Due to the high volume of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications that cross the desk of the Social Security Administration (SSA), disability claimants often must wait a substantial amount of time for a decision on their claim.

Those who have already faced denials during the initial application and reconsideration process now await an appeals hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ). The good news is that the majority of disability claims are won at this level.

Claimants who apply for financial assistance from the Social Security Administration (SSA) due to a disability may receive a notice to appear at a consultative exam, or CE. A consultative exam is typically requested when there is insufficient medical evidence in your file to determine the existence or severity of a disability. A CE might be required if your treating physician has not thoroughly documented your health condition, if your doctor has not responded to information requests, or if you have not been seen by a medical provider for a considerable amount of time.

The moment that an individual is unable to do a substantial amount of work as a result of a health condition, he or she should apply for Social Security disability benefits. As a result of the high number of disability applicants, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a backlog of cases, often resulting in substantial wait times. The sooner that an individual applies for financial assistance from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, the quicker their application will begin to be processed.

Each year over 133,000 Americans die as a result of a stroke injury. What makes this number so devastating is that the vast majority of strokes are preventable. Strokes are the leading cause of disability in the United States.

Depending on the type and severity, it’s entirely possible that individuals who have experienced a stroke are no longer able to work. If this is the case for you, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

If you have applied for Social Security Disability and have been denied, you have the right to appeal the Social Security Administration’s decision. The first step of the appeal process is to request a reconsideration. The claimant will receive a new ruling by someone who had no part in the first decision. Should you still disagree with the decision, you have the right to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

Over 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that occurs in the mouth, sinuses, or throat. While anyone can develop oral cancer, the risk is much higher for those who use tobacco or drink excessive alcohol.

The Social Security disability application process can be overwhelming, especially during a time that your health is suffering. While you are not required to hire a lawyer who specializes in Social Security disability cases, you will likely find it to be extremely beneficial.

A Social Security disability attorney has experience dealing with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, as a result, is very skilled at handling the various issues that may arise throughout the application process.

If you become disabled, you may be covered by a long-term disability (LTD) insurance plan. Long-term disability is an insurance policy that protects individuals from loss of income when they are unable to work due to an injury or an illness. Sometimes described as “income replacement,” long-term disability typically goes into effect after short-term disability has been exhausted.

Unlike many privately-held insurance companies, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a stringent definition of disability. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) awards are not given to individuals who are temporarily disabled or expected to make a recovery.

Social Security Disability claims are won or lost on medical evidence. Your ability to provide timely and accurate medical documentation to the Social Security Administration (SSA) may make the difference between winning your claim or losing it. Therefore, it is critical that you ensure that all of your medical records are submitted for your Social Security claim.

While you do not have to submit all of your medical records personally, there are definite steps that you can take to help guarantee that all of your medical evidence arrives and makes it into your case record.