14 Ağustos 2012 Salı
Welcome to Minnesota Social Security Disability Secrets
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Social security disability can be an imposing hurdle to the average person. FACT - A large percentage for individuals who initially file for social security disability are DENIED the first time. FACT - Many of these people give up and never try again. Fortunately MN Disability and Atkinson Law Offices can show you that the initial application is often only the first step to obtain social security disability benefits. At MN Disability we will have LOCAL MINNESOTA attorneys assist you from the the initial application through the appeal process. You won't be working with a telephone representative from across the country who likely isn't even an attorney. Your first meeting and every other meeting after that will be with a Minnesota attorney with nearly two decades of experience as an attorney working with injured and disable Minnesotans! Contact Attorney Tom Atkinson today to have him review and assist with your application OR appeal for social security disability benefits. 651-324-9514
Choosing a Social Security Disability Attorney
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Did you know that many firms and national companies don't even have an attorney representing you in your application for social security disability benefits? Often a long term disability (LTD) carrier will hire a large national chain with a representative you will NEVER meet and isn't an attorney.Most Social Security applicants (and some of these large national companies) don't understand what is required in successfully presenting their case in front of an administrative law judge. First, it is important to understand that it is normally not enough to prove that you can't work at your last job. Instead you must prove that you have a "medically determinable disability" which prevents you from engaging in any "substantial gainful employment". The word "substantial" is important because you can earn a small amount of wages and still be eligible for disability benefits. The amount is set by the Social Security Administration and can change from time to time. If you are already engaging in substantial employment, then you are not eligible to obtain disability benefits.
Secondly, there are regulations that Social Security attorneys refer to as "the Grid". The Social Security Administration recognizes different standards for claimants of different ages, levels of education and work backgrounds. Once the appropriate standards are determined, an attorney can determine whether the medical records are adequate to support the claim for disability. If not, an attorney may pose specific questions to a claimant's treating doctor(s).
Thirdly, it is important for an attorney to help his client quantify his complaints in a specific manner. A claimant may be asked, "How much can you lift". A bad answer would be "not very much". An answer like this doesn't help to describe the claimant's limitations. It should be noted that Social Security judges refer to something called "The Dictionary of Occupational Titles" for job information. This source describes the exertional requirements of all classified jobs that exist in the national economy. It is up to the claimant's attorney to prove that his client can't perform any substantial work for which he is qualified. In addition, "Social Security Judges" will often bring "vocational rehabilitation counselors" into a hearing in order to get clarifications as to the claimant's "work background", "work restrictions" and the requirements of various jobs. An attorney must be prepared to effectively challenge the vocational counselor's testimony through effective cross-examination.
Finally, Social Security Hearings are informal and usually take about an hour, although they can vary in length, depending on the judge's format and the complexity of the case. Be sure to dress appropriately, as it is important to create a favorable impression. In short, preparation is the key to winning your case, so talk to your attorney ask him what you can do to help your cause. The lawyers at MN Disability & Atkinson Law Office are ready to assist you in ALL aspects of your application from the “Initial Application” up to an including any necessary appeals. Feel free to contact attorney Tom Atkinson directly at 651-324-9514 or tom@mndisability with any questions. Also visit our web site at www.mndisability.com
Did you know that many firms and national companies don't even have an attorney representing you in your application for social security disability benefits? Often a long term disability (LTD) carrier will hire a large national chain with a representative you will NEVER meet and isn't an attorney.Most Social Security applicants (and some of these large national companies) don't understand what is required in successfully presenting their case in front of an administrative law judge. First, it is important to understand that it is normally not enough to prove that you can't work at your last job. Instead you must prove that you have a "medically determinable disability" which prevents you from engaging in any "substantial gainful employment". The word "substantial" is important because you can earn a small amount of wages and still be eligible for disability benefits. The amount is set by the Social Security Administration and can change from time to time. If you are already engaging in substantial employment, then you are not eligible to obtain disability benefits.
Secondly, there are regulations that Social Security attorneys refer to as "the Grid". The Social Security Administration recognizes different standards for claimants of different ages, levels of education and work backgrounds. Once the appropriate standards are determined, an attorney can determine whether the medical records are adequate to support the claim for disability. If not, an attorney may pose specific questions to a claimant's treating doctor(s).
Thirdly, it is important for an attorney to help his client quantify his complaints in a specific manner. A claimant may be asked, "How much can you lift". A bad answer would be "not very much". An answer like this doesn't help to describe the claimant's limitations. It should be noted that Social Security judges refer to something called "The Dictionary of Occupational Titles" for job information. This source describes the exertional requirements of all classified jobs that exist in the national economy. It is up to the claimant's attorney to prove that his client can't perform any substantial work for which he is qualified. In addition, "Social Security Judges" will often bring "vocational rehabilitation counselors" into a hearing in order to get clarifications as to the claimant's "work background", "work restrictions" and the requirements of various jobs. An attorney must be prepared to effectively challenge the vocational counselor's testimony through effective cross-examination.
Finally, Social Security Hearings are informal and usually take about an hour, although they can vary in length, depending on the judge's format and the complexity of the case. Be sure to dress appropriately, as it is important to create a favorable impression. In short, preparation is the key to winning your case, so talk to your attorney ask him what you can do to help your cause. The lawyers at MN Disability & Atkinson Law Office are ready to assist you in ALL aspects of your application from the “Initial Application” up to an including any necessary appeals. Feel free to contact attorney Tom Atkinson directly at 651-324-9514 or tom@mndisability with any questions. Also visit our web site at www.mndisability.com
Medical Evidence of Disability
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Medical evidence is the cornerstone for Social Security’s determination of your disability. A qualified Social Security Disability lawyer can explain how the benefits process works and save you time and effort.
Each person who files a disability claim is responsible for providing medical evidence showing that he or she has an impairment and how severe that impairment is. It is always best for your doctor to provide detailed records of your condition, along with an explanation of how it limits your ability to work or perform everyday tasks.
The medical evidence can also come from other “acceptable medical sources” depending on what condition has caused your impairment.
Acceptable Medical Sources
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines “acceptable medical sources” as medical professionals including:
* licensed physicians (doctors)
* licensed or certified psychologists. Included are school psychologists or other licensed or certified individuals with other titles who perform the same function as a school psychologist in a school setting, for purposes of establishing mental retardation, learning disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning only.
* licensed optometrists, for purposes of establishing visual disorders only (except, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, licensed optometrists, for the measurement of visual acuity and visual fields only)
* licensed podiatrists, for purposes of establishing impairments of the foot, or foot and ankle, depending on whether the state in which the podiatrist practices permits the practice of podiatry on the foot only, or the foot and ankle
* qualified speech-language pathologists, for purposes of establishing speech or language impairments only. For this source, “qualified” means that the speech-language pathologist must be licensed by the state professional licensing agency, or be fully certified by the state education agency in the state in which he or she practices, or hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Evidence from Treating Sources
SSA regulations place special emphasis on evidence from treating sources because they are likely to be the medical professionals most able to provide a detailed assessment of the claimant’s impairment and may bring a unique perspective to the medical evidence. Timely and accurate reports from treating sources are essential for accelerating the claims process.
Medical Evidence From Health Facilities
Social Security will also request copies of medical evidence from hospitals, clinics or other health facilities where you have been treated. All medical reports received are considered during the disability determination process.
Other Evidence
Information from other sources may also help show the extent to which a person’s impairment affects his or her ability to function in a work setting; or in the case of a child, the ability to function compared to that of children the same age who do not have impairments. Other sources can include: public and private agencies; non‑medical sources such as schools, parents and caregivers, social workers and employers; and other practitioners such as naturopaths, chiropractors and audiologists.
Each person who files a disability claim is responsible for providing medical evidence showing that he or she has an impairment and how severe that impairment is. It is always best for your doctor to provide detailed records of your condition, along with an explanation of how it limits your ability to work or perform everyday tasks.
The medical evidence can also come from other “acceptable medical sources” depending on what condition has caused your impairment.
Acceptable Medical Sources
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines “acceptable medical sources” as medical professionals including:
* licensed physicians (doctors)
* licensed or certified psychologists. Included are school psychologists or other licensed or certified individuals with other titles who perform the same function as a school psychologist in a school setting, for purposes of establishing mental retardation, learning disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning only.
* licensed optometrists, for purposes of establishing visual disorders only (except, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, licensed optometrists, for the measurement of visual acuity and visual fields only)
* licensed podiatrists, for purposes of establishing impairments of the foot, or foot and ankle, depending on whether the state in which the podiatrist practices permits the practice of podiatry on the foot only, or the foot and ankle
* qualified speech-language pathologists, for purposes of establishing speech or language impairments only. For this source, “qualified” means that the speech-language pathologist must be licensed by the state professional licensing agency, or be fully certified by the state education agency in the state in which he or she practices, or hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Evidence from Treating Sources
SSA regulations place special emphasis on evidence from treating sources because they are likely to be the medical professionals most able to provide a detailed assessment of the claimant’s impairment and may bring a unique perspective to the medical evidence. Timely and accurate reports from treating sources are essential for accelerating the claims process.
Medical Evidence From Health Facilities
Social Security will also request copies of medical evidence from hospitals, clinics or other health facilities where you have been treated. All medical reports received are considered during the disability determination process.
Other Evidence
Information from other sources may also help show the extent to which a person’s impairment affects his or her ability to function in a work setting; or in the case of a child, the ability to function compared to that of children the same age who do not have impairments. Other sources can include: public and private agencies; non‑medical sources such as schools, parents and caregivers, social workers and employers; and other practitioners such as naturopaths, chiropractors and audiologists.
De Quervain's Tendonitis
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Formally known as first dorsal tendonitis, de Quervain's tendonitis is caused when the tendons at the thumb's base become irritated, usually as a result of a new repetitive activity. It is a frequent complaint from new mothers, who need to care for their babies with awkward hand positions they are not familiar with. Furthermore, changes in hormone levels from pregnancy and nursing add to the possibility of the condition showing up in new mothers.
A change to the way the wrist normally works and moves because of a fracture or severe strain can also trigger de Quervain's tendonitis because of the new and unusual stress the tendons may incur.
The main symptom of de Quervain's tendonitis is pain in the side of the wrist near the thumb. The pain might show up either suddenly or over time, but is felt in the wrist's first dorsal compartment. The pain can run up the forearm or down into the thumb. Moving the hand or thumb makes it worse, especially if they are twisted or used to hold onto something firmly.
The base of the thumb may become swollen and a cyst filled with fluid may even appear. The thumb, when moved, may sometimes catch or pop, and it may be hard to pinch. The nerve that lies on top of the tendon's sheath or tunnel may also become irritated and cause the index finger and back of the thumb to become numb.
Your hand surgeon will carefully examine your hand and wrist for signs of de Quervain's tendonitis and check if the tendons at the base of the thumb are tender. To test for it, you may be asked to make a fist with your thumb inside your fingers and your hand surgeon may then try to gently bend your fist toward your little finger. If you have de Quervain's tendonitis, this movement will cause pain.
Your hand surgeon will treat the condition so that your pain is removed or lessened by reducing the irritation and swelling in the affected tendons. Your hand doctor may suggest that you wear a splint to rest your thumb and wrist and may recommend some anti-inflammatory medications. Sometimes the inflammation can be relieved by a shot of cortisone or other steroid, and any of these treatments can reduce the swelling and pain. Changing or eliminating the motions that cause the pain can also get rid of them.
If the symptoms are very severe or the treatments tried so far don't work, surgery can often help. During the surgery, your hand surgeon will open up the compartment to give the inflamed tendons more room to move. This procedure eliminates the inflamed tendons swelling even further, which in turn increases the inflammation, and so on. Following the surgery, a splint may be suggested, but once comfort and strength have returned, normal hand, wrist, and thumb function will come back.
| The condition known as de Quervain's tendonitis, or tenosynovitis, results from the tendons at the base of the thumb becoming irritated or inflamed. When the tendon gets inflamed, the tunnel that surrounds it swells, and it becomes painful to move the thumb or wrist. Those who suffer from de Quervain's tendonitis feel pain when they hold things or try to form a fist. |
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| Causes of De Quervain's Tendonitis |
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A change to the way the wrist normally works and moves because of a fracture or severe strain can also trigger de Quervain's tendonitis because of the new and unusual stress the tendons may incur.
| Signs & Symptoms |
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The base of the thumb may become swollen and a cyst filled with fluid may even appear. The thumb, when moved, may sometimes catch or pop, and it may be hard to pinch. The nerve that lies on top of the tendon's sheath or tunnel may also become irritated and cause the index finger and back of the thumb to become numb.
| Diagnosis of Tendonitis |
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| Non-Surgical & Surgical Treatments |
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If the symptoms are very severe or the treatments tried so far don't work, surgery can often help. During the surgery, your hand surgeon will open up the compartment to give the inflamed tendons more room to move. This procedure eliminates the inflamed tendons swelling even further, which in turn increases the inflammation, and so on. Following the surgery, a splint may be suggested, but once comfort and strength have returned, normal hand, wrist, and thumb function will come back.
Minnesota Social Security Disability Lawyers. I'm Confused, Who Should I Choose?
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Your doctor, family members or even you have come to realization that you may never be able to return to work due to a serious injury or illness. For years you have been unknowingly paying FICA "insurance" to protect you should health conditions prevent you from continuing to work. YES we all have this deducted from our paychecks without even knowing it in most cases. Please try not to be embarrassed because nobody in our office will shame you for your difficulties. Instead contact an experienced Minnesota social security disability attorney with Minnesota Disability.
Our social security disability lawyers are experienced in helping individuals plead their disability cases and can help steer your application in the right direction regardless of whether you have never applied for benefits or even if your claim has been denied. The attorneys at Minnesota Disability are licensed and experienced lawyers rather than merely representatives. We promise to speak honestly with you about whether you claim has a high probability of success. Don't fall for disability mills that advertise on daytime or evening TV and who take just about ever application that comes their way regardless of the merits. We have a very high success rate because we provide one on one attention to every disability claim in our office. Contact our office today to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our lawyers. We represent individuals throughout Minnesota and in all neighboring states. Please visit us at www.mndisability.com or call today at 651-332-8717.
Our social security disability lawyers are experienced in helping individuals plead their disability cases and can help steer your application in the right direction regardless of whether you have never applied for benefits or even if your claim has been denied. The attorneys at Minnesota Disability are licensed and experienced lawyers rather than merely representatives. We promise to speak honestly with you about whether you claim has a high probability of success. Don't fall for disability mills that advertise on daytime or evening TV and who take just about ever application that comes their way regardless of the merits. We have a very high success rate because we provide one on one attention to every disability claim in our office. Contact our office today to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our lawyers. We represent individuals throughout Minnesota and in all neighboring states. Please visit us at www.mndisability.com or call today at 651-332-8717.
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