I frequently talk with prospective clients who are thinking about applying for Social Security disability but are still working (and earning more than the 2023 SGA amount of $1,470 per month, gross pay).
These prospective clients sometimes want to discuss the likelihood of success for a disability claim, should they stop working and apply for
NOSSCR has developed what it calls a “Hearing Format Election Statement,” which is an excellent one-page, fillable form that contains all four types of hearing modalities (in-person, VTC, telephone, and online video) and allows for a simple way to notify the hearing office of how the claimant wants to appear at their hearing.
Using NOSSCR’s
The “waterfall” chart shows what percentage of disability claims were allowed and denied nationwide at each level of review. Social Security publishes this chart each year.
I had a hearing for a client who has been unable to work due to the symptoms of long-haul COVID, sometimes also referred to a postviral fatigue syndrome (PVFS).
My main challenge as a Representative has been to make sure Social Security recognizes that long-haul COVID cases are not like other cases. An appropriate RFC
There is a great explainer in the Washington Post called Spoon theory: What it is and how I use it to manage chronic illness. The article, written by journalist Fortesa Latifi and illustrated by Lara Antal, has terrific graphic novel-style illustrations, including the one shown above. It conveys how those suffering with chronic
As dedicated readers know, at Step 5 of the disability sequential evaluation, Social Security uses the Medical-Vocational Guidliness to determine disability. The guidelines, or “grids,” direct a finding of “disabled” or “not disabled” based upon a person’s age, physical RFC, education and past work/transferable skills.
If the medical-vocational guidlines direct a result of “disabled,”
The Washington Post has an excellent article this week by reporter Lisa Rein, entitled “Social Security denies disability benefits based on list with jobs from 1977.” You should read the article in its entirety.
The Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), published by the U.S. Department of Labor, is used by Social Security as
Social Security has comprehensibly redesigned its website.
Some of the changes are discussed in a post on the Social Security blog.
I noticed that SSA revamped the online appeal page, making it much easier to understand and use.
I recently wrote about the DDS backlogs in my geographical area of practice.
Today the Washington Post has elevated the issue to national news:
Social Security offices critical to disability benefits hit breaking point
12/07/2022 Update: Congress has taken notice.
Effective today, December 1, 2022, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (“FRCP”) have been amended to include Supplemental Rules for Social Security Civil Actions under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
According to NOSSCR’s email to its members, highlights of the new rules include:
Pleading Requirements for the Complaint
Under the new FRCP Rule 2, a complaint