Although you are not required to hire an attorney at any point during the Social Security Disability application process, we advise you to retain the services of an attorney prior to submitting your initial application.

What to Know About the Initial Application Process

Many applicants are under the impression that applying for disability benefits is as simple as filling out a few forms. Unfortunately this isn’t the case. The initial application process requires extensive paperwork, medical records, and personal information.

In order to obtain Social Security Disability benefits, you must qualify under the very stringent guidelines the Social Security Administration has put forth.

The good news is that the process has improved over time and you can more easily navigate through it to better understand your qualifications even before you apply.

The Social Security Administration requires you to meet the specific qualifications and requirements under law, not necessarily if you believe you are disabled or even if your doctor labels you as disabled.

More than 40% of deaths in the United States are caused from heart disease, a statistic which far outnumbers that of other dreaded diseases, including all of the forms of cancer combined.

Because of that, let's take a closer look at this this serious group of diseases to gain new understanding about their causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention.

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is another term for cardiovascular disease, or diseases which affect the cardiovascular system including the heart and its network of arteries, veins and capillaries.

Whether you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the length of the process varies from person to person depending on where they live and the severity of their condition.

For example, those with serious illnesses could be eligible under the Compassionate Allowance Initiative, which drastically reduces the waiting time. Unfortunately, it is also possible for an individual to have their claim rejected, forcing them to appear at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

If you are unable to work due to illness or injury for a year or more, you may consider applying for Social Security Disability benefits. The unfortunate reality is that the large majority (over 70%) of those who apply for these benefits have their claims denied, even after paying into the Social Security system for many years.

Although some of these disabled workers may be approved for benefits at a later stage in the appeals process, this can involve a long, stressful wait.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common health problem which affects nearly a quarter of the United States’ population. The condition often goes undiagnosed. It is also misdiagnosed often. Studies show than about half of the doctor visits in the U.S .for gastrointestinal complaints involve IBS.

If you have applied for Social Security Disability and have been denied during the initial or secondary reviews, then you’ll need to appeal the determination. This means your case will be reviewed by an administrative law judge and you’ll be required to testify at the disability hearing.

For most people, this is quite the intimidating prospect. After all, a lot hinges on the judge’s decision. Knowing what to expect, including the kinds of questions you’ll need to answer, can calm your nerves a bit and allow you to better prepare for testifying.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that results in damage to the optic nerve, and eventually causes permanent blindness. An estimated 3 million Americans currently have glaucoma, and around half of them aren’t aware of it - as up to 40% of vision can be lost before symptoms are present.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the U.S., and the overall leading cause worldwide. African Americans, Latinos, diabetics, and those who are middle-aged or elderly have a greater chance of experiencing glaucoma.

Arthritis can be a very painful and debilitating condition to live with. While the severity of arthritis will vary on a case-by-case basis, many people who suffer from the condition are unable to work because of the pain and limited movement that rheumatoid arthritis can cause.

Anyone who has suffered from the disabling condition understands that arthritis can cause agonizing pain. Some people who suffer from arthritis are unable to get out of bed when the flare-ups are at their worst, let alone manage to make it to work and function on a day-to-day basis.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Over 13,000 women in the U.S. were effected with cervical cancer in 2018, and around 41000 lost their lives to it. Cancer of the cervix (the part of the uterus that joins with the vagina) is the second most common cancer affecting women worldwide, and those under the age of 50 are most at risk.