Massachusetts Social Security Disability Lawyers Blog

June 5, 2014

The Social Security Disability System Has Serious Problems

Disabled individuals in the United States face many challenges including unemployment rates higher than the average as well as a medical care system that can be difficult to navigate. Unfortunately, another problem that the disabled face is that there are only limited benefits programs available to provide income. Those who are disabled and who cannot work can qualify for assistance only if they have a long-term disabling condition that will last a year and that meets specific requirements set forth by the Social Security Administration.

The SSA administers two programs that cater to the disabled: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Both are very difficult to qualify for and you will likely need the assistance of a Boston Social Security Disability attorney if you wish to make a benefits claim. The SSD system not only denies more than 50 percent of applicants, but it is also underfunded and faced with myriad additional problems as well. Recently, the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) published an in-depth article pointing out some of the many problems that plague the Social Security system.
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June 2, 2014

Could Your Social Security Office be in Danger of Closing?

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Disabled individuals face challenges in applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, including a high denial rate and long waits for approval. Soon, however, they may be facing a new hurdle: The inability to get in-person help from a local field office. The Social Security Administration may be trying to redesign the way the agency operates so more of its services are provided on the Internet.

Unfortunately, sometimes disabled people may not have access to the Internet or their medical conditions may make it difficult or even impossible for them to navigate the complicated process of applying for benefits online. Without in-person field offices to provide help, these disabled individuals may not even know how to get started. A Boston disability lawyer can help with every step of applying for benefits and hiring a qualified lawyer may become even more essential in the future if field offices are closed.
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May 29, 2014

Tobeler v. Colvin – Competent SSDI Lay Witnesses Can’t be Excluded Without Comment

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

In filing for Social Security Disability Insurance in Boston, many applicants recognize that they are going to have to produce copious amounts of medical documentation, test results and likely testimony from numerous doctors and other professionals.

What few may realize is that equally important could be the testimony provided by so-called “lay witnesses.” These are individuals who aren’t necessarily speaking as professionals, but can attest to your condition, its progression and the impact it has had on your ability to work and attend to every-day functions.

There is no question the court is going to hold a doctor’s expert opinion in high regard. Physicians generally retain a lack of bias, and administrative law judges respect when they put the weight of their education, knowledge and training behind a diagnosis.
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May 26, 2014

SSDI Compassionate Allowance List Expands

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A growing number of those diagnosed with severe debilitating conditions can now seek an expedited approval process for benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance program.

Among the new listed conditions granted approval for the bureaucratic fast-track:

Angiosarcoma
Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor
Chronic Idiopathic Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction
Coffin-Lowry Syndrome
Ethesioneuroblastoma
Gian Axonal Neuropathy
Hoyeaal-Hreidarsson Syndrome
Joubert Syndrome
Lipsarcoma (those with recurrent or metastatic)
Malignant Ectomesenchymoma
Prostate Cancer (Hormone Refractory Disease or with visceral metastases).

The announcement of this expansion is great news for those with these conditions. It means they and their families will be able to secure benefits within a matter of days or weeks, rather than months or years.

However, most would be best served by the aid of an experienced Boston SSDI attorney to help guide them through the process. (Even those with the listed conditions can benefit from having legal representation, as there are still a significant number of claims that are turned down and require additional work.)
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May 22, 2014

Task Force Urges Higher Education for Intellectually Disabled

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Education and career preparation for individuals with disability is positive for our communities as well as individuals and families. According to recent reports, a Massachusetts task force is recommending that students with intellectual disabilities, including autism, be included in higher education. The panel recommends students be able to participate alongside peers, even if they have not passed necessary tests. The task force recommends that the state expand a program that would allow students with intellectual disabilities who are between the ages of 18 and 22 to enroll in college classes.

While working to include these students can be positive, legislators, teachers, and families must keep in mind the long-term financial and security needs. Our Boston SSDI attorneys are disability rights advocates committed to helping individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities successfully recover their necessary benefits. We are committed to raising awareness about disability issues that impact our communities and staying abreast of legal issues throughout the state.
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May 18, 2014

Collecting Disability Benefits After Stroke

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A stroke can happen in seconds and even go unnoticed, but the consequences can be lasting and life-altering. If someone you love has recently suffered a stroke, you may feel overwhelmed, not sure of what steps to take next. Whether your loved one has already been released from the hospital or you are still waiting to find out what impact the stroke has had, it is never too early to consider planning for the future. In the event of a stroke, families can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance to help protect financial security.

Our Boston SSDI attorneys are dedicated to providing effective counsel and advocacy to help families collect the benefits they need and deserve. Here are some facts to remember about filing for disability benefits after a stroke:

Stroke is the leading cause of adult long-term disability. Stroke is a serious medical event and can leave victims severely disabled. Statistics show that 15 to 30 percent of victims will be permanently disabled. Disability can range from paralysis and movement issues to sensory disturbances, inability to speak, memory and cognitive issues, as well as emotional disturbances. The inability to work after a stroke is not uncommon and may last for weeks, months, years, or even permanently.
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May 15, 2014

DeLong v. Comm’r of Social Sec. – Entitlement to SSDI Benefits Must Be “Strongly Established”

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Anyone who thinks that obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is a cakewalk (i.e., numerous political pundits) has obviously never had to endure the process.

Even for those with clear impairment, a benefits awared can take years, and is often complicated by several denials before claimants win final approval.

Our Boston SSDI lawyers mention this not to discourage claimants from filing, but to encourage them to be fully prepared. A big part of that involves making sure the chosen legal firm has a wealth of experience in successfully guiding clients through the process.
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May 13, 2014

The Costs of Denying Benefits to Mentally Ill

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Millions of Americans suffer with mental illnesses, including depression, severe anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other debilitating conditions that can impact the ability to work or manage day to day tasks. In a USA Today special report, investigators show that those with the most severe disabilities are falling through the cracks of the system without the necessary care and financial support.

Mental illness has always been distinguished from physical disabilities and for those who suffer, it can be difficult to garner empathy or support from family, peers, employers, or the government. Our Boston SSDI attorneys understand the struggles faced by individuals who suffer from mental illness and are dedicated to helping them seek support and necessary benefits. We are also abreast of research and trends that impact the lives of Americans with physical and mental disabilities.
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May 9, 2014

Study: Disabled in Massachusetts Suffer More Health Problems

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Individuals who suffer from disability may have difficulty accessing proper nutrition and medical care. In addition to the inherent complications of having a disability, this could make individuals with disability more susceptible to disease and other healthcare problems. According to a recent report, Massachusetts residents with disabilities suffer more health conditions than those without disabilities. The report found both physical and mental health conditions are worse for those in the disabled community because they don’t have access to medical care to suit their needs.

The disabled community has a more difficult time because of physical or mental impairments and in seeking necessary care and benefits. Transportation, employment, healthcare, and other necessities that we take for granted maybe out of reach or simply more complicated to access for those with illness or disability. Our Boston SSDI attorneys understand the hardships faced by individuals in the disability community as well as their loved ones. We are committed to helping the disabled recover necessary benefits. We are also abreast of disability research and are committed to raising awareness to improve health and living conditions for the disabled community.
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May 1, 2014

Prostate Cancer Added to Compassionate Allowances List

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The Compassionate Allowances List streamlines the application process for individuals who suffer from debilitating or life-threatening diseases. The Social Security Administration has recently announced that prostate cancer, a common cancer among males, has been added to the Compassionate Allowances List. Prostate cancer patients and their loved ones should know that applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be completed through an easier and faster process.

A cancer diagnosis can leave any family feeling overwhelmed and unprepared for the future. How will you pay for treatment? How will your family be able to cope without an income? Our Boston Social Security Disability benefits attorneys understand the stresses faced by cancer patients and their families. Our priority is to help you get the benefits you need so that you and your family can focus on recovery. Prostate cancer is a condition that the government recognizes as life-altering and potentially
life-threatening, affording victims the right to streamline the application process.
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