How Severe Does Your Arthritis Need to Be to Qualify for SSD in Pensacola?

Social Security Disability is a federal program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. Arthritis, if severe enough, can be considered a disabling condition, making you eligible for SSD benefits. Consult with an experienced Pensacola disability lawyer to learn more about the process and take the necessary steps to get your application accepted and approved.

Types of Arthritis That Qualify for Disability in Florida 

The following types of arthritis are usually considered for disability:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Psoriatic Arthritis
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
  • Gout
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Note that meeting a specific diagnosis alone may not guarantee eligibility for SSD. The severity of the arthritis and its impact on your ability to work are vital factors in the SSA’s evaluation. Comprehensive medical documentation, including records of treatments, symptoms, and their effects on daily activities, is essential when applying for disability benefits due to arthritis.

Meeting Medical Criteria for Arthritis and Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates the impact of arthritis on an individual’s ability to perform essential physical tasks required for employment. These tasks include sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, and utilizing fine motor skills.

Based on the limitations in these activities, you may be classified as capable of heavy, medium, light, or sedentary work. Even those close to retirement age may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if they lack the qualifications for sedentary work as outlined in the Blue Book.

The best arthritis hospitals in Pensacola include the Baptist Hospital, Sacred Heart Hospital, and West Florida Hospital. To qualify for benefits, individuals with arthritis should exhibit symptoms such as swelling, pain, and restricted joint movement.

Blue Book’s criteria under Inflammatory Arthritis entail experiencing:

  • Persistent inflammation or deformity of weight-bearing joints
  • Inflammation or deformity involving multiple body systems or organs
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Repeated manifestations of inflammatory arthritis

Qualifying for SSD with Arthritis in Pensacola

To qualify for SSD benefits due to arthritis, the severity of the condition needs to meet the criteria outlined by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These are a few key factors to consider:

  • Medical Evidence: The SSA requires comprehensive medical evidence documenting the severity of your arthritis. This includes medical records, imaging studies, and reports from treating physicians.
  • Inability to Work: Arthritis should render you unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). This means that your arthritis symptoms prevent you from performing work that earns a certain income threshold. In 2024, you will be considered gainfully employed if your monthly earnings are at least $1,550 per month.
  • Duration of Disability: Your arthritis must be expected to last for at least 12 continuous months or result in death. This duration requirement ensures that only long-term and severe cases qualify for SSD benefits.
  • Listed Impairments: The SSA maintains a listing of impairments, known as the Blue Book, which includes criteria for various disabling conditions, including arthritis. Meeting the specific criteria outlined in the Blue Book can strengthen your SSD claim.
  • Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): The SSA will assess your residual functional capacity, which is your ability to perform work-related activities despite your arthritis. A lower RFC may increase your chances of qualifying for SSD.

Types of Benefits You Can Qualify for Arthritis

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits

  • Disability Benefits: The primary benefit is financial assistance for individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability.
  • Dependent Benefits: Certain family members, such as spouses and dependent children, may be eligible for dependent benefits based on your SSDI eligibility.
  • Medicare: After a waiting period of 24 months from the onset of your disability, SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare, providing health insurance coverage.
  • Return to Work Incentives: SSDI includes various work incentives and support programs to encourage individuals to return to work or engage in vocational rehabilitation.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits

  • Income Assistance: SSI provides financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources. It’s a needs-based program.
  • Disability Benefits: SSI includes disability benefits for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Medicaid: SSI recipients are typically eligible for Medicaid, which provides health coverage for low-income individuals.

Additional Considerations

  • Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Both SSDI and SSI recipients may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services to help them return to work or adjust to new employment opportunities.
  • Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): Both SSDI and SSI benefits may be subject to annual cost-of-living adjustments to account for inflation.

Working with a Pensacola SSD Attorney Can Maximize Your Chances 

A disability attorney is familiar with the complex SSD application process. They can guide you through the requirements, deadlines, and necessary documentation. They can also provide insights into the strength of your claim. An important aspect of a successful SSD claim is presenting compelling evidence of your disability. Your lawyer can help gather medical records, reports, and other documentation to strengthen your case.

Attorneys specializing in disability law are knowledgeable about the specific rules and regulations governing benefits, including qualifying factors. Their experience can be invaluable in ensuring your application is thorough and complies with the requirements. If your initial application is denied, a disability attorney can represent you during the appeals process. They can prepare a strong case for reconsideration or present your case before an Administrative Law Judge.

Protect Your Right to Disability Benefits with Our Seasoned SSD Attorneys

The dedicated Pensacola disability attorneys at Baker & Baker PLLC can ensure your rights are upheld and your claim is positioned for success. With a collective experience of decades in disability law, our lawyers have successfully represented numerous clients in obtaining the benefits they deserve. We take pride in our proven track record and commitment to client success. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 850-433-0888 or fill out this online contact form.

How Do I Pay My Bills While Waiting for a Decision on Social Security Disability?

The path to obtaining Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits in Pensacola, FL can be challenging and often comes with a waiting period, which can be a financially stressful period. With that said, you can tackle this waiting period with greater ease by proactively managing your finances, exploring alternative income sources, and acquiring support. Remember, professional assistance from an experienced SSD attorney can not only streamline the application process but also provide valuable insights into the financial resources available to you.

Tips to Sustain Financial Stability While Awaiting the SSA Decision in Florida

These are a few practical strategies to help you maintain financial stability while waiting for a decision on your Social Security Disability claim in Pensacola:

Understand the Waiting Period

You need to acknowledge that the process of obtaining Social Security Disability benefits involves a waiting period. You should familiarize yourself with the typical timelines and prepare for potential delays.

Assess Your Financial Situation

You need to take a comprehensive look at your current financial standing. You should identify essential expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, and medical costs.

Emergency Fund Utilization

If you have an emergency fund, consider utilizing it for necessary expenses during the waiting period. This fund is designed precisely for unforeseen circumstances and can provide a financial cushion.

Explore Other Income Sources

You may want to investigate alternative income sources, such as part-time work or gig opportunities in Pensacola that align with your abilities and health condition. Be sure to adhere to Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines regarding work limitations during the application process.

Government Assistance Programs

You should also research local and federal assistance programs that may offer temporary financial relief. Some programs provide support for housing, utilities, and food, helping you cover essential costs.

Maintain Health Insurance

You need to make sure that you don’t allow your health insurance coverage to lapse. Medical expenses can be significant, and having insurance is essential for managing healthcare costs.

Beware of Income Limits That May Render You Unqualified

Exceeding income limits may affect your SSDI and SSI qualifications:

  • SSDI Income Limits: For SSDI, there is no strict income limit. But there are substantial gainful activity (SGA) thresholds. In 2023, the monthly SGA limit is $1,470 for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for blind individuals.
  • SSI Income Limits: SSI has both income and resource limits. As of 2023, the income limit is $914 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples. This includes earned and unearned income.
  • Countable Income: Countable income includes wages, Social Security benefits, and other forms of financial support. Unearned income, such as pensions or rental income, is also considered.
  • Excluded Income: Some forms of income are excluded when determining eligibility. This can include the first $20 of most income received, food assistance, and certain housing assistance.
  • Work Incentives for SSDI: SSDI provides work incentives, allowing individuals in Pensacola to test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits. The Trial Work Period (TWP) allows for a trial period of nine months where earnings can exceed the SGA limit without affecting eligibility.

You should get legal advice and guidance from a qualified disability attorney to attain clarity and make informed decisions.

Other Ways to Get Food and Housing Assistance in Florida 

Food Assistance:

  • Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF): DCF administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), providing eligible individuals and families with financial assistance to purchase food.
  • Manna Food Pantries: Manna Food Pantries is a local organization that provides food assistance to individuals and families in need. They operate multiple distribution sites in the Pensacola area.
  • Feeding the Gulf Coast: This organization serves the Gulf Coast region, including Pensacola, and works to combat hunger by providing food to various community agencies.

Housing Assistance:

  • Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC): FHFC offers various programs to assist with affordable housing, including rental assistance and affordable homeownership programs.
  • 2-1-1 Helpline: Dialing 2-1-1 connects you to a helpline that can provide information and referrals for housing assistance and other essential services in your community.
  • Community Action Program Committee, Inc. (CAPC): CAPC provides various services, including housing assistance, to low-income individuals and families in Escambia County.
  • Pensacola Habitat for Humanity: Pensacola Habitat for Humanity focuses on providing affordable housing solutions for local residents. They may offer assistance or information related to housing.

How Our Attorneys Can Help You Get Qualified for SSD

Our SSDI attorneys in Pensacola will work closely with medical providers to obtain and present compelling medical evidence that supports your disability claim. This may involve obtaining statements from your healthcare professionals or acquiring expert testimony when needed.

Our lawyers will carefully evaluate your eligibility for SSD benefits based on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria. We will assess factors such as the severity of your medical condition and its impact on your ability to work. Our attorneys will assist you in collecting medical records, work history, and any other relevant documents to strengthen your case.

The SSD application involves complex forms that require accurate and detailed information. We can help you complete these forms, ensuring that all relevant details are provided to enhance the likelihood of approval. If your initial application is denied, our attorneys can provide comprehensive representation during the appeals process. This includes preparing and presenting your case at hearings, submitting additional evidence, and advocating for your rights.

Get a Competent and Compassionate Disability Attorney on Your Side

The experienced Pensacola disability attorneys at Baker & Baker PLLC can provide you with vigorous legal representation, conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, and analyze medical records, work history, and any other pertinent evidence to have your disability approved as soon as possible. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (850) 433-0888 or fill out this online contact form.

 

How The SSA Blue Book is Used to Evaluate Impairments

The SSA Blue Book is a vital resource for assessing impairments and determining eligibility for disability benefits. It provides a structured framework that ensures consistent and fair evaluations of medical conditions. To increase the chances of a successful disability claim, you should work closely with a seasoned Pensacola, FL disability attorney who understands the complexities of the SSA’s evaluation process.

What is the SSA Blue Book?

The SSA Blue Book, officially titled the “Disability Evaluation Under Social Security,” is a comprehensive manual used by disability examiners and medical professionals to evaluate impairments. It’s divided into two parts: Part A for adults and Part B for children. Each part contains a list of impairments, also known as listings, categorized by body systems, such as musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, or neurological.

Each impairment in the Blue Book has specific listing criteria that applicants need to meet to be considered disabled under SSA regulations. These criteria often include medical evidence, clinical findings, and functional limitations. To be eligible for benefits, your condition must match or equal the severity of a listed impairment.

Process of Evaluating Disability and Impairments Using SSA Blue Book in Pensacola, FL

Identifying the Relevant Listing

The first step in the evaluation process is to identify the listing or section in the SSA Blue Book that corresponds to your medical condition. The Blue Book is divided into different body systems and categories, each with its own specific listing for impairments.

Matching the Medical Condition

Once the relevant listing is identified, the next step is to determine whether your medical condition matches or equals the severity criteria outlined in the listing. This typically involves a comparison of medical evidence, clinical findings, and test results with the specific requirements detailed in the listing.

Medical Evidence

The SSA requires comprehensive medical evidence to support the applicant’s claim. This evidence includes medical records, clinical assessments, test results, and any imaging studies. Medical evidence should clearly establish the existence and severity of the impairment.

To be considered a qualifying disability, the impairment should be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Temporary or short-term conditions do not meet this duration requirement.

Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)

If an applicant’s condition does not precisely match a Blue Book listing, the SSA assesses their residual functional capacity (RFC). An RFC evaluation examines the physical and mental capabilities, taking into account factors like strength, mobility, cognitive function, and other relevant abilities.

Compassionate Allowances

Some conditions are so severe that they automatically qualify an applicant for disability benefits under the Compassionate Allowances program. These conditions are typically life-threatening or debilitating, and the expedited process ensures faster approval for those who meet these criteria.

Non-Medical Criteria

While medical criteria are a primary focus, the SSA also considers non-medical factors in the evaluation process. These include the applicant’s age, education, work history, and transferable skills. These non-medical elements help the SSA determine an applicant’s ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

Appeal Process

If the initial evaluation results in a denial of benefits, you have the option to appeal the decision. The appeal process may include a hearing before an administrative law judge, where additional evidence and arguments can be presented.

Role of Pensacola, FL Disability Attorneys in Obtaining Benefits

Skilled SSD attorneys can assess whether you meet the eligibility criteria for disability benefits. They can explain the specific requirements, such as the duration and severity of the disability and the work history prerequisites. They can also help you complete the application for disability benefits. Your lawyer will ensure that the application is thorough and accurately reflects your condition and limitations. Any mistakes or omissions in the application can lead to delays or denials, so attention to detail is necessary.

Physicians and specialists play a vital role in evaluating impairments and providing supporting documentation. Proven lawyers have access to these medical professionals. Their experience and clinical assessments contribute significantly to the disability determination process.

Applying for Benefits If Your Condition Is Not Listed in the Blue Book

Applying for disability benefits when your medical condition isn’t specifically listed in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Blue Book can be challenging, but it’s still possible. You should consult with a Pensacola, FL disability attorney who specializes in Social Security disability claims.

The SSA uses a set of “grid rules” to evaluate disability claims for people who don’t meet the specific listings in the Blue Book. These rules consider factors like age, education, work experience, and RFC to determine disability.

Your lawyer will help you get an RFC assessment that evaluates your physical and mental abilities and limitations. You may also want to collect all relevant medical records, clinical notes, test results, and treatment history related to your condition. The more detailed and thorough the evidence, the stronger your claim will be.

You can ask your treating physicians or specialists to provide written statements about your condition and how it affects your ability to work. These statements can carry significant weight in the evaluation process. If your claim is denied initially or after reconsideration, your disability attorney will help you go through the appeals process effectively.

Legal Help is Here from Reputable Disability Attorneys in Pensacola, FL

Quin Baker, SSD lawyer, has a proven track record of successfully representing clients and obtaining the benefits they rightfully deserve. He will help you gather and organize all relevant medical records, treatment history, and other essential documentation. To request a free consultation, call (850) 433-0888 or use our online form. You can also use our free online evaluation form to find out if you qualify for SSD benefits.

 

Should I Be Nervous About My Social Security Disability Hearing?

Your SSDI hearing can be an anxiety-inducing experience. There’s a lot of pressure to say the right things—all while you’re in one of the most intimidating settings possible. You have already invested significant time into applying for SSDI benefits, so there is a lot at stake. Your disability hearing will determine whether or not you get the benefits you need to support your family each month. If nerves are setting in, know that you’re not alone. Everyone who has gone through this process has experienced this, and with the right legal support, you can easily navigate your hearing.

Looking for the right disability attorney to help you apply for benefits? Let’s talk. Call Quin Baker, Social Security Disability Attorney at 850-433-0888 now.

 

What to Expect in Your Social Security Disability Hearing

Your attorney will walk you through what to expect in an SSDI hearing. Knowing what to expect can significantly limit your anxiety about the entire process and even give you a chance to practice. In general, SSDI hearings aren’t held in a standard courtroom—so if you envisioned a large, stately courtroom, you can rest easy knowing that your hearing will likely occur in a conference room or other less formal setting.

Your case will be heard by an Administrative Law Judge. Your attorney will be there with you, and others may also be in the room. Potential attendees include medical experts, vocational experts, and other professionals with insight into your case.

During the hearing, the judge will ask you a variety of questions about your case. They may question you about your employment history, the extent of your disability, and your limitations. If some of the questions confuse you or throw you for a loop, you can ask for a moment to think—there’s no rush. You want to be concise yet thorough in your answers.

 

Common Concerns for Applicants

Applicants report a wide range of concerns and worries as they prepare for their SSDI hearing. Common concerns include:

 

  • Denial:

    Many applicants are obviously concerned about having their application denied. You’ve put months or even years into this process, and the thought of leaving with nothing is very disappointing. However, it’s helpful to remember that the judge isn’t looking for reasons to deny you. They aren’t starting off prejudiced against you—they are starting from a neutral point and looking for the truth.

  • Trick questions:

    Everyone’s heard about “trick questions” posed in SSDI hearings. Try not to lose too much sleep over these. When you work with an SSDI attorney in Pensacola, they’ll prepare you for the questions the judge is likely to ask and ensure that you feel confident heading into your hearing.

  • Judgment from others:

    It’s common to worry about being judged by others, especially if your disability isn’t immediately visible or obvious. Know that the judge and everyone else in the room has seen a wide range of disabilities and limitations. They aren’t there to make you feel bad or assume the worst about you.

  • Medical evidence:

    Talking about your medical evidence and documentation can be challenging, particularly if you have limited knowledge of healthcare and the medical field in general. Use your time with your attorney to prepare for these questions.

  • Not knowing what to say under pressure:

    Many people freeze under pressure and say too much or too little. The judge knows that a hearing is a stressful environment and they don’t expect you to answer everything perfectly.

 

How to Prepare for Your Disability Hearing

A big part of your attorney’s job is helping you get ready for your disability hearing. During preparation, you’ll learn how to discuss your medical records, what to focus on during your hearing, and how to answer a variety of questions. You may get to do a mock trial where you answer questions and get a feel for the entire process. Your lawyer will help you know how to dress for your hearing, what evidence or information to bring, and how to make a good first impression.

 

Get Ready for Your SSDI Hearing with Quin Baker, SSD Lawyer

The earlier you begin working with our team, the more assistance we can provide throughout this entire process. Let’s talk about your next steps now. Contact us online or call us at 850-433-0888 to get started.

The Role of a Vocational Expert in Social Security Disability Cases

Social Security disability cases are incredibly complex, and the SSA goes to great lengths to evaluate an individual’s ability to work and the extent of their disability. They know that they alone cannot fully determine an individual’s capacity for work, which is why they often bring in experts to help with this task. A vocational expert is one individual that may play a role in your disability case.

Wondering how an attorney could help you fight for disability benefits in Pensacola? Let’s talk about your options. Call Quin Baker at 850-433-0888 to schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.

What is a Vocational Expert?

Vocational experts are trained professionals who have extensive experience in evaluating an individual’s ability to work. When making their assessments, they consider the person’s physical and mental limitations, the type of work they have done before, and the variety of ways in which their work skills may or may not transfer to other fields. They generally have degrees in vocational psychology, rehabilitation counseling, or similar fields.

In addition, they must have specialized training to provide services for the SSA. During their work, they often work alongside administrative law judges. Despite providing services to the SSA, they are expected to be neutral and objective.

 

How Vocational Experts Assess Disability

When a vocational expert is assigned to your case, they may assess disability in many different ways. They look at your work capacity by learning more about your physical and mental abilities—as well as the limitations caused by your disability. This information allows them to determine whether or not you are capable of engaging in substantial gainful activity. They may explore different jobs that an applicant could do with their current limitations. This involves looking at an applicant’s transferable skills and whether or not those skills could be applied to less demanding industries.

 

What a Vocational Expert Does During a Hearing

During a Social Security disability hearing, the vocational expert may provide expert testimony and answer questions during cross-examination. The testimony they provide is based on the medical records they’ve reviewed and other information provided by the applicant. During cross-examination, they answer questions posed by the applicant’s attorney.

This is one reason you need to work with a disability attorney; they understand what vocational experts do and how best to use their cross-examination time. If the vocational expert indicates that an applicant is capable of doing work and the attorney disagrees, they can use their cross-examination time to point out inconsistencies or flaws in the expert’s reasoning.

 

How Their Testimony May Affect Your Case

The words of a vocational expert carry great weight with administrative law judges and the SSA as a whole, so their testimony can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. If they have fully reviewed your documentation and believe that you are too disabled to engage in substantial gainful activity in any field, that could help your case. They may find that there are no suitable jobs that use your skills and align with your physical and mental limitations. This could help your case in the eyes of the judge.

The vocational expert’s testimony and answers may also clarify important issues relating to your case. Remember, the SSA cannot be an expert in everything—they rely on the vocational expert to explain the nuances of your limitations and your work abilities.

While a vocational expert’s words could help your case, they could also hurt your case. If they review your case file and think that you are capable of working in your old field or a related one, they will tell the judge that. Their words will likely influence the judge’s final decision. When this happens, it’s crucial that you have an attorney who is capable of countering their words.

 

Applying for Disability Benefits? Choose Quin Baker, SSD Lawyer

No matter where you are in the disability application process, Quin Baker is here to help you fight for the benefits you need to survive. We’re ready to learn more about your disability and find out how we can help you. Call us at 850-433-0888 or connect with us online to begin your case.

How Can Social Security Disability Benefits Be Affected by Changes in Living Arrangements?

When you finally get approved for SSDI or SSI benefits, it’s a massive relief—you’re able to cover your basic expenses and financial obligations. Anything that may threaten those benefits can be a significant source of stress for recipients, which is why it’s so important to know how your living arrangements could impact your disability benefits. At Quin Baker, SSD Lawyer, we help disability applicants and recipients in the Pensacola area get—and keep—the benefits they deserve. Learn more about how we can help you now by calling us at 850-433-0888.

 

Living Arrangements and SSDI

First, it’s important to know what specific benefits you receive and the various factors that affect them. SSDI and SSI are both referred to as “disability benefits” by many, but they are entirely separate programs that are different in many key ways. If you receive SSDI benefits, your application went through the Social Security disability insurance program run by the SSA.

The benefits you receive from this program are based entirely on two things: your work history and your disability. You must have an extensive enough work history to qualify, and on top of that, your average earnings throughout your career determine how much money you receive. Your disability must be severe enough in the SSA’s eyes for you to receive benefits.

You’ll notice that your living arrangements are not listed as a factor—that’s because they don’t matter. Your financial need does not influence your SSDI decision, so your living arrangements are not a factor in whether or not you receive benefits or how much you receive.

 

SSI and Your Living Arrangements

However, living arrangements do play a significant role in your SSI benefits. SSI, which stands for Supplemental Security Income, is need-based. Applicants who have too much in assets or who earn too much money may have their benefits denied or decreased. Those who currently receive benefits may have them cut off or decreased if they start bringing in an income or have a significant change in their living situation.

The SSA directly states that your benefits may vary depending on where you live. Those who live alone and pay their own way can receive the full amount of benefits. However, the following living arrangements could lead to a decrease in or elimination of your monthly payments:

 

  • Live in someone else’s home and pay below market rate for food and housing.
  • Live alone and have someone else who pays for all or part of your necessary monthly expenses.
  • Live in a hospital or nursing home and have Medicaid pay at least half of the total cost of your care.
  • Are a minor child living in a hospital or nursing home, and Medicaid or private insurance pays for at least half of your care.
  • Live in a public or private treatment center and have at least half of the cost of your care covered by Medicaid.

 

Note that there is an exception to that last bullet point. If you will live in a medical institution for 90 days or fewer, you could still be entitled to full benefits. You’ll need to discuss the details of your situation with your disability attorney or case manager.

“In-kind support” is a major factor in these calculations. If people give you money directly, that counts against you when it comes to your SSI benefits. Even if they cover your expenses in full or in part, your benefits could be affected. In-kind support is essentially anything that pays for some of your necessary living expenses and has monetary value. So, if someone covers the entirety of your rent, those payments are considered in-kind support and must be calculated into your SSI benefits.

 

How to Navigate Changes in Your Benefits

On its own, this is a lot to take in. Unfortunately, it gets even more complicated. While in-kind support and maintenance do decrease your benefits, that doesn’t mean that everything you receive counts against your benefits. That’s why it’s crucial to discuss any upcoming changes in your life with your disability attorney to find out if those changes will affect your benefits in any way.

 

Get Help with Your Claim by Contacting Quin Baker, SSD Lawyer

Whether you’re concerned about your living arrangements affecting your current benefits or your pending application, we’re here to guide you through this complicated process. Call our team at 850-433-0888 or reach out online to schedule a consultation right away.

Medical Records Needed When Applying for SSD Benefits

Navigating the maze of SSD benefits is stressful, time-consuming, and often fruitless. Your medical records are a key part of tapping into the benefits you are entitled to, but if you don’t know which medical records you need, you could be left submitting random documents until you find the right combination. That’s one of the reasons to reach out to the team at Quin Baker, SSD Lawyer. We know what it takes to get your SSD benefits in Pensacola, and we’ll help you with your application or appeal. Call us at 850-433-0888 to set up a consultation now.

The Importance of Medical Records

Medical records play a pivotal role in getting an SSD application approved. When the SSA looks at an SSD application, they begin with the assumption that the applicant is not disabled. Through your medical records, your job is to prove that you are disabled and that your disability is significant enough to keep you from working.

Adjudicators lean heavily on your documentation to get a full and accurate picture of your disability. Thorough medical records should prove your disability, the extent of the disability, and the myriad ways the disability affects your life. If your records are incomplete, from a specialist that has nothing to do with your disability, out-of-date, or otherwise unreliable, your application may be denied.

Essential Medical Documents

Medical records vary quite a bit, so the specific documents you’ll need will depend on the type of disability you have and what type of treatments you’ve gone through. However, you’ll likely want to go over everything you’ve ever undergone for your disability. This will include diagnostic tests, including those that were used to rule out other diagnoses. You should also submit documentation of lab results used to prove your diagnosis or rule out other health issues.

Your treatment plans and results will play a big role in your SSD decision, as the SSD is unlikely to approve a claim for someone who has not tried all of the approved treatment methods for their disability. For that reason, you should provide documentation of treatments you have tried and that have failed. If your health has worsened gradually since your disability, don’t forget to provide proof of that in your documentation. In addition to all of this documentation, you can provide notes directly from your care providers.

Supporting Documentation

Supporting documentation is not enough to prove your disability on its own. However, it can build on what you have already proven in your medical records. You may want to supply work-related documentation showing how your disability has affected your career. An official job description can be useful, especially if it includes elements of your job that you can no longer do as a result of your disability. You may also want to send in employment records showing how many days you have missed, how many days you had to leave early, and times that you were unable to perform a required element of your job.

Completeness and Accuracy

Perhaps the most important thing to remember as you build your SSD case is that you want to be both complete and accurate in your documentation. The adjudicator assigned to your file knows nothing of your disability, your work history, or your struggles. This is your chance to show exactly what your life is like and what your disability means for your career. Leaving out important information or accidentally including inaccurate information could significantly weaken your application.

This is one reason we recommend working with a disability attorney in Pensacola. SSD attorneys have been through this process enough times to know what the adjudicator is looking for and what can strengthen your application. This takes a lot of guesswork out of the entire application process.

Choose Quin Baker, SSD Lawyer for Help with Your Claim

Having an experienced and compassionate SSD attorney on your side can make this entire process as stress-free as possible. We’re committed to helping applicants like you get the disability benefits they are entitled to. Find out how we can help you now—call us at 850-433-0888 now or send us a message online.

Can Individuals with Schizophrenia Qualify for SSD?

When people think about disability benefits, they tend to think about diagnoses that cause physical limitations. However, mental health issues can just as easily derail your career and leave you unable to work. Schizophrenia, which presents in a variety of ways for different people, has a profoundly negative impact on many people’s careers.

If you’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia and can no longer work, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. To learn more about the SSA’s requirements, and to talk more about your application, call Quin Baker, SSD Lawyer at 850-433-0888.

Schizophrenia Can Affect Your Ability to Work

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder. It’s not as common as mood disorders like generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, affecting less than 1% of American adults. People with schizophrenia often suffer from disorganized speech and thought, hallucinations, delusions, and lack of motivation.

It’s clear how disorganized speech, difficulty thinking clearly, and hallucinations could affect you at work. While medication can help individuals limit or even eliminate these symptoms, it is often a trial-and-error approach that requires the individual to suffer through symptoms for weeks or months while testing different medications. Even then, some people simply do not respond to medication or always present symptoms at some level.

While some employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for those with schizophrenia and other disabilities, they are not required to do so if it creates unreasonable hardships for the business.

SSDI may be a viable option for people with severe schizophrenia, with extensive medical documentation of their condition, and a work history that provides the required work credits for SSDI benefits.

The Listing of Impairments

Schizophrenia is listed in the SSA Listing of Impairments, more commonly known as the Blue Book. Heading 12.03 deals with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. You must have one of the following qualifications:

  • Delusions and hallucinations
  • Disorganized thinking and speech
  • Catatonia or grossly disorganized behavior

You must also meet the qualifications of one of the following two lists. On the first list, you must have an extreme limitation of one of these areas or a marked limitation of two of these areas:

  • Ability to remember, understand, and apply information
  • Interact with other people
  • Ability to concentrate, persist in a task, or maintain pace
  • Adapt and manage one’s behavior and person

If you do not qualify via that list and qualify via the following list, your condition must be serious and persistent. This means that it must have been diagnosed for at least two years and you must have evidence of both:

  • Medical treatment, therapy, psychosocial support, or a very structured setting that manages the condition
  • Minimal adjustment or ability to adapt to changes in life

Proving the Extent of Your Impairment

If you meet the qualifications in the Blue Book, you can receive SSDI benefits. However, there is obviously some wiggle room in the listings. What is an extreme limitation in remembering, understanding, and applying information?

What you consider an extreme limitation may only be considered a marked limitation by the SSA employee who looks at your file. As a result, you want to go above and beyond when it comes to providing evidence for your schizophrenia diagnosis.

This is where a disability attorney can be extremely helpful. The team at Quin Baker, SSD Lawyer understands the in-depth evidence that the SSA looks for when making their decisions, and our goal is to streamline the application process for you and help you provide the right documentation the first time.

Unfortunately, proving a mental health diagnosis is debilitating enough to prevent you from working can be an uphill battle. When providing documentation and records, focus heavily on evidence of symptoms that make it impossible for you to work or maintain consistent employment. This may involve getting documentation and records from a range of care providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists.

Reach Out to Quin Baker, SSD Lawyer for the Support You Need

Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition that is likely to change your life forever. We’re here to help you pursue the SSDI benefits you have paid into throughout the course of your career. To find out how we can help you—just call us at 850-433-0888 or reach out online to set up a time to meet with our team of SSDI attorneys.

Getting Social Security Disability for Bone Fractures

If you’ve suffered a severe bone break as the result of an accident, work injury, or another incident, you may be expecting an easy recovery. What happens if you don’t recover quickly and instead find yourself unable to work months or years after the accident? If you are injured severely enough to be unable to work, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. To learn more about what it takes to get approved, and to discuss your case with our team, call Baker & Baker at 850-433-0888 now.

Types of Bone Fractures

There are numerous types of bone fractures, and the type of break you experience may determine your prognosis and whether or not you are able to return to work. While there are a wide range of different fracture types, most can be categorized into either displaced or non-displaced and open or closed.

A displaced bone is one that has broken completely through, which means that the bone pieces may not be able to be placed correctly for a complete recovery. Non-displaced fractures involve bones that have only partially broken, so the bone pieces remain in alignment.

An open fracture is one where the broken bone pierces through the skin, significantly increasing the risk of infection and complicating the healing process. Closed fractures involve bones that do not break through the skin.

Complications That Could Cause Permanent Damage

A broken bone could lead to serious complications that impact your ability to work permanently or long-term. If surgery to set a break goes poorly, a patient could experience unexpected damage to the affected bone, nearby organs, or joints. Surgery also carries the risk of hypovolemic shock, which occurs when a patient experiences severe blood loss as a result of a burst blood vessel. The path to recovery can be long and difficult.

There’s also the possibility of the bone not setting properly. If the bone fuses but heals improperly, this could permanently impact an individual’s ability to use the affected body part. Other long-term concerns include bone death, muscle atrophy, and bone infection.

When You Qualify for SSD Benefits

In order to receive SSDI benefits, you must first qualify via your work history and your disability. Most applicants need 40 work credits in order to begin receiving benefits. You can check your credit status via your “my Social Security” account.

You may qualify if your broken bone or any injuries resulting from it are severe enough to keep you out of the workforce for at least one year. However, note that the Social Security Administration has extremely high standards in this area. You can’t simply say that your injuries keep you from working, provide an overview of your medical records, and expect to be approved. Most applicants are denied when they first apply, and they must either appeal the initial decision or reapply.

Two Ways to Qualify

There are two ways you can qualify for disability benefits. First, you can meet the listing requirements of the SSA Listing of Impairments. There are two listings: a non-healing or complex fracture of the femur, tibia, pelvis, or one or more of the talocrural bones; and a non-healing or complex fracture of an upper extremity.

These both require proof of a nonunion fracture that is not clinically solid. If you have a lower body bone fracture, you’ll also need a documented medical need for a mobility device, such as a walker, bilateral crutches, or wheelchair. If you have an upper extremity fracture, you must have medical documentation of an inability to engage in work-related activities that require gross and fine motor movements.

If you do not meet the requirements under the appropriate diagnosis, you can also get your RFC (residual functional capacity) assessed. This looks at your impairments and at your ability to engage in various types of work tasks.

Reach Out to Baker & Baker Now

The team at Baker & Baker is here to help you fight for the benefits you deserve. If a disability has put an end to your career, it’s time to find out if SSD benefits are right for you. Set up a consultation now by calling us at 850-433-0888 or sending us a message online

SSD for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, marked by extreme highs and lows in mood, can be very difficult to live with. Maintaining a job while navigating manic episodes and depressive spells is challenging, particularly when therapy and medication are unsuccessful at managing bipolar symptoms.

Since bipolar disorder can profoundly impact every area of your life, many wonder if it qualifies for SSD benefits. There are a lot of factors to consider, and it’s important to talk about the unique aspects of your case with a disability attorney.

At Baker & Baker, we focus on helping SSDI and SSI applicants get the benefits they deserve. Ready to talk about your SSDI application and how we can help? Call us at 850-433-0888 to set up a consultation now.

Bipolar Disorder in the Blue Book

For some, SSDI benefits approval will come from the Blue Book. Although its proper name is the Listing of Impairments, it is far more widely known as the Blue Book. Under heading 12.04 in the Blue Book, you’ll find the qualifications for depressive, bipolar, and related disorders.

Those who wish to qualify for benefits because of bipolar disorder must have at least three of the following:

  • Pressured speech
  • Rapid flow of ideas
  • Exaggerated self-esteem
  • Limited need for sleep
  • Easily distracted
  • Engaging in activities that are likely to cause harm to oneself, without recognizing the risk
  • Enhanced goal-directed activity or physical agitation

In addition to these three, the applicant must have marked limitation of two of the following or extreme limitation of one of the following:

  • Understanding, remembering, or applying information
  • Interacting with other people
  • Concentrating, persisting in a task or continuing at an appropriate pace
  • Managing oneself

If someone is relatively stable, they may still qualify for disability payments if they are stable due to intensive ongoing treatment and a general inability to adjust to changes in their routine or daily life. This indicates that the individual does have a severe enough disability that introducing the demands of work into their life would cause a significant backslide.

Qualifying via RFC

Those who are unable to meet the qualifications of the Blue Book listing may still qualify by undergoing an RFC assessment. Your residual functional capacity assessment looks at your ability to carry out work tasks, both in your field and in other fields. It’s meant to assess your physical and mental limitations so that the SSA can determine if you are able to work in your previous field or another field. If your limitations are such that there’s no real way for you to work, you may then be approved for SSDI benefits.

Documenting Bipolar Disorder

As you work on your application for SSDI benefits, the majority of your time should be spent on documentation of your disability. Remember that you are approaching your application from a different viewpoint than the SSA is. You have an inner view of your struggles and limitations, and you know how deeply your diagnosis impacts your life. The SSA does not have that background knowledge, so it’s up to you to demonstrate it to them.

You’ll want to include all of the medical documentation you have available to you, including assessments from psychiatrists and therapists, reports from other care providers if you’ve ever been injured during a manic episode, and proof of time spent away from work due to your bipolar disorder. If you have ever been hospitalized or involuntarily admitted to a mental health facility during a depressive spell, that’s also useful information to include.

If you have had bipolar disorder for a long time, you have likely spent a lot of time figuring out what does and does not work for you. Documentation of different therapies, including those that were ineffective, can be excellent evidence for the SSA.

Reach Out to Baker & Baker Today

Working with an attorney as you apply for SSDI benefits can help you submit the strongest application you possibly can. Let us guide you through this process. Whether you are just starting your application or you are getting ready to go through the appeal process, we’re ready to advocate for you. Call Baker & Baker at 850-433-0888 or get in touch with us online to set up a consultation.