A Missouri federal court’s recent decision in Fields v. Commissioner of Social Security is yet another example of the perils of going it alone in a Social Security Disability claim. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denied Edward Fields’ claim for disability benefits, in which he asserted that he’s unable to work as a result of [...]

Social Security Disability cases often come down to a battle of medical experts, with a decisionmaker left to choose between competing opinions on how certain impairments impact the claimant’s ability to work. In Keith v. Commissioner of Social Security, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey explains that a Social Security Administration [...]

Many of the Social Security Disability cases we discuss on this blog concern the main issue in a disability benefits claim: whether or not the person seeking benefits can still work, despite his or her impairments. Or, in the parlance of the gatekeepers at the Social Security Administration (SSA), whether the claimant is “disabled” for [...]

As experienced Social Security Disability attorneys who have represented thousands of clients in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut in claims for disability benefits, we understand that many people are not able to work as a result of a combination of physical and mental impairments. In Jusino v. Commissioner of Social Security, the District Court [...]

SSDI lawyers in Englewood often encounter Social Security claimants who wonder if a functional capacity evaluation will be necessary to qualify for disability benefits. In the vast majority of cases, an evaluation is not necessary and would not be helpful in deciding whether or not the claimant has the capacity to do meaningful work. Usually, functional examinations [...]

Those who have filed a claim for disability benefits have most likely learned something about the process that they didn’t know before. Denials are far more common than the award of benefits. Following the often complicated procedure is essential if your appeal is to be successful. Understanding the disability hearing process can help you avoid [...]

The SSD examiner or administrative law judge might want you to submit to further medical tests so that they can obtain more information about your condition. You should not be alarmed by a request for these consultative exams as they occur regularly. The following video will further explain the procedure of applying for  Social Security [...]

Cystic fibrosis is a respiratory disease that impacts the lungs and other organs, such as the pancreas. The disease causes thick mucus to form in the lungs, which increases chances for lung infections. Many sufferers experience symptoms such as breathing difficulties, heavy coughing, high blood pressure, pulmonary hypertension, and sleep disorders. Additionally, cystic fibrosis sufferers [...]

Some medical conditions consistently limit your ability to carry out day-to-day activities. The symptoms are so severe that basic day-to-day tasks cannot be performed at all or without help. However, if you are suffering from a digestive disorder, your symptoms can fluctuate between severe and manageable days. For disability claims, this can be an issue in whether you [...]