The practice of using remote questionnaires for disability determination evaluations by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is being brought into question after leading to an alleged fraud. Remote questionnaires conducted by private physicians have grown in popularity as a way of conducting evaluations without requiring travel to VA offices, which is convenient for veterans in isolated areas or who have mobility issues. However, the allegations of fraud show that the practice has serious flaws, and that the remote questionnaire is not an adequate replacement for evaluations within the VA system. Continue reading “Remote Questionnaires Questioned After Fraud Allegations”
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SSA Removes English Language Rule from Disability Criteria
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued a rule that could significantly change how disability determinations are made for non-English speakers applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The rule repeals a decades-old regulation that dictated that the inability to speak English should be taken into consideration when determining whether a person should receive disability benefits. As a result, anyone applying for SSDI or SSI benefits should be aware of the potential impact the rule could have on their application. Continue reading “SSA Removes English Language Rule from Disability Criteria”
What is the Process for Applying for Veterans’ Disability Benefits?
If you’re a veteran who became disabled as a result of your military service, you may be entitled to benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). If your application for disability benefits is accepted, you could be entitled to both financial assistance and healthcare through the VA health system, among other possible benefits. But what’s actually involved in applying for veterans’ disability benefits, and what does the application process look like? Continue reading “What is the Process for Applying for Veterans’ Disability Benefits?”
New Diabetes Care Program Introduced by VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a new program that will focus on educating and caring for diabetic veterans. The program is focused on helping veterans with diabetes learn more about the technology they can use to monitor their condition, as well as what their various diabetes numbers mean. With better education, diabetic veterans will be able to better control their diabetes and, hopefully, prevent some of the more severe complications that can arise from the disease. Continue reading “New Diabetes Care Program Introduced by VA”
What is Disability Determination Services (DDS)?
When someone applies for disability benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), they need to meet certain criteria to be approved. One of those criteria is the determination as to whether they are, in fact, disabled. When that happens, an applicant will need to pay a visit to their local Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. Continue reading “What is Disability Determination Services (DDS)?”
GAO Opens Investigation of SSA After Consultant Doctor Scandal
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is investigating the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s use of consultant doctors after it was alleged the doctors had engaged in fraudulent conduct. Specifically, they were conducting disability reviews that were going far faster than was reasonably possible, resulting in both a high rate of denials and large sums of fees being awarded to the consultant doctors by the SSA. This scheme disproportionately harmed low-income disability applicants, who also often lost their insurance when their disability applications were denied. Continue reading “GAO Opens Investigation of SSA After Consultant Doctor Scandal”
Blue Water Navy Veterans Can Now Apply for Veterans Disability
For decades, so-called “Blue Water” Navy Veterans who served in the waters around Vietnam have had difficulty getting their disability claims recognized by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). However, due to a bill signed into law last June, certain veterans, including Blue Water Navy Veterans, will be able to more easily apply for disability benefits. This includes any Navy veteran who served within 12 nautical miles offshore of the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 6, 1962, and May 7, 1975, as well as veterans who served in the Korean Demilitarized Zone between Jan. 1, 1967, and Aug. 31, 1971. Continue reading “Blue Water Navy Veterans Can Now Apply for Veterans Disability”
White House Proposes New Category for Disability Reviews
The Trump Administration has proposed a new rule that, if accepted, could subject recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to reviews of their disability status more frequently. The rule change is expected to result in millions more disability reviews, which will need to be carried out by the Disability Determination Services (DDS) offices in each state. Critics say the rule change is likely to be strenuous for disability recipients and may place additional strain on the Social Security Administration (SSA) and state DDS offices. Continue reading “White House Proposes New Category for Disability Reviews”
Board of Veterans’ Appeals to Introduce Virtual Hearings in 2020
When a veteran applies for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and gets denied (or else doesn’t receive the level of benefits they think they should be entitled to), they can appeal the decision to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Traditionally, these hearings are carried out in person and require the veteran to travel to the hearing if they want to participate. However, with the introduction of new virtual hearings, it will be possible to conduct these appeals online, without requiring veterans to travel to the physical site of their hearing. Continue reading “Board of Veterans’ Appeals to Introduce Virtual Hearings in 2020”
Is it Possible to Lose Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a major source of support for millions of Americans suffering from severe disabilities. It allows recipients to have some income to cover necessities, even when they’re not able to work due to their disability. But is it possible for someone to lose their disability benefits, and if so, how? Continue reading “Is it Possible to Lose Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?”
