An RFC is important at several stages of the 5 step sequential evaluation process, but let’s start with a definition. RFC stands for residual functional capacity, and is an individual’s maximum remaining ability to perform sustained work on a regular and continuing basis. In other words, what can the person do 8 hours a day,… Read more »
Categorized: SSDI
Congressional Testimony by the Honorable D. Randall Fry, President of the Association of Administration Law Judges.
Click this link for Congressional Testimony by the Honorable D. Randall Fry, President of the Association of Administration Law Judges. He makes some more than fair points: noting the immensely short time judges have to review cases that are often hundreds of pages long, and that Administrative Law Judges have to do an immense balancing act… Read more »
Huntington’s Disease Added to Compassionate Allowance List
At present there are 113 medical conditions that qualify for ‘compassionate allowance’ status; an additional 52 conditions will be added in August 2013. Compassionate Allowances (CAL) include medication conditions that Social Security purportedly identifies and targets early in the process for expedited processing. The full list of conditions can be found here, and it includes… Read more »
Can I work and apply for Social Security disability at the same time?
Try going the better part of two years without the ability to earn a living and having no income to speak of. Many times this is exactly what someone who is going through the Social Security process is faced with. Because it can take a long time before an applicant is approved for Social Security… Read more »
“Slaves” Respond to Allen West
A couple of thoughtful responses to Congressman Allen West’s controversial comments that Social Security is akin to modern-day slavery can be found here and here.
Ask a Case Manager: I lost at my hearing! What are my options now?
If you are denied at the hearing level you will receive a Notice of Decision – Unfavorable from the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). If you receive a Notice of Decision – Unfavorable you have two options: one is to file an appeal with the Appeals Council or to… Read more »
Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment
Medical evidence is a cornerstone in proving a Social Security disability claim. However, some individuals are sometimes not able to receive the necessary treatment due to various factors including lack of medical insurance or other economic barriers. Social Security Ruling 82-59 addresses the issue of failure to follow prescribed treatment. The ruling states in pertinent… Read more »
25 Years of back-pay
CASE NOTE Client, a disabled veteran, filed for Social Security disability benefits in 1978 and his claim was denied. He filed a second claim in 1980 and was again denied. Client contacted us 20 years later seeking assistance in filing a new claim. Because he had not worked in over 25 years, his eligibility for… Read more »
