Georgia Disability Lawyer Blog

Research Investigates Ways to Limit Effects of Stroke

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 22:14:06 -0500

New research being conducted by researchers at the University of Connecticut Health Center is focusing on strategies to prevent the catastrophic effects of stroke. As any Atlanta disability lawyer knows, in most cases of stroke, the person does not die immediately, but may suffer from catastrophic consequences that can have a devastating impact on the rest of his life.

In many cases, persons with stroke are left with severe physical and mental disabilities that even prevent them from being able to care for themselves, or perform routine tasks every day. In many cases, patients need long-term and even lifelong assistance, because they lose their ability to move their limbs for minor functions. In some cases, patients are not even able to get themselves out of bed.

Another major effect of stroke is the effect on speech centers in the brain. Many patients who have suffered a stroke cannot speak any more, and others who have suffered a stroke may have slurred speech. What is worse is that the number of people who suffer and survive a stroke is expected to grow with an increase in the senior population in the country.

The researchers focused on survivors who suffer from ischemic stroke, which is the most common form of stroke. According to the researchers, when tissue plasminogen activator medication is administered soon after the stroke, the chances of a complete recovery are much greater, and the risks of catastrophic side effects after the stroke drop substantially.

However, across the country, only between 5 % and 8% of patients who suffer from a stroke receive such tissue plasminogen activator therapy. Expansion of this therapy to large sections of the population could help reduce the debilitating effects of stroke.

Persons Who Suffer Chronic Back Pain Have Higher Suicide Risk

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 22:08:49 -0500

Persons who suffer from chronic back pain and migraines may be at a much higher risk of suicidal thoughts and fantasies. According to the results of a new study that was recently published in JAMA Psychiatry, doctors treating patients who suffer from chronic pain or migraines must be aware of the link between back pain and suicide.

The study was based on an analysis of more than 4.8 million veterans treated by the US Veterans Health Administration in 2005. Veterans, who suffer from chronic back pain, were tracked by researchers over three years, to determine whether there was a higher association with suicide.

They found that overall a higher suicide risk was linked to migraines, headaches, neuropathy, back pain, fibromyalgia and psychogenic pain. They found that all these conditions were linked to a high rate of suicide.

However, when they also considered the mental health problems that some of these patients faced, they found that three conditions-chronic pain, migraines and psychogenic pain - seemed to have a much stronger association with suicide.

According to the researchers, it is not so surprising that chronic back pain is linked to a strong risk of suicide. People who suffer from chronic back pain, often struggle with debilitating pain that sometimes makes it difficult for them to even get out of bed. Such pain can severely affect their ability to live a normal, ability to work and earn a living, as well as their social lives. In many cases when the person is dealing with all of these changes in his life as a result of his pain, he finds the pain simply interferes with his ability to go on.

Disability Linked to Food Insecurity

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:57:11 -0500

A new study links disability in a household with food insecurity or insufficient quantities of food for a household. In 2011, according to estimates, close to 15 percent of families found it difficult to meet their daily food needs. The number one reason for this is that these households lack the financial resources to buy sufficient food. Two converging problems exist: the high cost of food as well as low income. A disability may affect an entire family's ability to purchase food.

US Department Of Agriculture research indicates that a household that has an adult person who can no longer work because of disability is much more likely to face food insecurity.

When a person has a serious disability, it affects not just the disabled person's ability to earn a living, but also the ability of other members of his or her family's ability to earn a living as well. For instance, when a person suffers from a serious injury that requires long-term care, he has minimal chance of returning to work, and finding employment again. That means no income. This is a severe financial strain on the family. However, another member of his family, like a spouse or child, may also be required to care for him, and this impacts the family member's ability to go out and earn a living.

Besides the lack of income, these households may also struggle with the expenses associated with a disability. For example, a person who has lost the use of his lower limbs and is paralyzed may need special equipment like a wheelchair to perform his daily routine. Unfortunately, as the chart below shows, many of these homes are in our state of Georgia.

Researchers Identify Early Warning Signs of Arthritis

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:16:21 -0500

Persons who suffer from osteoarthritis can be eligible for Social Security disability benefits if they can show that their symptoms are severe enough. For example, you may be eligible if you are unable to walk, stand for long periods of time, and have severe back problems.

Osteoarthritis is a condition, in which there is stiffness and swelling in the joints, severe pain, and muscular weakness. The person may also suffer from reduced range of motion in the joints, restricting movement.

According to new research, cartilage damage can help identify the earliest stages of osteoarthritis. The study was conducted by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, who developed a technique that identifies changes that occur in cartilage, after a person engages in high-risk activities like running and jumping.

During the early stages of osteoarthritis, the cartilage, which is the rubbery tissue that keeps bones from rubbing against each other, suffers from a reduced ability to resist impact. Researchers found that such cartilage damage was an early sign of osteoarthritis, and in this early stage of the disease, there was a reduced ability of the tissue or cartilage to resist high-load activities, like jumping or running.

Approximately 1/3rd of older adults in the United States are believed to suffer from osteoarthritis. Broadly, to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, it is important to show that your condition makes it impossible for you to perform routine activities like walking, standing, pushing, pulling, carrying, handling, and bending.

For example, people who suffer from osteoarthritis are typically limited in the way that they can use their arms and hands, and have problems with standing and walking. These impairments could make you eligible for benefits.

Reasons for Spike in Social Security Disability Claims

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:18:06 -0500

You don't have to be a Social Security disability benefits lawyer, or an SSD applicant to know that disability claims across the country have skyrocketed. CNN recently ran a report on the reasons why these claims have been increasing the way they have.

According to the Department Of Veterans Affairs, the number of disability claims filed by veterans has increased by 28% since 2008 alone. The CNN report blames the recession as well as the economic downtown that kicked off in 2008 and 2009, as the major reason why there has been an increase in these claims. Back during the 2001 recession, the same trend was seen, and disability claims increased by 13% in that year. In 2009, during the recession, claims increased by 21%.

Critics have tried to blame the increasing number of disability claims on laziness, and people applying for disability payments, instead of finding jobs. However, the fact of the matter, as any lawyer will tell you, is that so many people want to work, but are physically unable to do so. When jobs are scarce, people with any type of disability are usually the least likely to be hired. Also, as businesses scale back, a worker who needs an accommodation to keep his/her job may be the first to be let go.

The senior citizen population in the country has increased by approximately 8% since 2003, and this section of the population is already at a much higher risk of disability-related issues. The majority of disability claimants are in their fifties, a time period when decades of labor-intensive jobs and chronic conditions take their toll.

Advances in medical technology have enabled citizens to work longer and stay in the workforce longer. However, over time, even these advances cannot stall the inevitable. Medical advances have also benefited injured veterans, now returning home after a decade of war. These advances have improved the life-span prospects for trauma survivors. However, many cannot return to the work they have done in the past.

Finally, a decade of war has directly impacted the numbers of young men and women re-entering the workforce or returning home with long-term disabilities. Many veterans have returned with post-traumatic stress disorder which greatly impacts their ability to work in any environment.

Naturally, many are concerned about the solvency of the Social Security disability program. While shortfalls may be expected, the program is not insolvent has been alleged in the media. In fact, disability is funded through payroll deductions, not through the general tax program. Hence, the disability program is not adding to the federal deficit. As the economy recovers from a short period of recession, the disability trust fund will regain lost ground.

Women's Pain More Likely to Be Ignored

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:45:16 -0500

Women, who suffer from pain as a result of some kind of medical condition or disability, are much more likely to have their reports of pain dismissed. This is even though women may actually be more likely to suffer from pain due to physiological and other causes.

Doctors have known for very long now that women and men vary greatly in the way that they respond to certain drugs, and even the way that they feel pain. Women have hormonal cycles that determine their level of tolerance to pain. Their organs are smaller, and their bodies are made up of a much higher body fat composition, which means that drugs affect their bodies differently.

These differences are even more acute for those women who live with chronic pain across the country. As many as 25% of Americans suffer from chronic pain, and a significant proportion of those Americans are believed to be women. There are millions of women who currently live with symptoms of chronic pain, and many of them are on Social Security disability benefits.

In fact, according to one study, women actually have a higher risk of developing conditions that result in chronic pain, like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and even chronic fatigue syndrome. They're much more likely to suffer from these conditions than men.

Studies have found however, that women are not as likely to receive aggressive treatment for their pain, compared to men, even after a diagnosis. They are also much more likely to have their pain perceived as being "emotional" and therefore not deserving of any "real" treatment. Such bias against women can also very likely affect the processing of their Social Security disability claim.

Social Security Administration Increases Administrative Law Judges

Wed, 01 May 2013 10:33:17 -0500

As of December 2012, the Social Security Administration had 1,566 administrative law judges on its roster. That is a few judges more than the initially stated goal of more than 1500 judges. In 2009, the Social Security Administration had a severe shortage of administrative law judges, with just 1000 judges.

The increased number of administrative law judges who are now available to hear Social Security disability hearings will definitely have an impact on the speed with which claims can be processed. The Social Security Administration is currently dealing with a major backlog of claims, and the average claim can take months to be processed. Increasing the number of judges is just one way in which some of that backlog pressure can be released.

However, it's far too early to expect any improvement in the speeding up of claims processing. The Social Security Administration's ability to retain the administrative law judges that it currently has might be hampered by federal budgetary restrictions.

The Social Security Disability Insurance program is meant to provide regular monthly benefits to people who are aged 65 and above. In order to be eligible for disability benefits, you must no longer be working, and must no longer be capable of earning an income because of a severe disability. The medical condition should have lasted for a minimum of 12 months, or should be expected to last for at least 12 months.

Unfortunately, the numbers of people who actually meet the criteria for Social Security disability benefits often find that their claims are delayed, and even denied in some cases. In such cases, it's important to speak with an attorney about your rights.

Presenting a strong case for disability benefits before an administrative law judge requires more than just knowing the procedures. It requires meticulous preparation, collection of all relevant documents, and careful planning so that you can present a solid case.

Experts Believe Number of Americans with Alzheimer's Will Soon Triple

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:20:03 -0500

A new estimate indicates that the number of Americans who suffer from Alzheimer's disease could triple over the next 4 decades, if there is no progress made in treatment soon. Any Social Security disability attorney would also be very concerned about the implications for these patients, considering the slowness with which disability claims are currently processed by the Social Security Administration.

Fortunately, The Social Security Administration recently added early onset/younger onset Alzheimer's disease to its Compassionate Allowances program, which means that people who suffer from these conditions could have their Social Security Disability Insurance claim processed quicker.

The new estimates were reported in the journal Neurology, and researchers say that by the year 2050, there will be at least 40 million Americans who suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, which normally affects senior citizens, and results in symptoms like cognitive deterioration, mental impairment, and a progressive loss of memory.

Progress in the treatment of the disease however has been exceedingly slow. In fact, according to the report, if there is no progress in treating the disease soon, then the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease could triple.

Currently, there are several medications that have been approved for the treatment of the disease, but they work for a limited amount of time. In some people, these medications may have no effect at all. Some researchers believe that medications might be much more effective, if provided to patients during the early stages of the disease.

If you or someone you know has begun to suffer symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer's, get in touch with an attorney to understand your rights to Social Security Disability benefits.

People with Mental Disability More Likely to Be Victims of Violence

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:11:34 -0500

Contrary to the picture of a person with mental or psychological disabilities that has been painted by the media in the wake of the recent school shootings in America, the fact remains that people who suffer from mental disabilities are much more likely to be victims of violence, than perpetrators. According to World Report on Disability, violence is the number one cause of morbidity among disabled people.

The researchers analyzed data between 2009 and 2010 in the United Kingdom, and estimated the chances that a person, who suffers from physical or mental disabilities, would experience violence including sexual, domestic, physical and non-domestic violence.

The research found that people who suffer from a mental disability are much more likely to be victims of violence, and not perpetrators of violence. The report also found that persons who suffered from disability, suffered severe psychological impact after suffering violence. These people were deeply traumatized, and not surprisingly, also sustained a much higher economic burden after the violence.

Overall, the researchers have concluded that compared to people who do not have a disability, persons who have a mental illness had odds of suffering violence that were threefold greater. In the case of people who suffered from physical disability, the odds of being victims of violence was twofold higher.

The research also found that people who suffered from a physical or mental disability were twice as likely to experience deep emotional suffering and conflict, following the violent attacks, compared to victims without any disability.

People who suffer from a mental disability have as much right to Social Security benefits as people who suffer from a physical disability. These mental disabilities can include obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and other mental conditions.

How Social Security Evaluates Your Claim

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:58:36 -0500

For many Atlantans with a disability who file for Social Security disability benefits, the workings of the Social Security Administration can often be a mystery. The Administration does reject a large number of claims every year, and an applicant can often be left wondering at the procedures that are followed in the processing of claims.
When you file for Social Security disability benefits, the Social Security Administration will kick off the process of evaluating your claim to determine whether you're eligible for benefits. This is a long, arduous and complicated process.

First of all, the agency will determine whether you are working too much to actually be eligible for benefits. This is one of those cases, where if you're working and earning an income, it could actually hinder your claim.

The Administration will also determine the severity of your medical condition. Just because you believe that your condition is extremely severe, and that you qualify for benefits, doesn't mean that the agency will believe the same. Your illness or medical condition must not only meet the criteria defined by the Social Security Administration, but must also be included in the list of conditions that is eligible for Social Security benefits.

Just because your symptoms do not meet any of the conditions or impairments that are listed by Social Security Administration, does not automatically disqualify you for benefits. A Social Security disability benefits lawyer can prove that your symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of a condition already on the list.

The Social Security Administration will also evaluate if you're currently capable of performing the work that you were performing before you applied for the benefits, as well as any other work that you can possibly perform to gain an income.

All of these are extremely complicated procedures, and can take months to complete. A disability attorney can help you navigate the complicated process

Multiple Sclerosis and Social Security Disability Benefits

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 21:05:01 -0500

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by a general progression of symptoms. Over time, symptoms which typically affect the brain, the spinal cord and the central nervous system, will worsen making it impossible to perform even daily routine functions.

It can be a challenge for a person who has multiple sclerosis to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. To qualify for benefits, it is important that your condition have lasted for 12 months or is expected to last for 12 months.

This can be easier to calculate for other conditions, but when a patient suffers from multiple sclerosis, it can become much more complicated because people who suffer from multiple sclerosis typically have periods during which they have no symptoms of the disorder at all, interspersed with relapses or periods of sickness. Additionally, the periods of sickness differ in intensity and severity.

However, a person who suffers from severe multiple sclerosis, or an advanced stage of the condition, may have a much better chance of getting disability benefits approved. For instance, a person who has difficulty walking, using hands, suffer from partial paralysis of the limbs, tremors, or memory loss, or has decreasing vision, may be eligible for benefits under Social Security.

However, just because the disorder is characterized by these periods of seeming wellness interspersed with periods of sickness, doesn't mean that you have no shot at disability benefits. Social Security does recognize that the disorder is episodic in nature, and SSA will evaluate other factors, including the lengths of the intervals between your episodes to evaluate your claim.

Qualifying For Social Security Disability Benefits after Parkinson's disease

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:50:19 -0500

Often, Atlanta disability benefits lawyers come across persons who suffer from symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and want to know if they are eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease, which means that the symptoms get progressively worse over a period of time. The most commonly known symptoms of Parkinson's disease are tremors and shaking, but there are a number of other symptoms that can also worsen as the disease progresses. For Instance, the person may suffer from muscular stiffness, difficulty in coordination, difficultly balancing, slow movements, and slurred speech. As the disease progresses, the person may even suffer from dementia.

The symptoms may seem minor during the beginning stages of the disease, but will get progressively worse, and can dramatically impact the person's ability to earn an income.

Persons who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. However, just because Parkinson's disease has a lot of exposure in the media because of the celebrities who suffer from Parkinson's disease, that does not enhance the validity of a Social Security benefits claim. You have to be able to prove that your disease has significantly hampered your potential to earn an income, because it results in extreme tremors, prolonged difficulties in walking and other symptoms.

In order to be eligible for a claim for Social Security disability benefits, you must have a proper understanding of your symptoms, relative to your diagnosis. Your Social Security disability benefits lawyer should be able to prove that the symptoms are disabling, and that they hamper your ability to work and earn an income.

Lisa Siegel is a Social Security disability lawyer, helping persons with disabilities in the metro Atlanta region recover their rightful disability benefits. If you are eligible for Social Security, and have had a claim denied, speak with Lisa to learn your rights.

Social Security and Myasthenia Gravis

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:45:25 -0500

Imagine a condition that leads to symptoms like slurred speech and weakened muscles, double vision, with symptoms only worsening with an increase in activity. A condition like this is called myasthenia gravis, and it is believed to affect thousands of Americans.

This is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that mainly affects the voluntary muscles of the body. Persons who suffer from myasthenia gravis suffer from a number of common symptoms that include drooping eyelids, slurred speech, double vision, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in chewing, muscular weakness, weakness in the arms and legs, chronic muscular fatigue, inability to make facial expressions, problems in talking and even respiratory difficulties.

With a combination of these symptoms, it is not so surprising that a person who suffers from myasthenia gravis quickly finds that his ability to work and earn an income is dramatically reduced.

If you or someone you know suffers from symptoms of myasthenia gravis, it is a relief to know that the Social Security Administration does recognize this condition as one that is eligible for Social Security benefits. However, the Social Security Administration does have a few requirements, for myasthenia gravis to be eligible for benefits. For instance, the person must suffer from a number of specific symptoms that include respiratory difficulties, swallowing difficulties or significant weakness in the body's extremities. If these guidelines are met, then the person may be eligible for benefits.

If you suffer from myasthenia gravis, medical documentation should be able to prove to the Social Security Administration that you're eligible for disability benefits. However, even if you do not have the necessary medical documentation, you could still be eligible for benefits. Speak with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer to learn about your rights.

Survivors of Stroke Have Higher Risk of Suicidal Thoughts

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:36:37 -0500

According to new research, persons who have suffered a stroke have a much higher risk of suffering suicidal thoughts. The study was presented recently at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference. The report presented found that nearly 8% of stroke survivors had suicidal thoughts or suicidal fantasies.

There are currently about 6.2 million survivors of stroke living inside the United States. According to earlier research, a significant number of these survivors do experience depression after the stroke. In fact, earlier studies have found that as many as one third of persons who have suffered a stroke suffer from symptoms of depression after a stroke, and the depression automatically leads to poorer outcomes for these patients.

However, this is the first time that research has actually focused on the risk of suicidal thoughts and suicidal fantasies among stroke survivors. The main aim of the study was to determine exactly how many survivors seriously contemplate suicide.

What any Georgia Social Security disability benefits lawyer will find very distressing is that the risk of suicidal thoughts among stroke survivors is much higher than survivors of cancer, or survivors of heart attack. Additionally, stroke survivors who struggle with feelings of depression are much more likely to have suicidal thoughts.

Persons who have suffered a stroke may also be eligible for Social Security benefits. However, you may not be eligible for benefits as soon as the stroke occurs, because the Social Security Administration typically defers these cases. It does this, because in the case of a stroke, the long-term implications or the potential health effects of the stroke are not evident for several weeks, or even months after the stroke has occurred.

Social Security's New Personalized Online Account Services

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:02:16 -0500

The Social Security Administration recently announced the expansion of services available to applicants who have a my Social Security account. This is a personalized account that persons can use to log in online, and track their activity right from the time that they began working, to the time that they received Social Security benefits.

The Social Security Administration estimates that more than 60 million beneficiaries as well as supplementary beneficiaries like family members are now accessing their account information online. The account can also be used to make important changes like changing addresses.

The agency has announced a number of new services that have been attached to the my Social Security account service. For example, with the new service, people can conduct business with Social Security Administration without having to make a telephone call, or visit the office, or wait for a Social Security letter to arrive in the mail. People can simply log on to Social Security from a smart phone or computer, without having to leave their home.

According to the Social Security Administration, it is currently also working on other ways that it can increase efficiency to benefit applicants. Even more importantly, the expanded use of personalized online accounts will free Social Security employees from frequent interactions with applicants to focus on other duties.

Anybody who is above the age of 18 can sign up for a my Social Security account. Users are required to submit their personal information when they sign up for their personal account.