Charlotte Social Security Disability Blog

How is blindness defined by the Social Security Administration?

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in social security disability on Thursday, April 19, 2018.

Many North Carolina residents wear glasses or contact lenses to improve the quality of their eye sight. It is possible for people with significant near or far-sightedness to improve their vision to the point that they are able to engage in the careers and activities of their choosing. However, not all individuals with vision problems are able to find this level relief through corrective measures.

Blindness is a condition where a person suffers from significant visual impairments. Under the rules of the Social Security Administration, a person is considered blind if their central visual acuity is 20/200 or less in their better eye, or if their field of vision in their better eye is 20 degrees or less. Central visual acuity refers to the eye's ability to clearly discern specific objects, while field of vision refers to the entire range of sight that a person has, including in the peripheries.

Mental illness can significantly impact the ability to work

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in social security disability benefits for mental conditions on Thursday, April 12, 2018.

Mental illnesses and psychiatric conditions are often misunderstood because they do not always manifest with physical symptoms. While it is easy for a Charlotte resident to demonstrate their disability if it involves a visible part of their body, it is impossible to tell by looking at someone if they suffer from stress, anxiety, depression or one of the many other mental illnesses that Americans are treated for each year.

Because of this there is sometimes a stigma that attaches to people who suffer from these serious and sometimes debilitating illnesses and conditions. A person may not want to say that they have a mental illness because it is not as easy to prove as a visible illness or injury. However, it is important that readers who suffer from debilitating mental conditions know that their illnesses are provable and that under the programs of the Social Security Administration they may be entitled to benefits.

What if my claim was denied after a reconsideration hearing?

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in social security disability on Friday, April 6, 2018.

Not long ago this Charlotte-based Social Security disability benefits law blog offered its readers a post on the reconsideration hearing process for disability benefits applicants. An applicant's claim may be given a reconsideration hearing if it is initially denied. A process is in place to make sure that the claim receives a new review in the reconsideration hearing and in some cases an applicant may receive a positive outcome at the conclusion of the process.

Not all applicants that go through reconsideration find that their claims are approved, though. Some men and women who have qualifying disabilities may have their claims for benefits denied a second time and may find themselves in the difficult position of needing help but not knowing what to do. After a denial from a reconsideration hearing, an applicant for disability benefits may appeal that outcome to an Administrative Law Judge.

Cancer may serve as basis for a Social Security Disability claim

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in social security disability benefits for illness on Friday, March 30, 2018.

Every year thousands of Americans are diagnosed with cancer. Generally, cancer is an anomalous growth of cells in a person's body. There are more than 100 types of cancer that may afflict North Carolina residents, and cancer can strike many different parts of people's bodies.

Different forms of cancer take on different characteristics. Some cancers are highly aggressive and can be fatal even if the patients who suffer from them receive medical treatment. Others can be less aggressive and may respond to chemotherapy, radiation and other medical interventions.

Applying for benefits: What you need to apply

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in blog on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.

When a medical condition, injury or other issue prevents you from working, your financial well-being is at stake. It could be important to seek financial support through a claim for disability benefits, but the application process can be both confusing and complicated.

If you are a North Carolina reader seeking disability benefits, you may find it helpful to seek guidance as you walk through this process. Knowing what to expect can help you avoid complications and appropriately deal with any issues that arise. Before you complete and submit your application, you may find it helpful to seek a complete explanation of your rights and how to walk through the application process.

A disabling injury can be expensive for someone who can't work

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in social security disability benefits for injuries on Friday, March 23, 2018.

Minor injuries are a common occurrence in the lives of Charlotte residents. The daily bumps, bruises and cuts that individuals often accidently self-inflict can cause significant short-term pain but rarely manifest into serious injuries that keep people from meeting their professional responsibilities. From time to time, though, serious accidents and incidents happen that inflict major injuries on their victims and that force hardworking men and women from keeping up with their jobs.

Serious injuries that result in disabilities to their victims can, in some, cases, form the bases for Social Security disability benefits claims. There are many injuries that may qualify victims for these financial support tools and individuals who cannot work because of their injuries and trauma are encouraged to discuss their potential claims with disability benefits attorneys.

An overview of the reconsideration hearing process

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in social security disability on Friday, March 16, 2018.

Not long ago this Charlotte Social Security disability legal blog discussed the incredibly long waits that some Americans must face when their disability benefits' applications are initially denied. The first step in having one's denial reviewed is to request a reconsideration hearing. A reconsideration hearing must be requested within 60 days of when an applicant receives notice that their SSD benefits application has been denied; this post will briefly explain what happens during a reconsideration hearing.

An applicant does not have to appear in person when their matter goes to a reconsideration hearing. Rather, a person who works for the Social Security Administration and who did not have any part of the applicant's initial review will look over the materials the applicant submitted to see if a mistake was made during the initial review process.

Are children eligible for SSI benefits?

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in ssi supplemental security income on Thursday, March 8, 2018.

Supplemental security income from the Social Security Administration provides qualifying individuals with financial support. There are a number of ways that a Charlotte resident may qualify for SSI, including by age, disability or blindness. Children may qualify for SSI benefits if they meet the requirements set forth by the Social Security Administration.

A person is considered a child for the purposes of applying for SSI benefits if they are under the age of 18 or under the age of 22 and a regular student. They may qualify for SSI benefits at the time they are born if they suffer from blindness or a qualifying disability; their disability must be expected to last for at least a year and be significantly severe to meet the requirements of the definition of disability.

Americans wait for months to get disability appeal hearings

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in social security disability on Friday, March 2, 2018.

It is not uncommon for an applicant for Social Security disability benefits to have their initial application denied. A denial is not necessarily a permanently closed door for someone who is unable to work, but rather another hurdle they must overcome in order to get the help they need and deserve. After receiving a denial of benefits letter a North Carolina resident may choose to have their matter reviewed and submit an appeal.

The appeals process for a denied Social Security disability claim will be the topic of another blog post; waiting to get an appeal, though, is the focus of this article. In some cases disabled men and women are waiting for months and even years to receive reviews and appeals of their disability benefits cases, leaving them in financial limbo for an excruciatingly long time.

Epilepsy, your ability to work and your right to benefits

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in blog on Tuesday, February 27, 2018.

North Carolina residents who have disabling medical conditions often struggle with the uncertainty that comes with the inability to earn a living or provide for loved ones. You may be experiencing this if you have a epilepsy, a medical condition that often prevents its victims from working and enjoying a normal lifestyle.

If you have this specific type of neurological disorder, you could have a rightful claim to disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. You may be eligible for either Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. If you cannot work, your financial security is at stake. It can be helpful to seek a full understanding of the options available to you regarding your potential claim to disability benefits.