Does My Disability Qualify Me For Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits?

We are frequently asked by potential claimants if their specific impairments qualify them for Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”). People have the impression that it is a diagnosis alone that qualifies an individual for benefits. This is not the case.

 While the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) does highlight common impairments that can be disabling to an individual in SSA’s Bluebook Listing of Impairments (see http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm), SSA is more concerned with the severity of the impairment and the limitations the impairment imposes on an individual’s ability to work. Thus, it is not the specific diagnosis that determines whether an individual will be granted disability, it is the impact that the disability has on a person’s ability to work and function.

 Frequently we receive calls from claimants asking us to determine whether they are eligible for disability. Though claimants will confirm their diagnosis over the phone with us, we must always review medical records and reports to determine whether a claimant meets SSA’s definition of disability before we can assist in filing a claim. Reviewing the medical records is the only way we can verify if a claimant’s impairment arises to the level of severity that SSA requires for SSDI. For example, cancer that responds to treatment and does not reoccur is not usually considered disabling in SSA’s eyes. However, cancer that has reached a stage 4 designation is almost always found disabling by the government.

 Got a question that you need us to answer? Please check out our website at www.westcoastdisability.com . We try to provide you with helpful information on our website that will allow you to successfully navigate the Social Security Disability process. Also, feel free to email me your questions at megan@westcoastdisability.com or call me at (800) 459-3017 x 103.

SSA Settles Discrimination Lawsuit with Disabled Employees

The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) has settled a decade long lawsuit that was filed against them by disabled SSA employees who were denied promotions throughout their tenure with SSA.  These disabled employees had made the “best qualified” promotions lists at the Administration, but were routinely passed over for promotions. The disabled workers who were passed over for warranted promotions suffered from disabilities like deafness, blindness, epilepsy, missing extremities, paralysis, and mental and psychiatric difficulties.  

 SSA has promised to overhaul their equal opportunity program. However, it is frightening that an agency responsible for administrating disability benefits would discriminate against their own disabled employees. Hopefully, the $9.98 million compensation package SSA has been saddled with will serve as a reminder that their disabled workers must be treated equally to their nondisabled peers.

 For more information on the settlement, please read: http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-eeoc-social-security-disability-20141107-story.html

 Got a question that you need us to answer? Please check out our website at www.westcoastdisability.com . We try to provide you with helpful information on our website that will allow you to successfully navigate the Social Security Disability process. Also, feel free to email me your questions at megan@westcoastdisability.com or call me at (800) 459-3017 x 103.