Multiple Myeloma is a blood cancer that used to be a terminal diagnosis. However in the past 10 years or so, truly amazing advancements have been made in the treatment of this disease. There are new drugs, like Revlimid and Valcade, and autologous stem cell transplants are a treatment option that offers lengthy remissions. I
“The patient is doing well.”
The patient is doing well.
I wish I had a nickel for every time I read that sentence in a progress note for a patient who is applying for disability benefits.
This statement (and similar language) in a patient’s medical records can cause problems in a disability claim, because it is routinely misinterpreted by those
The Binder & Binder bankruptcy
Binder & Binder, a nation-wide firm of advocates for those seeking Social Security disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits, is roughly $40 million in debt and is preparing declare bankruptcy under Chapter 11, according to the Wall Street Journal.
For those of us who represent clients before the Social Security Administration, this is quite
SGA Amount will be $1,090 for 2015
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is the amount of money you can earn through wages and still be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The SGA amount is important for two classes of people:
A person applying for disability benefits must have (or be expected to have) a period of 12 consecutive months with wages below
Moving while a Social Security disability claim is pending
Having a claim for Social Security disability benefits means being out of work (or at the very least, living on a limited income). That often means that a person can no longer afford to live where they were living before, because there is insufficient money to pay the rent or the mortgage.
Some claimants
Post Hearing Argument
At the close of a hearing, sometimes post-hearing argument is needed. Social Security's rules allow for oral and/or written post-hearing argument, upon request. See HALLEX section I-2-6-76.
I prefer to submit a post-hearing brief, rather than make a statement at the close of the hearing. I think a brief has far more impact.
Columbus Day & the 5 Day Rule
Columbus Day is one of those stealth federal holidays that does not get the attention of Memorial Day or Labor Day. It is relevant for those of us practicing Social Security disability law in the Region 1 (the New England states), because we have a 5-day rule for new evidence.
The 5 days excludes weekends
Use of Videoteleconferencing (VTC) at Your Hearing
Social Security recently changed its rules regarding videoteleconferencing (VTC), and is now sending notices regarding VTC at an early stage of the hearing level. The new notice requires a decision within 30 whether or not to object to a video hearing. Previously, the objection to VTC was not made until the time a hearing was
Dedicated to Changing Lives
Welcome! This site is written for Social Security disability claimants, for their legal representatives, and for the network of people involved in the Social Security disability claim process. I hope you find it helpful.
If you would like assistance with your Social Security disability claim, please contact Gordon Gates or complete a Free Claim Review form
Characteristics of a great Administrative Law Judge
I had a hearing recently with a terrific Social Security administrative law judge. The experience got me thinking about the characteristics you want in a judge. Here are a few:
Good listener – the purpose of a Social Security disability hearing is to take testimony from the claimant. You want a judge who is actively