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Is My Medical Condition Eligible for SSDI or SSI Benefits?

If you have recently been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, you may be considering if applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits is right for you. Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for these benefits, as not every medical condition is eligible for SSDI or SSI. But if that’s the case, then how do you know if your medical condition lets you qualify?

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Suicide Rate for Veterans Dropped in Latest Annual Report

In their most recent annual report on the suicide rate of veterans, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) has announced that the suicide rate is on the decline, at the highest rate since 2001. This decline is seen as a result of efforts made by the VA to tackle the difficult issues of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems that are common among veterans. However, more work needs to be done for veterans who still struggle with their mental health after returning to civilian life. Continue reading “Suicide Rate for Veterans Dropped in Latest Annual Report”

Why Was My SSDI/SSI Application Denied?

More than half of all applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are denied every single year. While some of these denials are unavoidable, a shocking number of them are the rest of mistakes that could have been prevented. If you applied for SSDI or SSI and had your application denied, these reasons might be why:

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Why You Might Be Eligible for VA Disability Benefits and Not Realize It

If you are a veteran suffering from a severe medical condition, you may have considered applying for disability benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) previously. In fact, you may already have applied but been turned down. However, despite this, you may still be eligible for benefits (or, if you already have benefits, you may be entitled to more than you currently receive). Here are a few reasons why you might be entitled to VA disability benefits and not realize it:

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NY Among Worst 5 States for Disability Application Backlog

New York ranks among the top five states with the longest backlog for Social Security disability applications in the United States. Only Florida and California have a higher number of disability claims waiting. While this is partly a factor of the large population of these states, it is also a sign of just how difficult it can be to navigate the bureaucracy of the Social Security disability claims process by yourself. Continue reading “NY Among Worst 5 States for Disability Application Backlog”

VA Appoints Twenty New Judges to Hear Veterans’ Appeals

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) has appointed twenty new judges to its Board of Veterans’ Appeals. These new judges will hear appeals from veterans looking to have their application for veterans’ disability benefits for review, as well as appeals from veterans looking to have their disability rating increased. These new judges will help to address the substantial backlog of cases that is hindering veterans’ ability to get access to their benefits. Continue reading “VA Appoints Twenty New Judges to Hear Veterans’ Appeals”

Five Steps to Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

The process of applying for Social Security disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be somewhat complicated. Although it may not seem like much, there are plenty of potential ways you could mess up your application and harm your chances of accessing your benefits. Here are the five steps you need to follow so you can apply for Social Security disability benefits: Continue reading “Five Steps to Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits”

Why Should You Get Your Disability Rating Reviewed?

Any veteran who becomes disabled as a result of their benefits is potentially eligible for veterans’ disability benefits through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). The benefits they receive is dependent on their disability rating, which is originally determined when they first get approved for benefits. However, a disability rating is not always static, and can be changed on review. So why should someone consider getting their disability rating reviewed? Continue reading “Why Should You Get Your Disability Rating Reviewed?”

“Long COVID” Becomes Growing Focus for Disability Advocates

While the coronavirus has not completely disappeared, a growing vaccination rate has led doctors and other medical experts to start looking at the aftereffects of the pandemic. Of particular concern is the phenomenon known as “long COVID,” which afflicts a startling number of victims of the virus. For disability advocates, this population of COVID-19 sufferers may prove to be the longest lasting legacy of the coronavirus pandemic, potentially leading to years or decades of care for affected individuals. Continue reading ““Long COVID” Becomes Growing Focus for Disability Advocates”

Understanding the Impact of Agent Orange on Disabled Veterans

When it comes to disabled veterans from the Vietnam War, few topics cause as much controversy as Agent Orange. The substance is blamed on a variety of medical conditions that Vietnam veterans suffer to this day, with some disabled veterans still struggling for recognition for their medical conditions. But what exactly is Agent Orange, and how did it become such a source of contention? Continue reading “Understanding the Impact of Agent Orange on Disabled Veterans”