Social Security Disability Insurance Attorney in Macon, Georgia

Even though disability benefits are available through the Social Security Administration (SSA), the application process is complicated. The application contains a number of questions, and also requires completing a number of forms and submitting a significant amount of medical information. To be eligible, you must be unable to perform any substantial gainful activity (SGA) as that term is defined by the SSA. Given the complexities associated with filing and applying for disability benefits, it helps to work with an experienced disability benefits attorney.

Arnold and Arnold works with disabled individuals and their families throughout the state of Georgia. We are knowledgeable in the eligibility requirements for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. When you consult our disability insurance attorneys, we will explain all of your rights, assist you with the application process, and represent you in all dealings with the SSA. Above all, we are committed to helping you obtain the benefits you deserve.

How To Apply for SSDI/SSI

Generally, there are three ways to apply for disability benefits — online, by phone, or by visiting a local SSA field office. First, the application must be completed accurately. This includes answering a series of questions about your disability and your work history. There will also be a questionnaire about how your disability interferes with your daily activities, such as walking, bending, lifting. The initial claim must be accompanied by certain personal information, such as:

• Social Security Number

• Birth certificate

• Contact information of doctors

• Names and dosages of prescription medications

• Detailed work history

In short, applying for disability benefits is a lengthy and complicated process. Additionally, if there are any errors or omissions in the application, the claim will likely be denied. When you work with the disability benefits attorneys at our Georgia Disability Law Offices, you will have peace of mind knowing that your application will be thoroughly prepared.

What Is a Consultative Exam?

In addition to the medical records that your treating physician needs to provide to support your benefits claim, you will also be required to attend a consultative exam with a physician selected by the SSA. Both the provided medical information and results of the consultative exam must demonstrate that your medical condition has lasted, or is expected to last, 12 months or longer, or result in death.

How Does the SSA Evaluate a Disability Benefits Claim?

When you submit the initial claim, the first thing the disability examiner considers is whether you have acquired the necessary work credits (up to four credits per year), based on your total annual wages or self-employment income. Generally, it is necessary to acquire a total of 40 credits, half of which must have been earned in the last 10 years. The older you are, the more credits you need, while younger workers with fewer credits may still be eligible. If you have acquired the requisite number of credits, your claim will be sent to the department of Disability Determination Services (DDS) for a complete review.

The Disability Determination Services Review

DDS is responsible for approving or denying the initial claim after conducting a thorough review of all the information and medical records contained in the application. While your medical condition must be listed in the Blue Book, your claim may still be approved if the condition is medically equivalent to a listed impairment.

The DDS will also consider whether or not you are capable of performing the same type of work you were doing before becoming disabled, or another type of work. If the medical information does not support the claim, DDS will require you to attend one or more consultative exams. The findings of these exams will factor greatly into the final determination on your benefits claim.

When a decision is made, the DDS will send you a letter. If the claim is approved, the letter will include information about the monthly benefit amount, the date benefits will start, and whether the benefits are retroactive. Given that a benefits claim can take several months, the award may also cover the period of time during which your application was being considered. However, if the claim is denied, then the letter will include an explanation and also notify you of your right to appeal the decision.

What Disabilities Are Covered By SSI and SSD

Many people who qualify for Disability Benefits are unaware that they can file a claim.

Are you unable to work because of a disability? Have you been denied SSI or Social Security benefits? Do you receive SSI and want to go back work or school? Below are just a few of the many disabilities covered by SSI.

When reviewing them, ensure to document all aspects of your disability and your treatmetn.

Common Disabling Impairments

Here are just some of the many impairments that can be cause for disability claims. See also SSA List of Impairments

• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

• Alzheimer’s Disease

• Amputation

• Anemia

• Aneurysm

• Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Anxiety

• Arrhythmia

• Arthritis

• Asbestosis

• Asthma

• Back Pain

• Blindness

• Brain Injury

• Brain Tumors

• Breathing problems

• Cancer

• Carpal Tunnel

• Cerebral Palsy

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Cirrhosis

• COPD

• Diabetes

• Depression

• Dizziness

• Emphysema

• Epilepsy

• Fibromyalgia

• Hearing Problems (Deafness)

• Hepatitis C

• Herniated Disc

• Hip Replacement

• Heart Disease

• High Blood Pressure

• HIV / AIDS

• Hypertension

• Joint Pain

• Kidney Disease

• Knee Replacement

• Leukemia

• Liver Disease

• Lupus

• Lyme Disease

• Meniere’s Disease

• Mental Illness

• Mental Retardation

• Migraine Headaches

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Muscular Dystrophy

• Myofascial Pain

• Osteoarthritis

• Osteoporosis

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Pelvic Pain

• Psoriatic Arthritis

• Psychiatric Impairments

• Pulmonary Problems

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Reactive Arthritis

• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

• Sciatica

• Seizures

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Stroke

• TBI

• Urinary Incontinence

• Vertigo

Your Chances are Higher with an Attorney

Your likelihood of success at a disability hearing is much better with legal representation. Obtaining disability is a long, confusing and frustrating battle with the administration. It is in your best interest to hire an attorney that aggressively represents your case and specializes in Disability.

Experienced legal representation will give your best chance of success in your appeal. We have the experience that you need.

Georgia Law Firm

We are NOT a national firm. We are a small but capable specialized service with employees and lawyers from Georgia, doing business in Georgia, for disabled Georgians.

We can meet with you personally, one-on-one, at your convenience at one of our middle Georgia offices. You’ll know who will be representing you long before your hearing date and we’ll advise you through the entire process.