Blog posts

What is an Adult Function Report?

Submitted by Eric on

An Adult Function Report (AFR) is a questionnaire used by the SSA to determine if you qualify for a disability benefits. The SSA requires that you complete this form so that it can be certain your disability is severe enough to make it eligible for a disability benefit.

You need to fill this in with information about your disability that states the symptoms from it will last for at least twelve months as this is the key requirement for assessing your eligibility for a disability benefit.

How Do Disability Benefits Work?

Submitted by Eric on

Disability benefits are funded through the Social Security Administration (SSA) for those who are unable to work because of a disabling condition. To qualify for Social Security disability, you must meet specific medical criteria. 

You must provide hard medical evidence and supporting documentation to back up your claim and to confirm the severity of your condition and to back up your inability to work. A disability attorney can help you maneuver the claims process.

What is a VA Disability Rating?

Submitted by rsg on

A VA Disability Rating is a percentage assigned to a disabling condition that is service-based. It is based on the severity of the medical condition. This rating percentage determines the amount of VA Disability Benefits a veteran receives for their service related conditions. The rating percentage is meant to reflect how severe the medical condition is. 

How to Document Your Disability

Submitted by rsg on

Many disability benefit claims are denied due to a lack of medical evidence. This is why documenting your disabling condition is important for your claim. The sorts of documents required by the Social Security Administration (SSA) are medical reports from your treating physician with your diagnosis, treatment and recovery time, results of tests and the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) report conducted by your physician which assesses both your physical and mental functions caused by your disability.

I Have A 100% VA Disability Rating. Can I Get Disability?

Submitted by Eric on

If you have a VA rating of 100% P&T, you may qualify for disability benefits, but you are not guaranteed benefits. VA benefits and Social Security disability benefits are both federal government programs, but both have very different requirements. Here is a closer look at qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits after having a 100% VA disability rating.

Is Everyone Denied Disability the First Time?

Submitted by rsg on

No, the SSA does not deny everyone the first time that they apply for disability benefits. However, about two-thirds of the claimants are denied the first time that they apply. You must have hard medical evidence and complete the application in detail to have your claim approved. A disability attorney can help you get your disability claim on the track for approval.

How To Apply for Disability Benefits On Behalf of a Loved One With Cancer

Submitted by rsg on

If you have a loved one who has cancer that is severe enough that he or she will be out of work for at least 12 months, they may qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). You are able to file a claim for Social Security disability benefits on their behalf just so long as you have their permission. You will need to help gather supporting medical evidence and documentation.

How The SSA Evaluates Pain In Disability Cases

Submitted by CM on

If you are unable to work because of a medical condition that causes you severe pain, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. There are two ways that the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates pain in a disability case.

First, pain is evaluated medically. The other way it is evaluated is based on the claimant’s quality of life. Here is a closer look at how pain is evaluated in a disability claim and what you can do if you are unable to work because of chronic pain.

Medical Records for Disability Hearings

Submitted by rsg on

Many disability benefit applications are rejected initially and applicants are forced to appeal these decisions. The most common reason for a denied application is that the medical records and other evidence supplied is insufficient to convince the SSA that your case for a benefit is justified.

One of the first steps in an appeal is to request a disability hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). It makes sense to ensure you have a better collection of medical records for the hearing than were supplied with the original application.

Find Out If I Qualify for Benefits!