Social Security can often seem somewhat opaque to people, since it’s not entirely clear how they determine how much you get paid. This is doubly true for things like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), two programs intended to help those who can no longer work due to a mental or physical disability. One of the things that can have an impact on how much you receive is the Cost of Living Adjustment, or COLA for short. Continue reading “What is the COLA?”
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New Program to Update VA Records Systems is Introduced
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently introduced a new program intended to take advantage of its new electronic records system, to better address the problems presented by the transition from paper to electronic records. Electronic health record modernization (EHRM) remains a consistent problem for the VA as it has tried to transfer its old paper records to a digital filing system for years. The hope is that this new program will help facilitate that process. Continue reading “New Program to Update VA Records Systems is Introduced”
What is the Social Security Blue Book?
When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’ll need to eventually have your disability assessed to see if you are, indeed, no longer able to work. An important part of this assessment is the so-called “Blue Book”, which is used to identify your condition and the extent of your disability. But what exactly is the Blue Book, and why do they use it? Continue reading “What is the Social Security Blue Book?”
New Telehealth Program for Veterans Brings Healthcare Home
As technology advances, so too do the tools available for providing healthcare to veterans. One potential leap forward in this so-called “telehealth” is the increased use of tablets. Tablets make it easier for people who have difficulty getting out of the house, including many disabled veterans, to speak face-to-face with their doctors. With this new initiative, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hopes to bring VA healthcare closer to home. Continue reading “New Telehealth Program for Veterans Brings Healthcare Home”
VA Urges Congress to Pass New Suicide Prevention Bill
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is commemorating the occasion by seeking new ways to reduce suicide among veterans. In that vein, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie has called upon Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to allow a vote for the “IMPROVE Well-Being for Veterans Act.” The proposed legislation would grant funding to community groups to help support veterans at risk of suicide or self-harm. Continue reading “VA Urges Congress to Pass New Suicide Prevention Bill”
VA Urges Congress to Pass New Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is commemorating the occasion by seeking new ways to reduce suicide among veterans. In that vein, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie has called upon Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to allow a vote for the “IMPROVE Well-Being for Veterans Act.” The proposed legislation would grant funding to community groups to help support veterans at risk of suicide or self-harm. Continue reading “VA Urges Congress to Pass New Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill”
What’s the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
If you’re applying for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), you’ll be applying for one of two programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). But what’s the difference between the two, and how do you know which one you’re applying for? Continue reading “What’s the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?”
The Determination of Disability Rating
If you’re a veteran being assessed for disability benefits by the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), chances are you’ve heard about your disability “rating.” However, you might not know what it is, or what it means for you. This can be an issue, as your disability rating determines exactly how much the government will give you, should they determine you are eligible for disability benefits. Continue reading “The Determination of Disability Rating”
SSA Adds to Compassionate Allowances List
The Commissioner of Social Security, Andrew Saul, recently announced four additions to the Compassionate Allowances list: CDLK5 Deficiency Disorder, Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome, Primary Peritoneal Cancer, and Richter Syndrome. These conditions have a severe impact on people’s lives and adding them to the Compassionate Allowances list can make it easier for them to receive disability benefits, by cutting out some of the bureaucracy that might get in the way. Continue reading “SSA Adds to Compassionate Allowances List”
VA Updates Disability Rating Schedule For Certain Diseases
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently updated its disability rating schedule for certain infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and nutritional deficiencies. This change in the schedule is meant to bring the disability ratings for these diseases in line with the current understanding of medical science. As a result, it could affect the disability ratings of many veterans who either are currently receiving disability benefits, or who are looking to receive those benefits. Continue reading “VA Updates Disability Rating Schedule For Certain Diseases”
