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Who Determines Whether I Am Disabled or Not?

The short answer is the Social Security Administration (SSA); however, the longer and more accurate answer is Disability Determination Services(DDS).

First, SSA will review your application to make sure you meet some basic requirements for disability benefits. They will check whether you worked enough years to qualify. Additionally, they will undergo an evaluation of any current work activities. If you meet these requirements, they will process your application and forward your case to the DDS office in your state. This state agency completes the initial disability determination decision for SSA. Claims examiners and medical examiners in the state agency ask your doctors for information about your condition. DDS is supposed to consider all the facts in your case. They’ll use the medical evidence from your doctors, hospitals, clinics, or institutions where you have been treated and possibly additional information.

Some of the questions they will ask pertain to the following:

  • Your medical condition(s);
  • When your medical condition(s) began;
  • How your medical condition(s) limit your activities;
  • Medical tests results; and
  • What treatment you’ve received.

 

DDS also ask the doctors for information about your ability to do work-related activities, such as walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, and remembering instructions. Keep in mind that it is not your doctors who decide if you’re disabled. Rather, according to the rules it is up to DDS to make that determination. Also, if your medical sources can’t provide the necessary information, DDS may ask you to a consultative examination. Social Security will pay for the exam and for some of the related travel costs.

When DDS makes its determination on your case, they will send a letter to you. If your application is approved, the letter will show the amount of your benefit, and when your payments start. If the application isn’t approved, you typically have the option of appealing the decision.

To learn more about the appeals process, please read “Social Security Denials and Appeals” available through disabilitysecrets.com.

 

By Kevin J. Kohler

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 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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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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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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Social Security Disability and Cystic Fibrosis

Recently, I represented a 10-year-old girl diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, cystic fibrosis is a “life-threatening disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system…it affects the cells that produce the mucus, sweat, and digestive juices.”1 My client battled with breathing, producing phlegm, maintaining her weight, and staying healthy among other symptoms. In addition, she requires numerous daily breathing treatments that take her out of the classroom and away from her studies. Her condition and symptoms could result in her being found disabled.

In my client’s claim, and in all claims, Social Security will look at the medical evidence to determine the impairments and the severity of the impairments. There are three arguments that could be made for my client: one, she meet’s listing 103.04 (Cystic Fibrosis Listing), which is that she meets the very specific criteria to be approved; two, that is she is markedly impaired under at least two of six domains; or three, she is extremely impaired in one domain.

Since my client’s medical evidence did not support the required evidence of a listing, we argued that she marked in two domains. Specifically, we argued she was marked in domains two: attending and completing tasks and six: health and physical well-being. In domain two, the child is out of the classroom three times a day receiving breathing treatments. In addition, whenever she has an breathing attack and required further treatment she again is outside the classroom; this occurs at least one or two more times a week. The client is unable to participate in any physical activities and is not learning in those settings. She is continually falling behind in her school work due to nurse visits, not being able to participate, and absences. In domain six, this child had numerous visits to the school nurse, she has been to the emergency room countless times, had pneumonia in the last six months and in the period of her filing date had three hospitalizations. The doctors were concerned with her ability to thrive and grow. The medical records did strongly reflect this child’s struggle with her health.

Due to the severity cystic fibrosis has on a child’s life, seeking disability is warranted.

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 Should my Doctor Know About my Social Security Disability Case?

There are certain things that your doctor(s) can do to help possibly facilitate a better outcome in your Social Security disability case. Here are a few suggestions as to what you need to do make sure your doctor knows how to better assist you with your claim. Social Security is looking for certain information within your medical records and on the forms or statements that your doctor fills out on your behalf.
In Social Security’s eyes, your doctor needs to document your functional limitations in your medical records. These records will be the most important evidence in your case. Having it writing as to what you can and cannot do is very important. So your part is to be honest as to what has changed with your disabilities and how it affects your daily life, even if it seems to you to be no big deal. The little changes can add up. Social Security is looking for your doctor’s assessment of how you can do basic tasks. If your doctor is a specialist in his or her field and is willing to fill out a Residual Functional Capacity form (RFC) that might add weight to your medical records.
Your doctor(s) may also write a medical statement letter on your behalf discussing your disabilities. You can have more than one doctor write a medical statement for you. If your doctors are reluctant to assist you in your claim, find out why and try to address their concerns. There might be a good reason why you doctor(s) might not be willing to write something on your behalf.
You have a part in how Social Security looks at your claim as well. You need to be compliant with what your doctor suggests you to do in the treatment of your disabilities. If you are non-compliant or just do not seek medical help for your impairments then, Social Security might believe that you are not credible and your claim could be in jeopardy. So following the doctor’s orders is better for your claim in the long run.
So, both you and your doctors have things that you can do to give your claim the best chance of a positive outcome. Your doctor(s) can fill out the Residual Functional Capacity RFC form or write a medical statement letter. Most important, is your doctors need to be thorough when documenting your disabilities and how they have changed your daily living abilities, and what you might no longer be able to do in your medical records. You can best assist your claim by following the doctor’s orders and/or seeking ongoing medical treatment for your disabilities if you are not treating.

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 Does my Social Security Attorney Prepare me for my Hearing?

So, you have a hearing in the near future for Social Security Benefits and you wonder, what your attorney will do to prepare you for this big event. We at Hoglund Law office, understand the importance of having an attorney at your hearing and making sure you make the most of the event that you have been waiting so long for. I can’t promise that attorneys outside of our office will do the same, I wish they did so all clients had the best representation, but I will explain how our attorneys prepare our clients.

In the months leading up to the hearing, our staff conduct periodic updates of your medical treatment so we can gather all the relevant medical information to have for the judge. We have a team of paralegals and attorneys working on every case, so no one attorney’s case load becomes overwhelming or unmanageable. This system of representation also allows us to make sure there is always a prepared attorney at your hearing. A hearing attorney will be assigned to your case in the months leading up to the hearing as well.

In the final weeks and days before your hearing, your hearing attorney will review all the medical records gathered about your case. We will look for the best possible case for you. After the attorney has reviewed your information thoroughly, the attorney will call you to prepare you for your hearing. This usually happens in the last few days before the hearing. This phone call serves as a reminder of your hearing and an opportunity for you to ask questions about the hearing. The attorney will explain where the hearing is, how to get there if you don’t know, who the judge is and what to expect the day of the hearing. We remind our clients to be to the hearing location one hour before the hearing we can meet in person and discuss the case more thoroughly. The attorney will also have questions for you about your medical information and your case history that are important for your case. The attorney will also explain who will be at the hearing besides the judge and what to expect from those witnesses. There will be a hearing monitor, a vocational expert, and in some cases a medical expert.

They day of the hearing, the attorney will meet you at the hearing location. The attorney will go cover what kinds of questions the judge is likely to ask and what is important and not important to the case. The attorney will ask you if there is any information you brought that you want to share and will remind you of hearing office policies. If at any time you have question about your case or what to do in the hearing, you should ask.

It is important to remember that the hearing in front of the Administrative Law Judge is your chance for Social Security to meet you and evaluate your case in person. You want to be prepared and calm. The attorney will do the same. If you have a hearing coming up that you have questions about, please call our office at 855-513-4357 or do a free evaluation of your case. We want to help you with your upcoming hearing for Social Security 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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I suffer from Toxic Megacolon. Can I get Social Security Benefits?

As with any condition or disability, the answer is, it depends. Each condition and situation is different and so the severity, treatment, and complicating factors compared to the rules of Social Security are how your eligibility is defined.

Toxic Megacolon is a complication of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease can include ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease or other infections of the colon. Toxic Megacolon is different from other kinds of megacolon like pseudo-obstruction, acute colonic ileus, or congenital colonic dilation because they occur without infection or inflammation.

The best way to prevent toxic megacolon is by treating the diseases that causes the inflammation (colitis or Crohn’s). If the diseases are not treated regularly with medication and medical observation, complications may develop including dilation of the colon. You may develop abdominal pain, distention, or tenderness along with fever, rapid heart rate, or shock.

Toxic Megacolon is evaluated for Social Security Benefits under the Listings for the corresponding Inflammatory Bowel diseases which cause the complication, 5.00 Digestive System – Adult, 5.06 Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/5.00-Digestive-Adult.htm

To determine eligibility for Social Security, you must have medical documentation to support your claim. For this condition, this includes endoscopy, biopsy, medical imaging, or surgical findings which show you have had an obstruction requiring hospitalization or surgery two times in six months. The events must have been 60 days apart at a minimum. Otherwise, if you have not had surgeries or hospitalizations, two of the following within the same consecutive 6-month period:

B. Two of the following despite continuing treatment as prescribed and occurring within the same consecutive 6-month period:

  • Anemia
  • Low serum albumin
  • Clinically documented tender abdominal mass palpable on physical examination with pain or cramping not controlled by prescribed narcotic pain medications
  • Perineal disease with a draining abscess or fistula, with pain that is not completely controlled by prescribed narcotic medication
  • Involuntary weight loss of at least 10 percent from baseline
  • Need for supplemental daily enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy or daily parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter.

Taken together this information will be used to evaluate the severity of your condition. If it is found that you meet the listing, you must also show that you meet the non-medical requirements for Social Security benefits. If you meet both the medical and non-medical requirements for Social Security, you may be eligible for benefits. For further information call our office or go to the Social Security Administration’s website at SSA.gov.

Please call our office at 855-513-4357 for a free evaluation and speak with one of our experienced Social Security Attorneys.

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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I Have Decided Not to Take My Medications. How Will This Affect my Case?

It is extremely important to recognize that you may be jeopardizing your claim for Social Security Disability benefits if you choose not to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. It is very common for benefits to be denied if medication non-compliance is noted throughout the medical records.

Many people, due to experiencing difficult side effects, may personally decide to discontinue taking certain medications. I would recommend that if you are experiencing difficult side effects, that you discuss this issue directly with your doctor. There may be a different dosage of medication that the doctor can prescribe that may help with unwanted side effects or alternative medications in general that could be prescribed. By discussing these concerns directly with your doctor, this information will be reflected in your medical records.

The most important objective evidence to prove your disability is your medical records. As long as there is documentation by your medical providers regarding switching medications or discontinuing certain medications, there is no concern. As always, communication with your medical providers is extremely important in proving your claim for Social Security Disability. If you have any questions regarding applying for Social Security Disability, please contact one of our experienced attorneys at Hoglund Law.

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 Does a Vocational Expert Do?

When you are filing a claim for Social Security Disability, you are alleging that you cannot work because of your health impairments. Not only do you have to prove that you have impairments that limit your functioning, but you also have to prove that you are so limited by those impairments that you cannot work any job in the national economy.

When you actually get in front of an Administrative Law Judge, part of your hearing will include testimony from a Vocational Expert. This is someone hired by Social Security as an independent contractor, and they will provide testimony only relating to your ability to work, and whether or not there are jobs in the economy that hypothetically you could do. Some claimants feel the Vocational Expert is on the side of the Law Judge, but they are a neutral party. In close cases, the Vocational Expert’s testimony can weigh heavily in favor of approval.

The Vocational Expert classifies your prior work to help the Law Judge understand how physically or mentally demanding your previous jobs were. They may also take into consideration any accommodations you received, or if your job varied from the typical description. For example, typically a job of a cashier may require sitting for most of the day, and lifting from 10-20 pounds, but they will adjust their information to the Law Judge if at the cashier job you performed, you were on your feet all day, it required walking for more than half the day, and you would regularly lift 50-100 pounds. This information, coupled with your testimony on your functional limitations, can help the Law Judge decide whether you are physically able to return to your prior work.

Sometimes the expert will present certain jobs that fit in with the criteria the Law Judge gives. These are usually examples of jobs, with estimates of how many of those jobs are available in the city, state, region, or nationally. They are not telling you to go out and get these jobs – they are used as an example. So it’s not necessarily harming your case if the expert presents different occupations available.

Your disability attorney can help you prepare for your hearing with a vocational expert by reviewing your past work with you, and how specifically you cannot do the jobs you used to hold. This will help the attorney pose specific questions to the expert to make your case stronger, and help convince the Law Judge that you are unable to work, and thus finding you disabled under Social Security’s rules.

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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