Representative Allen West has been known to say some outlandish things in the past, but his most recent comment that has left millions reeling with awe has to do with Social Security Disability benefits. According to West, it appears that Social Security Disability is a form of “slavery”. Why is it a form of slavery according to West? Because it creates economic dependence on the government.
Some disabilities are readily apparent to the untrained eye. Others, however, are not so visible. Many people who seem perfectly “normal” can suffer from debilitating disabilities that make it nearly impossible to work. These people often suffer in silence, with very few understanding the nature or extent of their condition. Such is the nature of mental illness. Fortunately, many of the people who suffer from mental illnesses can qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if their condition prevents them from maintaining full-time work activity.
It is no secret that approval and denial rates vary from one administrative law judge to another in the Social Security Administration (SSA). Not too long ago there was commotion involving an administrative law judge who had a recent approval rate of nearly 100 percent. There are, however, situations in which an administrative law judge leans towards the other end of the spectrum with extremely high denial rates, as is the case with one administrative law judge hearing Social Security Disability cases in Richmond, Virginia.
When it comes to proving a Social Security Disability claim, the key in obtaining an approval is providing the SSA with enough evidence to support the severity of your disability and how it interferes with your ability to work. Oftentimes applicants turn to medical records and statements from their treating physicians in order to qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). There is, however, one resource that is commonly overlooked when it comes to gathering supporting evidence and that resource is an applicant’s former employer.
In June of this year, more than 8.7 million individuals received Social Security Disability benefits with an average benefit payment of $1,111.42. The increase in individuals who are now receiving disability benefits reflects the change in the number of Americans who are actually employed in the United States – a number that has been shrinking steadily over the past 20 years.
While not everyone finds themselves in a situation in which they are entitled to past due Social Security Disability benefits, many disability applicants who must endure the lengthy and complex disability appeal process are indeed entitled to past due benefits once their disability claims have been approved. This is due to the fact that the Social Security Administration (SSA), upon finding the person disabled, must pay that individual for benefits for the time that it took them to appeal the SSA’s denial of their initial disability claim.
Myasthenia Gravis (MG), a condition which affects roughly one in 5,000 Americans, is an autoimmune disease which causes the body’s immune system to essentially attack the body rather than fight disease. Its effects on a person’s life can range from relatively mild to severely debilitating. The cause is currently unknown.
Once you have been approved for Social Security Disability benefits, you can expect to have a continuing review periodically. Depending on the severity of your medical condition and the perceived likelihood that you will eventually be able to eventually return to work, this review could take place every year, or every few years. Typically, continuing disability reviews take place every three years (though this can vary considerably).
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently confirmed that it will be reviewing the way it handles Social Security disability claims based on neurological disorders. Currently, neurological disorders account for only 9% of all disability claims approved. The SSA is looking into the possible reasons why the percentage of approved disability claims is this low for neurological disorders.
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) officials handling your claim don’t feel that there is sufficient medical evidence to approve your claim, or if they feel they need to confirm the existing evidence, you may be required to attend a consultative examination. These examinations are performed by third party doctors, mental health professionals, and other qualified individuals. The doctor does not work for you, nor does he (at least in theory) work directly for the SSA.
