Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
Sorted by date Results 101 - 125 of 173
Fibromyalgia is now a recognized medically determinable impairment by Social Security. I will talk about the symptoms of fibromyalgia and how these symptoms relate to a Social Security Disability or SSI claim. I will also discuss the type of treatment that Social Security recognizes for this condition. You will also read about how the limitations from fibromyalgia can help show you are disabled. Fibromyalgia is pain in several areas or all over body with no functional or structural disease to...
Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue. These tumors can develop anywhere in your nervous system, including your brain, spinal cord and nerves. NF2 is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. NF2 results from changes (mutations) in the NF2 gene. The NF2 gene regulates the production of a protein that functions as a tumor suppressor. In more than half of individuals with NF2, the disorder is caused by spontaneous (new) mutations...
Question: Last summer my kids and I went camping in the mountains. I thought we were careful about ticks, but unfortunately, I found several in our clothing when we got back and one bit me! A few weeks later I started to have severe headaches and neck stiffness. I also developed severe pain and swelling in my knees. I finally went to the doctor to discover I have Lyme Disease. Now I am unable to work because I am having problems concentrating and focusing. Would I qualify for benefits even if I...
What exactly is peripheral neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the peripheral nerves, the nerves that carry messages to and from the spinal cord and brain from the rest of the body. When peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes mellitus (a common cause), it is called diabetic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can also be caused by other metabolic disorders, herpes zoster, HIV, nutritional deficiencies, toxins, cancer (directly or indirectly as a side effect of...
Huntington Disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by progressively worsening motor, cognitive, behavioral and psychiatric symptoms. HD is caused by a mutation of the Huntington gene called a "CAG repeat expansion." The mutation results in gradual neuronal degeneration in the basal ganglia of the brain, and progresses to involve other regions of the brain responsible for coordination of movements, thoughts and emotions. Neuronal degeneration causes diffuse...
The main issue in your Social Security back pain disability case is whether or not you are able to work. In a back pain case, Social Security considers both your activity limitations (called "exertional" impairments) and your pain limitations (called your "non-exertional" impairments). In order to win, you have to prove that because of these impairments, there is no way you can perform even a simple, unskilled job eight hours a day, five days a week. There are two ways you can prove that you...
What is Disabled Widow's Benefits? This is a disability program where the claimant can apply for benefits based on the deceased spouse's earnings record. You must be 50 years or older and the onset of your disability must be within 7 years of your spouse's death. What is Divorced Spouse's Benefits? A claimant can apply for benefits based on his or her divorced spouse's earnings record. If you were married to your ex-spouse for 10 years, are, at least, 62 years old and are currently unmarried...
1. Are Social Security Disability benefits only for those who have a permanent disability? No, your disability must last a year or be expected to last a year or result in death within one year. 2. I have cancer and I am presently disabled, but my doctor feels I should be able to work again after my treatment. Should I apply for Social Security Disability benefits? If you are expected to be out of work for a year or more you should apply. 3. How far back will Social Security pay me if I am...
Question: I am 55 years old and was a money counter in a casino for years. Last year I finally had to stop working due to such severe Duyptren's contracture in both my hands that I am no longer able to open my hands to count money. My doctor is considering amputation of my ring and pinky finger on my right dominate hand. Can I get disability? Answer: According to the Mayoc Clinic, Dupuytren's contracture is a hand deformity that usually develops over years. The condition affects a layer of...
The Government Account Office or GAO announces: “The public is three times more likely to receive SSA benefits when they have a representative.” I often get calls asking about whether someone should use an attorney or an advocate. My short answer is, “there is no difference.” Attorneys and Advocates both represent claimants the same way and have the same authority. One major difference is that most Advocates have not gone to law school. Many, like myself, have been Paralegals for many years. I h...
Question: A few months ago, my 60-year-old husband began acting very strange. He began either laughing or crying uncontrollably for no apparent reason. This has caused embarrassment with friends and family but most importantly, he lost his job because of the outbursts. His primary doctor sent him to a neurologist. That doctor thought he had pseudobulbar affect. We both asked what it was and how he got it. A brain MRI revealed problems in the frontal lobe of his brain. We are waiting on further...
The rules and regulations for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Insurance Income (SSI) both use different age groups to determine disability. Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your residual functioning capacity (RFC) along with past work history and educational background to determine if you will meet the requirements of being disabled. Being older helps an individual who is seeking disability benefits! If your medical condition causes severe enough...
Individuals who suffer from Chronic Anemia face symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and fainting spells. It is not surprising that many of the people who live with Chronic Anemia are unable to work due to the condition. If you are suffering from Chronic Anemia and are unable to work, the following information can help you understand how your condition affects your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. Chronic Anemia occurs when an individual’s red blood cell c...
Carpal tunnel syndrome generally is caused by the thickening of the tendons from the forearm to the palm of the hand when they become irritated or swollen, compressing the median nerve. Carpal tunnel symptoms generally start with a gradual burning, numbness or tingling in the palm of the claimant's hands and fingers. Although there may be no apparent swelling, some claimants complain that they have difficulty using their fingers. Other common symptoms of carpal tunnel can include weakness,...
Are you ready for your Administrative Law Judge hearing? Most people have no idea what the judge is looking for. Here are some helpful hints: 1. Tell all your doctors about all your symptoms. If you have depression and you go to your primary doctor for a referral to a specialist, fill out a health questionnaire, and check NO, you do not have any mental health problems; it makes you look less believable. 2. Tell all your doctors about all your symptoms. Social Security disability is a system base...
Question: I am a 38-year-old male. I have had three laminectomies in the past five years. I was working in the oil fields up until the last two surgeries. I have back pain all the time. Sometimes it's a lot worse than others and sometimes I cannot even get out of bed without help. My doctors are saying there is nothing they can do to help me. Do you think I might qualify for Social Security benefits? My State Disability is about to run out. Advocate: Post Laminectomy Syndrome (PLS) or sometimes...
Question: I am a 60-year-old man just diagnosed with Polycythemia vera. I am now unable to work due to some of the symptoms. I have painful swelling in the big toe of my right foot making it hard to stand and walk. I have numbness, tingling, burning and weakness in both my hands so bad that I can't even hold a coffee cup. I get shortness of breath, headaches and dizziness if I even try to mow the lawn. All of that and almost daily weakness and fatigue. I am on State Disability right now, but it...
Question: I am a 54-year-old woman with Arnold Chiari malformation. I worked as a medical assistant for more than 20 years. In 2016 I was forced to leave my job at the hospital because I kept falling and losing my balance. I have headaches almost every day. There are no medications to help me. The hospital said I was too big of a risk. I applied for Social Security Disability Insurance. They say I can return to work as a medical assistant. How can that be? Please help! Answer: Chiari...
Question: I am a 57-year-old woman with Multiple Sclerosis. MS forced me to stop working seven years ago but I was able to manage my symptoms most of the time. I have had MS since I was in my late 20s. Right now, I have cramping, difficulty walking, inability to rapidly change motions, involuntary movements, muscle paralysis, muscle rigidity, muscle weakness, problems with coordination, stiff muscles, clumsiness, muscle spasms and sometimes overactive reflexes. There are times I have to use a wa...
Question: My son is a high functioning autistic adult, 25 years old. He has tried to get jobs, but once employers talk to him, they immediately see that he is not capable of working and tends to get confused. He is also a client of Kern Regional Center and receives services through them. We want him to be more self-sufficient and be able to live a somewhat normal life. We are very worried about what will happen to him when my husband and I are no longer able to care for him. He has never lived...
Question: Last summer my kids and I went camping in the mountains. I thought we were careful about ticks, but unfortunately, I found several in our clothing when we got back and one bit me! A few weeks later I started have severe headaches and neck stiffness. I also developed severe pain and swelling in my knees. I finally went to the doctor to discover I have Lyme disease. Now I am unable to work because I am having problems concentrating and focusing. Would I qualify for benefits even if I am...
What exactly is peripheral neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the peripheral nerves, the nerves that carry messages to and from the spinal cord and brain from the rest of the body. When peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes mellitus (a common cause), it is called diabetic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can also be caused by other metabolic disorders, herpes zoster, HIV, nutritional deficiencies, toxins, cancer (directly or indirectly as a side effect of...
Ask the Advocate: I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). POTS, EDS and MCAS are so unheard of, many doctors have no idea what to do. I have been to so many doctors. On a good day, my fingers, ankles and hips will pop out of joint a couple of times a day. If I bump my foot on a bed frame, I might have enormous bruises since my skin is so thin. The POTS causes my blood pressure to go down especially when I...
I often get calls asking about whether someone should use an attorney or an advocate. My short answer is, “there is no difference.” Attorneys and advocates both represent claimants the same way and have the same authority. One major difference is that most advocates have not gone to law school. Many, like myself, have been paralegals for many years. I have been a paralegal for almost 40 years and have spent 24 years as an advocate. When I graduated from paralegal school I decided that I wan...
Pituitary gland disorders are a result of a malfunction of the pituitary gland, a tiny but vital gland that releases the hormones responsible for directing many other glands and body processes. A pituitary gland disorder occurs when the pituitary gland produces either too much or too little of a particular hormone. The pituitary gland is responsible for producing growth hormone, necessary for growth in children, maintenance of body tissues in adults, and distribution of fat. It also produces a h...
