

Let The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill Help You Apply for Disability Benefits

Having a disability attorney by your side during the application process for Social Security disability benefits can increase your chances of being awarded benefits by ensuring that all deadlines are met, accurately and favorably completing the complex paperwork, and providing representation at a hearing. Reach out to one of our qualified disability attorneys today.