The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not make applying for disability easy. Applicants must meet several criteria to be declared disabled. The agency also has medical requirements for various medical and mental conditions. That’s why it makes sense to hire a Social Security Lawyer in Holland, MI.
Defining Disability
Applicants need more than a doctor’s statement that they cannot work. Indeed, SSA defines disability as having a condition expected to last for a year or result in death. The applicant’s condition must limit the ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). SGA is defined as being able to make $1220 per month. Most consumers are unaware that SSA has guidelines that must be met for each disabling condition. This rule is especially stressful for applicants with conditions that are difficult to understand.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness and patients have severe pain in tissues, muscles, and joints. A Social Security Lawyer in Holland, MI understands that patients must receive the correct treatment. Most fibromyalgia sufferers don’t get approved unless they’re being treated by a rheumatologist. Interestingly, many specialists treat the condition differently because the cause is unknown. It’s common for patients to receive treatment from several doctors. The disease causes symptoms that are physical as well as depression and anxiety.
Obesity
Obesity used to be listed in SSA’s blue book. Applicants with blue book conditions automatically qualify for benefits. Now, obesity must be accompanied by other physical problems. For example, the agency takes into consideration when a person is unable to walk due to obesity. Likewise, applicants are approved if obesity causes chronic ailments like diabetes and hypertension.
Depression
Applicants with depression are often denied because claims examiners don’t understand the symptoms. People may not be depressed every day but the condition is consistent in other ways. Patients don’t get enough sleep and have problems concentrating. It’s difficult for them to work every day. Applicants with these conditions may be denied and the lawyer will file an appeal. The cases usually end in a courtroom during a hearing. That’s not a bad thing because the lawyer can argue why the client is disabled. For more information, contact Bleakley Law Offices P C.
