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Client Communication

When attorneys meet clients for social security disability cases, they usually have a lot of questions.  First question usually is, how long does the social security disability process take?

It is important for the social security disability attorney to explain each stage separately and that on average, a client will likely end up at hearing before being approved, if they are ever approved.  This will take over two years.

It is important that clients are aware this is normal and having low income or significant pain or difficulties will not speed their case up.  Getting an attorney in general does not speed the process up, but the proper attorney will make sure appeal deadlines are not missed, that all the medical records are ordered and received, and that the claimant is prepared when the hearing time comes.  This is primarily why it is prudent to hire an attorney.  Clients need to have realistic expectations of this long process.

Another frequently asked question is can I work?  Although attorney can quickly explain SGA limits, which is currently $1,130 before taxes, it is important to go beyond that, and discuss that this is an inquiry to be made with their doctor. Discuss working restrictions from a physical and mental aspect with their doctor beyond just the allowable dollar amount from social security is prudent.  Attorneys know that this is a long process and people need to get by, but these questions need to be discussed with counsel and a doctor to make the most informed decisions.

Client communication is an ethical obligation and an important aspect of effective representation in a social security disability case.  For example, an attorney cannot be effective if the claimant does not give the attorney all of their medical sources and symptoms of their conditions, and a client cannot be helpful if they are not made aware of how the process works and what the social security looks at.  Communication is key to obtaining benefits.

 

By Joshua Tripp

I Received a Complaint Saying My Creditors Are Suing Me, What Do I Do Now?

If you received a lawsuit document indicating the creditor is attempting to sue you, it can be a worrisome situation. When you receive the initial complaint, it indicates a law firm is representing the creditor to further pursue their claim against you.

The first step in the process is for the creditor to serve you with a “Summons and Complaint” document indicating the nature of the lawsuit. In the paperwork, it will set forth the factual allegations and legal complaints against you. They can “serve” the lawsuit on you in one of two ways:

  • by delivering it to you personally or leaving it at your home with a person of suitable age and discretion; or
  • by mail, if you agreed in writing to accept service of the Summons and Complaint by mail and signs a form that indicates your acceptance.

 

If you wish to contest the lawsuit, you need to serve the creditor’s attorney with a form called an “Answer.” If you do not provide the Answer in the time period of 20 days, the creditor may enter a default judgment against you which allows them to take further action.

There are several defenses against the lawsuit; however, not being able to afford to pay the debt is not a defense. Some of the available defenses are: improper service, statute of limitations, FDCPA violations, lack of standing, proof of payment, fraud, mistaken identity and lastly bankruptcy.

Filing bankruptcy is a protection against a lawsuit served upon you and can be used as a defense to stop any further action. When you receive any lawsuit document, it is important to consult with an attorney who can give you advice about your specific situation. One of our experienced bankruptcy attorneys can sit down with you and review the lawsuit to give you the best advice towards your next steps.

 

By Ann Hagerty

Can You Lie to Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

Q:  Can you lie to get Social Security Disability benefits?

A:  This question gets to the heart of the misunderstanding about the Social Security Disability program.  Anyone can lie about anything to anyone.  The real question, then, is whether lying can actually secure Social Security Disability benefits.  The short answer:  No.

The public at large is generally unaware about the level of medical evidence necessary to prove disability under the Social Security regulations.  Just having a physical or mental diagnosis is insufficient.  Your limitations must preclude your ability to work under the law.  The law does not allow mere “claims” of disability to prove limitations.  Medical testing and examinations over time must establish significant impairments.

Lying to an MRI won’t impact the results.  Lying to a physician will not change objective examination findings.  Lying to a psychiatrist will likely land you back in the waiting room.  You can try to fake a limp or fabricate headaches, but medical doctors are scientists.  The lack of objective detail will ultimately do you in.

So just how difficult is it to “talk” your way into benefits?  Let’s consider a real life example of a client of mine today who wasn’t lying about anxiety, but nonetheless will be denied benefits.  I had a Social Security hearing today in which my client had significant anxiety.  The lower State Agency level ignored the regulations in failing to get a treating source opinion (nothing new).  A government-paid “medical expert” at my client’s hearing droned on and on to use time, yet misread the file, inferred chemical dependency without a diagnosis, ignored hard evidence of disability from a psychiatrist, and missed another psychological diagnosis altogether.  The point?  Even people telling the truth with sufficient evidence (in this case, anxiety that left her virtually homebound) have a difficult time meeting Social Security’s regulatory standards.

What should you take from this blog?  Those who are approved for Social Security Disability benefits have medical professionals who have diagnosed, examined, and treated them over time.  Offer to open the door for them, not throw them under the bus.  You or a loved one could need these benefits next.

Andrew Kinney, Esq.

 

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Remote DLI – Seek Social Security Before It’s Too Late.

From:  Joshua Tripp

 

In some cases, where a claimant has not worked recently and there is too many household assets or too much income to be eligible for SSI, the claimants are left struggling to prove disability for many years prior to the current date. This can be very difficult to do and there must be more than just the claimant’s testimony to win the case.

For an example, I recently had a social security claimant who had to go back about ten years to prove disability.  For approval here, it must be shown that the claimant had a disability prior to their date last insured and that their disability has continued.  This requires consistent medical evidence of severe impairment.  Additionally, to bolster the claimant’s medical record of ten years ago, I had the claimant’s current doctor, who was currently supportive of disability, write a narrative of the claimant’s impairments based on the current time frame, along with a review of the prior medical records.  This was helpful to assess that the conditions were as severe ten years as they are today.  He opined that the claimant was unable to work ten years ago and the condition has not improved.  Although this is important, his opinion needs to be supported by the medical record as a whole.  The medical evidence is particularly important for a case with a remote date last insured because it is hard to say the claimant can testify about conditions as accurately ten years ago as they could today.

It is always best to not wait to apply for social security disability.  Waiting can put you in the predicament of having to prove disability many years prior to the application, which is not an easy task.  Contact a social security attorney before it is too late.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Treating Source Statements

Opinion evidence can have a big impact in Social Security Disability cases, especially when it comes from a treating source. But sometimes a treating doctor, counselor or therapist will decline to provide an opinion if he or she is in the best, but not ideal, position to do so. For example, maybe the disability claimant can only afford to treat with their primary care doctor, who declines to provide an opinion because he or she is not a specialist. If Social Security has not sent the claimant to a consultative exam, there will be no opinion evidence in which a doctor identifies specific functional limitations caused by the claimant’s impairments (except for the doctor working for the state agency making the determinations at the initial and reconsideration levels). The treating provider may not fully understand how opinion evidence is considered in Social Security Disability claims, or may not want to take the time because a response is not mandatory. In these situations, a friendly letter explaining the role of opinion evidence and requesting that the doctor provide whatever he or she is comfortable with, even in the form of short narrative (preferably with the records used to form the opinion attached), can get results.

Consider contacting an experienced social security disability attorney for help with this and other issues.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Social Security Disability and Self-Employment

When Social Security receives a claim for disability benefits, the first question is whether the claimant performed Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) during the alleged period of disability. If so, the claimant is ineligible for benefits during that time. SGA is generally defined as “work that involves doing significant and productive physical or mental duties, and is done (or intended) for pay or profit.” 20 CFR § 404.1510. Each year Social Security formulates a dollar amount that is used as the benchmark for SGA. In 2016 the amount is $1,130 per month and in 2015 it was $1,090. If this amount is or was exceeded, the earnings are presumed to be SGA. Gross earnings through employment can be easily compared to these benchmarks, but earnings through self-employment require further analysis.

The applicable rules are located in sections 404.1080 through 404.1096 and Social Security Ruling 83-34. The ruling should be consulted first for a general overview. Social Security may find that self-employment constitutes SGA under one of three tests:

  1. Under the Significant Services and Substantial Income test, both elements must be met. The significant services element is met if the claimant is a sole proprietor or, if not, performing more than half of the duties of the business or more than 45 hours per month of work. For a farm landlord, the question is whether he or she “materially participates,” not through an agent. The substantial income element is met if the claimant’s average monthly net income (countable earnings) reaches the benchmark amount; if the claimant’s livelihood derived from the business is the same as before he or she became disabled, or; if the claimant’s income is comparable to that of unimpaired individuals in a same or similar business in that community. If this test is not met, Social Security proceeds to the next two tests.
  2. Under the Comparability of Work test, the work is SGA if it is comparable in all relevant factors to that of unimpaired individuals in a same or similar business in the same community. Relevant factors include hours, skills, energy output, efficiency, duties and responsibilities.
  3. Under the Worth of Work test, the work is SGA, even if it is not comparable, if it is clearly worth more than the SGA benchmark amount when considered in terms of its value to the business or when compared to the salary an owner would pay to an employee for such duties in that business setting.

 

This is a general overview and the authorities cited above should be consulted for each individual situation. There are several additional details and nuances further explained in these sources. If your claim for Social Security Disability involves self-employment earnings, consider enlisting the help of a good attorney to interpret these rules and persuade social security that they operate in your favor.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Social Security Disability and the On the Record Process

On-the-Record Reviews are available to anyone who files a Social Security Disability claim. Once the lower levels processes have been exhausted. What that means, is that your claim must be at the hearing level to ask for an On the Record request.

So now you are at the hearing level. What’s next you ask! Well the review can happen in a few ways. An On the Record review can be initiated by an examiner that works for the Social Security Administration, which would be the best case scenario. This usually happens if new medical evidence is submitted and upon review by Social Security it is deemed that with the new evidence that a hearing is no longer needed and a fully favorable decision can be granted.

Another way for this request to be done is by your attorney representative. You may ask that your representative write a brief on your behalf. So that once your file from Social Security is available, your attorney can review what is already on record before requesting updated information on your behalf. Once all the new information has been reviewed, the brief can be written. But it should be noted, that not all cases make good On the Record cases. The attorney must make the decision on whether a brief should be written on a case to case basis after reviewing the information.

You could also put together the information yourself, if you are doing this process on your own. You will need to provide a detailed explanation that points out the specific medical evidence that proves that you are disabled by Social Security’s rules. Then write a formal request for an On the Record review.

Once the request for an On-the-Record Review has been submitted, one of these outcomes should happen. Your claim could be granted based on the evidence in your file along with the brief or a judge may feel that the evidence is not clear cut enough to approve the claim during an On-the-Record review. If a Judge cannot grant the case based on the information submitted, then your claim will have to be argued at a hearing by your attorney when a date becomes available. An On-the-Record Review cannot stop your claim from proceeding, unless a fully favorable decision can be reached.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Social Security Domain #4 – Health and Physical Well-Being

If a child has a severe impairment(s) that does not meet or medically equal any listing, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will then look to see if the child functionally equals the listings.  To functionally equal the listing, the child’s impairments must result in marked limitations in two domains, or extreme limitation in one domain.

The fourth domain used by SSA is called 4. Health and Physical Well-Being.  In this domain, SSA considers the physical effects of physical and mental impairments of the child.  Unlike the other domains, this domain does not address typical development and functioning.  This domain addresses how such things as recurrent illness, the side effects of medication, and the need for ongoing treatment affect a child’s body.

It is important to remember that the cumulative physical effects of a child’s physical or mental impairment(s) can vary in kind and intensity, and can affect each child in a different way.  As with all other domains, SSA does not consider the limitations in this domain unless it results from a medically determinable impairment(s).  However, it is very unlikely that a child who has a significant problem in this domain does not have an impairment that causes the problem.

 

For more information, please contact one of the attorneys at Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Social Security Domain #3 – Interacting and Relating with Others

If a child has a severe impairment(s) that does not meet or medically equal any listing, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will then look to see if the child functionally equals the listings.  To functionally equal the listing, the child’s impairments must result in marked limitations in two domains, or extreme limitation in one domain.

The third domain used by SSA is called 3. Interacting and Relating to Others.  In this domain, SSA will consider the child’s ability to initiate and respond to exchanges with other people, and to form and sustain relationships with family members, friends, and other people.  This would include all aspects of social interaction in all different areas of the child’s life.

Also, because communication is essential to both interacting and relating, SSA considers speech and language skills that a child would need to speak intelligibly and to understand and use language of their community.  The ability to interact and relate with others begins at birth.  A child begins to us his/her ability in early infancy when they bond with a caregiver.

As with limitations in any domain, SSA does not consider a limitation in the domain unless it results from a medically determinable impairment(s).

For more information, please contact one of the attorneys at Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik.

 

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Compassionate Allowance Diseases: Alpers Disease

The Social Security Administration established the Compassionate Allowances program in an attempt to expedite cases where individuals have medical conditions that are very severe and would qualify under one of the listings. However, not all diseases are met under a specific listing, but still may be approved under the CAL.

Alpers disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that begins during childhood and is complicated in many instances by serious liver disease. Symptoms include increased muscle tone with exaggerated reflexes (spasticity), seizures, and loss of cognitive ability (dementia). Diagnosis is established by testing for the POLG gene. Symptoms typically occur months before tissue samples show the mitochondrial DNA depletion, so that these depletion studies cannot be used for early diagnosis;  about 80 percent of individuals with Alpers’ disease develop symptoms in the first two years of life, and 20 percent develop symptoms between ages 2 and 25. The first symptoms of the disorder are usually nonspecific and may include hypoglycemia secondary to underlying liver disease, failure to thrive, infection-associated encephalopathy, spasticity, myoclonus (involuntary jerking of a muscle or group of muscles), seizures, or liver failure.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with Alpers typically die before they reach the age of 10, usually caused by unrelenting seizures. The course of the disease is usually rapid and eventually the combination of the diseased brain and increasing physical weakness becomes too great to sustain life, and death usually occurs within a year. Parents will be aware of the child’s increasing frailty, and death is usually relatively peaceful and expected when the time comes.

Alpers may be diagnosed under SSA Listings 111.02, 111.06, and 112.02. SSA suggests that there be clinical history and examination that describes the progression of neurological and cognitive decline from the treating primary care physician, neurologist, or psychiatrist, EEG reports, and lab tests consistent pf hepatic failure, to adequately assess.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Award Letter Issue: Current Workers Comp

Often clients who have disability claims will also have workers comp claims. When there are workers comp benefits involved, there sometimes will arise difficulties with the award letters when social security is calculating payments. Sometimes, the award letters will state that claimants are currently receiving workers comp benefits, when in reality, they have not received benefits in possibly years. Social security factor in these benefits immediately. This upsets clients, because their present benefit amounts are reduced.

In these situations, it is the payment center that intentionally processes the claims like this. If a claimant is still currently receiving workers comp, this prevents them from potentially getting overpaid. While it does not seem like it, and must be explained to the clients, this benefits the clients by preventing an overpayment. The discrepancy is fixed by providing proof that they are no longer receiving benefits through the Stipulation for Settlement and the Award on Stipulation. We then ask to re-calculate the benefits so that the claimant will get the correct amount. While this appears on the surface to be a mistake, many clients will question this and chalk it up to a mistake on SSA.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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SSI Benefits for Children with Abdominal Migraines

Abdominal migraines are characterized by severe, sharp abdominal pain near the midline, lasting from one hour to three days, and are more common in children. Although experts have not settled on a specific cause, this condition is in the migraine family because it may have an underlying neurological or chemical origin, and may be triggered by psychological, environmental or dietary factors. A diagnosis is usually reached by ruling out other causes of abdominal pain, and treatment options include those used for migraine headaches.

Due to the difficulties in diagnosing and treating this condition, a child with abdominal migraines may experience difficulties in school and other activities for a long time without relief. If your child has had repeated episodes of abdominal pain diagnosed as abdominal migraine, consider contacting a Social Security Disability lawyer to discuss whether you and your child are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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On-the-Record Reviews by Social Security and Requesting one

On-the-Record Reviews are available to anyone who files a Social Security Disability claim once it has been denied at the lower levels. It is a favorable ruling made by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) based solely on the medical evidence in your file. An OTR is done prior to an actual hearing being held.

Once you have requested a hearing on your claim, then your claim is eligible to request an On-the-Record Review. This review can happen in one of two ways. This type of review can be initiated by a hearing officer, which would be the best case scenario. This usually happens if new medical evidence is submitted and upon review by the Social Security it is deemed that with the new evidence that a hearing is no longer needed and a fully favorable decision can be granted. The second possibility is that you will need to request the On-the-Record Review yourself. Along with your request, you will need to provide a detailed explanation that points out the specific medical evidence that proves that you are disabled by Social Security’s rules.

Once you have put in the request for an On-the-Record Review, one of these outcomes should happen. Your claim could be granted based on the evidence in your file or a judge may contact you for more information on your claim. If this were to happen, it would be in your best interest to be as honest and as thorough as possible. Another possibility is, a judge may feel that the evidence is not clear cut enough to approve the claim during an On-the-Record review. If a fully favorable cannot be given based on the records alone, then your claim will proceed to a hearing when a date becomes available. An On-the-Record Review cannot stop your claim from proceeding, unless a fully favorable decision can be reached.

The request for an On-the-Record Review is a great way to possibly expedite a disability claim. There needs to be enough medical evidence to give a clear cut view of the disability that is being claimed so, that the Judge feels that a disability hearing is no longer necessary. Hopefully this helps to navigate the On-the-Record Review process.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Disability Benefits for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

If your symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are preventing you from working, you may be entitled to disability benefits. In early 2014, a new ruling was created that helps the Social Security Administration evaluate the severity of chronic fatigue and how it contributes to your disability. SSR 14-1p helps to clarify what evidence is needed to prove that you have this impairment, and to prove how severe it is.

Social Security must consider the following symptoms: postexertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours after activity; impaired short-term memory and concentration; sore throat; tender lymph nodes; multi-joint pain without swelling; headaches; and waking unrefreshed. Other symptoms of this condition could include muscle weakness, disturbed sleep, visual problems, dizziness and lightheadedness, heart palpitations and arrhythmias, and gastrointestinal complaints. These symptoms should be documented by your primary physician, and other conditions that cause these symptoms must be ruled out. The medical evidence from your doctor must show that the physical symptoms such as a sore throat or tender lymph nodes must have lasted for about six months consecutively.

Combined, these symptoms must have such a strong effect on you that it prevents you from working on a full-time basis for at least 12 months or more. Social Security will get information about your daily disability, meaning how your daily activities have changed, and how your disability has negatively impacted your life.

If you have other impairments, such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, or other conditions that co-occur with the chronic fatigue syndrome, these will be evaluated independently, but may also be considered as proof of the chronic fatigue syndrome.

If you are unable to work because of your chronic fatigue syndrome, contact your disability attorney at Hoglund Law. We can evaluate your case to help determine if your condition meets the criteria that could result in winning your disability benefits from Social Security.

 

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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New Rules for Diabetes and Disability

Many people in America have been diagnosed with diabetes, and now many people find the side effects of their diabetes is preventing them from being able to work in a full-time setting. Most of the diabetes cases the disability attorneys at Hoglund Law handle involve people with peripheral neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy, because of their diabetes. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration is aware of this epidemic and they have recently updated the way they evaluate cases involving diabetes. In June 2014, SSR 14-2p was released, which makes it easier for claimants and representatives to evaluate whether the medical conditions will find them eligible for disability.

Like any Social Security disability case, you need to prove that you are no longer able to work any full-time job due to your impairments. This means that you are either so physically or mentally limited by the symptoms of your condition that you cannot maintain working full-time, 40 hours per week or more. With this new ruling, Social Security points to some specific symptoms of diabetes. They highlight complications such as diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular issues such as coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage, or neuropathy. They also consider symptoms of chronic low blood sugar, such as weakness, sweating, trembling, palpitations, and difficulty concentrating. Applying for disability with diabetes requires documentation from your physician of your blood sugar readings, of the symptoms you experience, and your medication regimen as well.

If your diabetes causes a major effect on one of your body systems, like kidney disease or neuropathy, Social Security may be able to find you disabled on the basis of the severely decreased functioning of just that body system. For example, if you are unable to walk without needing the use of a walker or crutches because of neuropathy in your feet, that may be sufficient to find you disabled. Similarly, if your diabetes has had such a severe effect on your kidneys that you require dialysis, they may find you disabled.

Social Security will evaluate what an impact your diabetes has had on your total body, and how it affects your daily functioning if they can’t find it has had a severe impact on one body system. They then determine whether the total impairments would prevent you from doing any of your previous work, and then they need to find if there is other work you would be able to do with your impairments.

If you find that the side effects interfere with your ability to work full-time, call the disability attorneys at Hoglund Law. We can evaluate your case to see if you may be eligible for disability benefits from Social Security.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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VA benefits and Social Security

Just as Social Security has both a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The Veterans Administration (VA) has two programs as well. They are VA disability compensation and VA pension. Can you file from both entities you ask, yes! We will go over that and what programs can go together. As well as some of the differences between the programs that warrant mentioning.

Service-connected VA disability benefits or VA disability compensation as it is also called, is not an income base program. So it would be similar to the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program which is based on work credits (monies that you paid in while employed). So then it follows, that non- service connected VA benefits also known as VA pension is income based and would be along the same lines as the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program of Social Security. If eligible, the best case scenario would be to qualify for SSDI and VA disability compensation as this give you the greatest monetary outcome.

Some of the differences between the two are that for the VA there are percentages of disability, where Social Security has an either you are or are not disabled approach. One of the major differences is the “treating physician rule.” Under Social Security law, once the claimant’s doctor is recognized as the treating physician, his or her medical opinion is given more weight and can be the difference between winning and losing your disability case. Whereas, under VA law the doctor’s opinion is not given more weight but instead equal weight with the rest of the evidence in the file. So under VA law, your disability is decided upon the totality of your file.

So as you can see, you would be able to file for both a VA disability benefit and a Social Security disability benefit at the same time. Along with some of the similarities and differences between the two providing entities. I would like to leave you with this thought. If you are wondering if there is a way to have better odds for success, then read on. If you have been given a high (70% or higher) VA rating, you are more likely to also be successful on your Social Security claim. Also while the VA only considers service-connected disabilities, Social Security will consider all disabilities service-connected or not. Unfortunately, if you are found disabled by Social Security first, it will not be given much weight toward your VA claim for disability.

 

 

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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What is a Bankruptcy Trustee and what does it have to do with my Bankruptcy Case?

When you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, not only will you be working with an attorney, you will also work with bankruptcy trustee. While you will be working closely with your attorney throughout the whole filing process, you will not meet the trustee until the meeting of the creditors (also known as your 341 hearing).

The trustee is a third party, appointed by the United States Trustee, she herself is not a government employee. She does not represent you and she does not represent your creditors. The trustee represents the bankruptcy estate, and has several duties in doing so.

The trustee’s duties include:

  1. Conducting the meeting of creditors;
  2. Investigating your assets and claimed exemptions;
  3. Checking for fraud or inaccuracies and making objections when appropriate;
  4. Reviewing your right to a discharge;
  5. Sending any required notices related to domestic support obligations;
  6. Determining whether there any non-exempt assets to liquidate and distribute amongst your creditors;
  7. Gathering, protecting and preserving any non-exempt assets of the estate, or
  8. Ensuring statement of intention provisions are followed;
  9. If applicable, filing a report stating that no assets have been found

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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How Will a Bankruptcy Affect my Credit?

People often wonder how filing for bankruptcy will affect their long term credit. Some have the misconception that a bankruptcy will ruin their chances of ever having a good credit score. While it is true that a bankruptcy will stay on a credit report for ten years it is not the end for a person’s chances at having good credit.

In the short term a person’s credit might take a drastic hit after filing for bankruptcy. This depends on the credit score at the time of filing. The higher the score before filing the further it will fall. For example a person with a score of 680 before filing could see it fall to 550 while a person with a score of 780 could fall to 560. If a score is in the 500s or lower at the time of filing there may not be much change.

After the bankruptcy a person can begin to rebuild. Having a bankruptcy on your record will be a negative mark for some potential creditors. It may take some time after filing before a person is able to get a new loan. However, many people are surprised to find they are able to get car loans and new credit cards relatively quickly. The interest rates may be high and the credit limits low, but it is a start. By being careful and paying back any new debt on time a credit score can start to rebuild. While the bankruptcy may show up on a credit report for ten years a score can be repaired within a few years. The bankruptcy is a fresh start for people looking to build a secure financial future.

Sources:

Bankruptcy timeline: Rebuilding credit

https://www.bankrate.com/finance/debt/bankruptcy-timeline-rebuilding-credit-1.aspx

How to Rebuild Your Credit After Bankruptcy—Fast

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/curtis-arnold/how-to-rebuild-your-credi_b_5790860.html

Credit Report Q&A

https://www.myfico.com/crediteducation/questions/credit_problem_comparison.aspx

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Can my Garnished Funds be Recovered After Filing a Bankruptcy?

The short answer is yes. The long answer is yes, but it depends on the situation. If a creditor has garnished a debtor’s funds there are ways for the debtor to recover some of the money after filing bankruptcy.

Any funds taken by garnishment or levy within the 90-days prior to the bankruptcy filing can potentially be recovered. If the total amount is $600 or more a debtor can make a claim for the return of the funds. However, in a bankruptcy a debtor can only protect a certain dollar amount of their assets. If the debtor has already exceeded the amount which could be protected the garnished funds cannot be recovered. In that situation the bankruptcy court may attempt to recover the funds and then distribute them evenly to all the debtor’s creditors.

If the creditor refuses to return the garnished funds a debtor does have the option of filing a claim with the bankruptcy court. The court may compel the creditor to return the funds. However, it does cost money to file the claim so a debtor will need to weigh the cost of the claim against the amount that could potentially be recovered.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Can I Keep my Yearly Bonus in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Some employers give their employees yearly bonuses and holiday bonuses. If you are thinking of filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, there are a few things you should know if you have just received a bonus, or if you are expecting a bonus within the next year.

As a general rule, if you have received a bonus within the last six full months, the bonus may be included in calculating your income to determine whether you qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. When you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the United States Trustee will average your last six full months of income to decide whether you qualify for a Chapter 7. For example, if you file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in July, the trustee will look at your average income from January to June. If you have received a bonus within these six months, the Trustee will include the bonus in your average income. If the bonus is a large bonus, it may affect whether you qualify.

One possible solution is to wait until your bonus falls off of the six month average before filing for bankruptcy. Suppose that you received a bonus on January 1. If you file for bankruptcy in July, this bonus will likely be included in your six-month average to determine whether you qualify (January to June). But if you wait to file until August, your January income will no longer be included to determine whether you qualify for bankruptcy, so you may have an easier time qualifying.

You should keep in mind that the Trustee can also look at any bonuses are you entitled to receive within the next year after you file for bankruptcy. Future bonuses do not factor into whether you qualify for bankruptcy, but a future bonus may be considered an asset in your case. The reason for this is that even if you have not yet received a bonus, if you are entitled to the bonus at the time you file your case, it is considered an asset in your bankruptcy. Depending upon the other assets that you own, you may be able to keep your bonus, or you may have to give up the bonus to the trustee when you do receive it. Whether you can keep your future bonus when you file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy depends on the facts of your case. You should consult your attorney if you are expecting to receive a bonus within the next year, to determine whether you can keep your bonus.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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What is Disabled Widow or Widower’s Benefits?

Disabled Widow or Widower’s Benefits is a program that allows individuals to receive Social Security Disability based upon a deceased spouse’s earnings record. This program is intended for surviving spouses that were not the main provider for the family.

Generally, to be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits a claimant needs to have paid into Social Security and have earned enough work credits in the right quarters to have technical eligibility.   Disabled Widow or Widower’s Benefits allows claimants that normally would not be eligible on their own record, to file for Social Security Disability benefits under their deceased spouse’s earnings record. This comes up in cases where the surviving spouse acted as the stay home provider for the family.

Additionally, this program is beneficial for claimants that are eligible for Social Security Disability on their own record, but have a smaller earnings record than the deceased spouse. Essentially, the surviving spouse that is found disabled would then collect under the deceased spouse’s earnings. This allows claimants that were not the main provider of the family to receive a greater amount in benefits. This program would not be beneficial in instances where the surviving spouse was the main provider because that individual would simply file under his own record.

To receive these benefits, the surviving spouse must be found disabled within seven years of the deceased spouse’s death and be 50 years old. A surviving spouse can also collect under this program at age 60 without being found disabled.

It is important to understand that marriage can affect the eligibility for Disabled Widow or Widower’s Benefits. If the surviving spouse remarries before the age of 60, then that individual cannot collect under this program.

It is best to speak with an experienced Social Security Disability Attorney on questions regarding Disabled Widow or Widower’s Benefits.

 

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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How Bankruptcy Effects Credit Score

No ifs, ands or buts, your credit score will drop.

How low?

It depends. What does your credit score look like now? If your credit is fairly unblemished prior to filing, you can expect a large drop in your score. However, if your credit is already tarnished and full of negative items, your score may see only a slight drop. A 2010 FICO report showed that an individual starting with a credit score of 780 could drop to 540 and an individual with a 680 score could fall to 530. While these are only examples, they demonstrate that an individual with a higher score to begin with has a farther way to fall, but both individuals land in close proximity (530-540). Until you file, it is impossible to state where you will land. Your credit score may be affected more or less.

How long will the bankruptcy negatively affect your credit score?

A bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for 10 years. BUT, as time passes and positive information supplements your report, the impact becomes less and less debilitating. Further, if you are motivated to rehabilitate your credit, it can be done. Your credit score can be rebuilt in 1 – 3 years.

So how do I move on and rebuild my credit after I file for bankruptcy?

Start by verifying that your credit report is free from errors. The major credit reporting bodies are TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. Check that your report from each of these institutions is accurate and lists your pre-bankruptcy debts as “included in BK.” From there, be sure to check back on your credit score regularly (every 4 months). Eventually, you will be able to request that the pre-bankruptcy debts be removed from your report altogether.

Next, make an honest assessment of your finances and what led you to file bankruptcy in the first place. If you fail to recognize what went wrong the first time, you will likely fall into the same pattern and end up in the same trouble as before. Once you have recognized these financial faults, weed them out and start taking action to establish positive credit.

Right after filing it will be difficult to borrow money. Why? Because you are considered a greater risk to the lender, often referred to as a subprime borrower. As a result, you will likely be offered higher interest rates and greater penalties for defaulting. On the other hand, some credit card companies may find you to be a better risk and will start sending you offers immediately after you file bankruptcy. This belief that an individual who has just filed is a good risk for credit card companies is rooted in the fact that bankruptcy law forbids individuals to receive a second discharge in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy within eight years of the first filing. Meaning: a debtor cannot rid himself of the responsibility of newly acquired credit card debt for another eight years.

Remember this: THERE IS HOPE. YOUR CREDIT IS NOT LOST FOREVER! It may take some self-assessment and discipline, but it is absolutely possible. It will be more difficult at first, but as was alluded earlier, as time passes the positive elements to your credit will increase and the “bad” will begin to dwindle.

 

 

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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How Important are Medical Records in My Social Security Benefits Case?

Social Security will consider any existing medical records when deciding your claim. Your initial application to Social Security will indicate the date that you have alleged to be your Onset date of disability. For example, if you note that April 1, 2013 is the date when you became disabled and no longer able to work, social security will review medical records one year prior to the alleged onset date of April 1, 2013. Medical records that reflect ongoing treatment from this date will become the deciding factor for your claim. It is very important that your medical records reflect the condition(s) in which you are applying for benefits.

More often than not, social security will consider other conditions that may exacerbate your primary condition. An example of this would be of listing diabetes as a primary condition and the secondary condition listed as uncontrolled high blood pressure. Upon review, social security will consider the various treatments to control the high blood pressure. This consideration could weigh heavily on the outcome of your claim. Medical records that show a lack of treatment or diagnosis would surely result in a denial.

Lastly and most importantly, having a supportive doctor will increase your chances of a favorable decision. Social Security gives more weight to the opinion of your treating physician than that of a non-physician. So the rule of thumb is to make sure that you are detail in your description of symptoms that you may be experiencing from your condition(s).

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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SSI without a Green Card

Certain immigrants may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), even though they have not yet obtained citizenship or a green card (lawful permanent residence).

8 U.S.C. section 1612(a)(2) provides, among other things, that the following individuals are not precluded from receiving SSI by reason of their status:

-A refugee under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1157];

-One who is granted asylum under section 208 of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1158];

-One whose deportation is withheld under section 243(h) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1253] (as in effect immediately before the effective date of section 307 of division C of Public Law 104–208) or section 241(b)(3) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3)] (as amended by section 305(a) of division C of Public Law 104–208);

-A Cuban and Haitian entrant (as defined in section 501(e) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980);

-An Amerasian immigrant pursuant to section 584 of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1988 (as contained in section 101(e) of Public Law 100–202 and amended by the 9th proviso under migration and refugee assistance in title II of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1989, Public Law 100–461, as amended).

However, eligibility under section 1612(a)(2) only applies for the first seven years after the above status becomes effective. Social Security must notify those receiving benefits of the date that his or her 7 year period ends, and the recipient may appeal the termination of benefits.

Eligibility for SSI involves several more medical and non-medical criteria, and any applicant should explore the opportunity to enlist the help of an experienced Social Security Disability attorney. For residency status issues, an immigration attorney should be consulted.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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How Will my Employer React to my Decision to File for Bankruptcy?

While it is difficult to say whether or not an employer, current or future, will react poorly to your bankruptcy, a few things are certain: You will not be fired. You will not be demoted. You will not be punished…at least you shouldn’t be.

The United States Bankruptcy Code forbids both public and private employers from discriminating and terminating employment based solely on the fact that you filed for bankruptcy. Note however, that if you have given your employer other reasons to dismiss you, such as excessive absences or poor performance, your bankruptcy will not protect you from getting the axe.

Further, if you are searching for a new job, do not be discouraged that a bankruptcy on your record will blow your chances at getting the position you want. Not only does the Bankruptcy Code shield you from termination and discrimination in an existing job, it may protect you when seeking out future employment.

If the position you are hoping to land is with a federal, state or local government agency the law states that the employer cannot turn you away just because of your history of bankruptcy. While private employers may refuse to hire you under such circumstances, do not despair. Depending on the responsibilities of the position for which you are applying, an employer may look favorably on your decision to file.

It is true that an employer managing a position in finance, accounting or the handling of cash will take a bankruptcy seriously. Nonetheless, a bankruptcy discharge may help with positions of high security clearances or those involving valuable merchandise. Employers may be concerned with the possibility of their employees accepting bribes or stealing company goods or stealing secrets to pay off the employee’s own personal debts. That being said, a decision to file bankruptcy is often seen as a responsible and proactive decision to solve a potentially damaging situation.

All things considered, it is possible that your bankruptcy goes unnoticed by your current employer. Generally, employers only learn of an employee’s bankruptcy if his wages are being garnished, if the employer is listed as a creditor or if the employee has a Chapter 13 plan deducting payments directly from his or her paystubs.

Before coming to the conclusion that filing bankruptcy will greatly damage your career, meet with one of our attorneys to discuss why bankruptcy could potentially help your career. In fact, here are individuals whose careers were not ruined by bankruptcy:

  1. Walt Disney
  2. Burt Reynolds
  3. Abraham Lincoln
  4. Michael Vick
  5. Larry King

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Can I get Money Garnished From me Back When I File for Bankruptcy?

For people living on a tight budget, a garnishment can be the difference between making ends meet and falling further into debt. If you are being garnished and you are considering bankruptcy, you should know that you may be able to recover money taken from you by your creditors, but the garnishment must meet certain requirements for you to get your money back.

First, the timing of the garnishment determines whether you can recover any of the money taken from you. If money was garnished from you before you file for bankruptcy, that money can only be recovered if it was taken within the immediate 90 day period before filing your case. For example, if you filed your bankruptcy case on November 1, 2014, you could recover money garnished up to 90 days before that date (August 3 to November 1). However, you could not recover any money taken earlier than that 90-day period (in our example, before August 3). Additionally, if your creditors continue to garnish any of your money after you file for bankruptcy, that money can be also recovered for you.

Second, the amount of the garnishment within the past 90 days can determine whether you can recover money taken from you by your creditors. The amount of money taken from you within the past 90 days must be $600 or more for you to be able to recover that money. If the amount taken from you is less than $600 total in the past 90 days, you will unfortunately not be able to recover that money in bankruptcy. (But, note that if your creditors continue to garnish money from you after you file for bankruptcy, any amount that they take after you file can be recovered for you).

Third, it is only worth recovering money garnished from you if you are able to protect that amount of money as an asset in your case. Whether you can protect the money you recover depends upon the value of other property that you own and that you want to protect in bankruptcy. It can be a complex question, but your bankruptcy attorney will be able to walk you through what property can be protected when you file for bankruptcy.

Finally, garnishments are only worth recovering if the garnishment is from a type of debt that can be discharged in bankruptcy. Certain debts cannot be discharged in bankruptcy (you will still owe these debts after your bankruptcy). Debts such as student loans, alimony, child support, and recent tax debt, will remain after bankruptcy. There will not be any point in recovering a garnishment for one of these types of debt, as you will still owe that debt after bankruptcy.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Pancreatitis and Disability

Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is a condition that may either be acute, having a short and severe episode, or chronic, with frequent flare-ups. The main symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Because of the pancreatitis, someone might also have unexplained weight loss, or may develop diabetes. For most people, these episodes are manageable, but for others, it may be so severe as to interfere with their daily functioning and result in a permanent disability.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not have specific rules or listings for pancreatitis. It is evaluated on how the symptoms from the disease affect your daily activities. Social Security Ruling 14-3p sets out guidelines to how they evaluate disorders similar to pancreatitis. First, they will consider the medical evidence that supports the diagnosis. Next, they will consider the effect your disease has on your body, and whether those symptoms meet a Listing for disability. For example, if your pancreatitis has caused you to lose weight, your weight loss may be evaluated to see if you meet Listing 5.08, and if the SSA finds your condition meets those guidelines, you may be found disabled. If they don’t find your condition meets a Listing, then they evaluate the combined effect of the condition and the effect it has on your physical activities and your limitations because of it.

Of course, a condition like pancreatitis affects everyone differently, and your symptoms may be different from others. If you have other conditions in addition to the pancreatitis, those conditions will be evaluated in a similar way for SSA to find how it affects you and your daily functioning.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Transferability of Job Skills

An important part of the Social Security Disability analysis arises, especially if the claimant is over 50, as to whether the person has obtained skills from his or her prior work that could transfer into an easier, less demanding job. SSR 82-41 explains the concepts of “skills” and “transferability of skills” and clarifies how these concepts are used.

Skill is defined as knowledge of a work activity which requires the exercise of significant judgment that goes beyond the carrying out of simple job duties and is acquired through performance of an occupation which is above the unskilled level (requires more than 30 days to learn). It is practical and familiar knowledge of the principles and processes of an art, science or trade, combined with the ability to apply them in practice in a proper and approved manner. This includes activities like making precise measurements, reading blueprints, and setting up and operating complex machinery. A skill gives a person a special advantage over unskilled workers in the labor market.

Transferability is defined as applying work skills which a person has demonstrated in vocationally relevant past jobs to meet the requirements of other skilled or semiskilled jobs. Transferability is distinct from the usage of skills recent learned in school which may serve as a basis for direct entry into skilled work.

SSR 82-41 also explains the difference between a “skill” and a “trait” explaining that the qualities of “alertness,” “coordination and dexterity with the use of hands or feet for the rapid performance of repetitive work tasks” are traits and not skills. “It is the acquired capacity to perform the work activities with facility (rather than the traits themselves) that gives rise to potentially transferable skills.

Finally, SSR 82-41 specifically provides that the ALJ set forth findings of fact regarding the issue of transferability of skills. SSR 82-41 states “When the issue of skills and their transferability must be decided, the adjudicator or ALJ is required to make certain findings of fact and include them in the written decision. Findings should be supported with appropriate documentation. When a finding is made that a claimant has transferable skills, the acquired work skills must be identified, and specific occupations to which the acquired work skills are transferable must be cited in the State agency’s determination or ALJ’s decision. Evidence that these specific skills or semiskilled jobs exist in significant numbers in the national economy should be included (the regulation take administrative notice only of the existence of unskilled sedentary, light, and medium jobs in the national economy).

Transferability of skills is an important part of the disability analysis and can potentially lead to a denial. It is the last step in the disability analysis to decide whether someone should be determined Disabled. Vocational expert testimony is extremely important and can seem to vary based off who is testifying. Having an experienced attorney represent you who knows the regulations and the right questions to ask during cross examination can potentially make the difference between winning or losing a claim for benefits.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Failure to Follow Perscribed Treatment

From time to time the issue of whether the claimant failed to follow prescribed treatment becomes the focal point. 20 CFR 404.1530 states “an individual who would otherwise be found to be under a disability, but who fails without justifiable causes to follow treatment prescribed by a treating source which the Social Security Administration determines can be expected to restore the individual’s ability to work, cannot by virtue of such ‘failure’ be found to be under a disability.” SSR 82-59 further expands on this definition declaring that the SSA may make a determination that an individual has failed to follow prescribed treatment only where all of the following conditions exist:

1. The evidence establishes that the individual’s impairment precludes engaging in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) or, in the case of a disabled widow(er) that the impairment meets or equals the Listing of Impairments in Appendix 1 of Regulations No. 4, Subpart P; and

2. The impairment has lasted or is expected to last for 12 continuous months from onset of disability or is expected to result in death; and

3. Treatment which is clearly expected to restore capacity to engage in any SGA (or gainful activity, as appropriate) has been prescribed by a treating source; and

4. The evidence of record discloses that there has been refusal to follow prescribed treatment.

A few things here are important to note. First off, the treatment must be prescribed by the treating source. The treating source must be a medical professional who attends to the claimant’s medical needs on a regular basis. Thus, a doctor the SSA sends the claimant to for a consultative examination cannot determine a claimant to be denied for failure to follow prescribed treatment. In addition, the prescribed treatment must be expected to restore the ability to work. In a recent case I had, I got the doctor to testify that even if the claimant gave up smoking, her heart and lung condition would not improve enough to restore her ability to work.

If the SSA determines the treatment was prescribed by a treating source and it would be expected to restore the ability to work, it must then give the claimant the chance to offer an explanation as to why they did not follow the prescribed treatment. The SSA’s then determines whether the given explanation was “justifiable”. SSR 82-59 provides a list of possible justifiable explanations. A few, but not all, examples include: If treatment is contrary to religious belief (with documentation of membership to the religious affiliation along with statements from the church authorities), the inability to afford prescribed treatment and there are no community resources available (all possible resources should be explored and documented by the claimant), another treating source advises against the treatment prescribed by another source, the treatment involves a high degree of risk or amputation. These are but a few examples.

Failure to follow prescribed treatment can be a devastating reason for a denial. The SSA has determined the claimant cannot work yet they get denied benefits and insurance. It is very helpful to have an experienced attorney during the lengthy process in order to advise the claimant about the proper actions to take when a doctor offers treatment as well as possible community resources available to the claimant so they can follow the prescribed treatment. At the hearing, or in a brief, it is again helpful to have an experienced attorney who has an understanding of the federal regulations in order to rebut the SSA’s denial or contemplation of denying a person for failure to follow prescribed treatment. With proper counsel and advocacy from an experienced attorney, a claimant can avoid being denied due to failure to follow prescribed treatment.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Its Role in an Administrative Hearing

Lefmaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) or by a nuclear medical scan.2

There are numerous symptoms that could notify a doctor to order one of these tests-including, but not limited to: shortness of breath, persistent coughing, a build-up of fluid (edema), fatigue, and/or chest pain.3 These symptoms also play an impact on a social security disability claim. For example, a person with shortness of breath may have difficulty walking long distances or have difficulty lifting. An administrative law judge analyzes a person’s case by reviewing all the medical data, which would include both a person’s symptoms and also the objective evidence (i.e. an echocardiogram).

In determining if a person is disabled, an administrative law judge reviews the “Listing of Impairments” and compares the medical evidence with the listings. For a person with a low left ventricular ejection fraction, the administrative law judge will compare the claimant’s percentage to what is discussed in the listings. The judge will review the listings under section 4.00: Cardiovascular System. In section 4.02 it discusses if a person has severe ejection fraction of 30% or lower and has one of three: persistent symptoms of heart failure, three or more separate episodes of acute congestive heart failure within 12 months, or an inability to perform a stress test at 5 METs or less due various reasons.4 If an administrative law judge finds that all criteria are met in the listing, a favorable decision is granted.

Written by Hoglund Law

The attorneys of Hoglund law are licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC is based in Roseville, Minnesota. In addition to handling cases involving bankruptcy & social security, Hoglund, Chwialkowski & Mrozik, PLLC handles faulty drugs and toxic exposure.

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