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.
In October of 2011, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced the addition of thirteen new conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list. One of those conditions was ALS, also known as Parkinsonism Dementia Complex.
The SSA's Compassionate Allowances list communicated what medical conditions automatically qualify for disability.
When you’re filing a Social Security disability claim, you need to be careful about what you say and who you say it to. You especially need to be careful about information that ends up on the Internet. All it takes is one picture of you on the golf course or ball diamond to shoot holes in your disability claim.
Tennessee Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Gerald Krasfur has long been known as the ALJ you want handling your disability hearing. He is widely known for approving the majority of appeals that come before him.
Unfortunately for those currently appealing denials of Social Security benefits in Mid-Tennessee, Mr. Krasfur has recently been placed on administrative leave. The exact details of his leave are unclear, but reports suggest that it was due to an incident of driving under the influence rather than anything related to his functions as an administrative law judge.
Many people make Social Security disability claims based in whole or in part on stress. Most are disappointed with the end result. Roughly 70% of all disability claims are denied initially. Those based on conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and quantitate can be especially hard to get approved.
Environmental impairments are conditions which cause it to be difficult or impossible for a person to tolerate conditions related to noise, light, chemicals, particular temperatures, air conditions, or other environmental conditions. They are considered non-exertional impairments by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to differentiate them from exertional impairments, which relate directly to a person’s ability to physically or mentally perform work.
May is recognized in the US and Canada as Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month. During the month of May, special effort is made to educate the general public about the effects of Tuberous Sclerosis (also known as TSC) and to raise funds to fund research into treatment options.
May has been named National Neurofibromatosis Month in the US. The purpose of National Neurofibromatosis Month is to raise awareness of the disease and to raise funding for research into potential cures or treatments.
There are actually three distinct genetic disorders which are characterized as Neurofibromatosis. These include:
Rough times may be ahead for those who depend on Social Security disability benefits unless Congress and the government act fast. The most recent Social Security Trust Fund Treasurer’s report indicates that the Social Security Trust Fund allocated for SSDI and SSI recipients will run dry in three short years unless something significant is done to replenish it.
The US Senate recently passed a law which names the first week of April 2012 as National Asbestos Awareness Week. While April first through seventh is officially recognized by the US Congress, many recognize the entire month of April as a time to promote awareness and understanding of asbestos and the health conditions caused by prolonged exposure to it.
