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Richard A. Gutstadt, P.C.
Northern California SSI & SSDI Appeals
510-992-6934

Oakland Social Security Disability Law Blog

Leading causes of traumatic brain injuries

On behalf of Richard A. Gutstadt, P.C. posted in social security disability on Friday, May 3, 2019.

When looking at disabilities in the United States, you'll find that brain injuries are one of the top reasons people cite. This is because brain injuries do not always heal, and the ramifications often last for life. While physical injuries may heal, people could still deal with mental and cogitative ramifications from the brain injury itself.

With these types of drastic changes to a person's life, it is wise to know what risk factors to watch out for, and that starts with understanding how serious brain injuries happen. The leading causes are:

  • Falls
  • Being struck by an object
  • Being struck against an object
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Intentional self-harm and suicide attempts

Are you eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits?

On behalf of Richard A. Gutstadt, P.C. posted in social security disability on Thursday, April 18, 2019.

There may come a point when you find that you're unable to work as the result of a disability. This should lead you to consider every available option for receiving compensation, including disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The SSA takes many factors into consideration when determining if you're eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • The definition of disability: The SSA defines a disability as an illness or injury that has lasted 12 months or longer, is expected by reasonable medical standards to last for 12 or more months or is expected to result in death.
  • Job responsibilities: The Social Security Administration (SSA) will determine if you are unable to work your current position, as well as any other type of employment.
  • Severity of the impairment: The medical impairment, physical or mental, should be backed up by medical evidence. The SSA will determine if the impairment prohibits you from performing work activities, such as communicating with others, sitting, standing and using your best judgment.

Could your social media posts cost you a disability approval?

On behalf of Richard A. Gutstadt, P.C. posted in ssdi appeals on Wednesday, April 3, 2019.

There are people who are thoroughly convinced that thousands of people defraud the Social Security Administration (SSA) every year by claiming benefits they aren't entitled to receive.

This is despite the fact that it has become more difficult than ever to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. As of 2016, the last year for which data is available, only 22.8 percent of disability applicants could expect their claims to be approved without filing an appeal. Only a paltry 7.1 percent were approved on appeal at the reconsideration level.

Are you familiar with these Social Security Disability terms?

On behalf of Richard A. Gutstadt, P.C. posted in social security disability on Tuesday, April 2, 2019.

There may come a time in your life when you're dealing with an injury or ailment that keeps you away from your job. Since you're unable to earn a living, it's important to learn more about the many types of compensation you're entitled to.

For example, Social Security Disability benefits may be available to you if you're unable to return to work in the near future.

How to apply for Social Security Disability benefits

On behalf of Richard A. Gutstadt, P.C. posted in social security disability on Tuesday, March 5, 2019.

If you become disabled and feel that you qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, it's imperative to complete an application without delay. Holding off for any reason can make it more difficult to receive the benefits you're entitled to.

There are three ways to apply for SSD benefits:

  • Complete an application on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website
  • Visit your local Social Security office (you can also call this office for assistance)
  • Call the SSA

What are the mental disorders that qualify for disability?

On behalf of Richard A. Gutstadt, P.C. posted in qualifying conditions on Friday, February 22, 2019.

If you're looking into your Social Security Disability (DDS) options, you should know that mental disorders can qualify you just like physical disabilities would. Disability is not all about injuries or physical issues. If you suffer from a serious mental disorder, it can absolutely make it impossible for you to focus on a career, and you can look into financial assistance options as a result.

So, what disorders qualify? Perhaps the easiest way to explore them is to look at the 11 main categories that the government has recognized. They are:

  1. Neurocognitive disorders
  2. Autism spectrum disorder
  3. Eating disorders
  4. Impulse-control disorders and personality disorders
  5. Intellectual disorder
  6. Neurodevelopmental disorders
  7. Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and anxiety
  8. Bipolar disorder, depressive disorders and related disorders
  9. Disorders related to trauma and stressors, such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
  10. Somatic symptom disorder and disorders related to it
  11. Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia spectrum disorder

Social Security disability: What to do about a denied claim

On behalf of Richard A. Gutstadt, P.C. posted in social security disability on Friday, February 8, 2019.

There may come a time when you need to file a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplement Security Income (SSI). While the process itself may appear straightforward, there are small details that can lead to a denial.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) can deny your claim for a variety of reasons, with the following among the most common:

  • You did not provide sufficient medical evidence to back up your claim
  • Your disability isn't expected to last longer than 12 months
  • Your disability is not severe enough
  • Your disability is related to a drug or alcohol addiction
  • You're still able to perform your job or some other type of work
  • You did not adhere to the medical treatment strategy outlined by your doctor
  • You went back to work before proving your disability

Key points to note about the Social Security Disability process

On behalf of Richard A. Gutstadt, P.C. posted in social security disability on Thursday, January 24, 2019.

It's going to take a bit of time.

That briefly stressed point is perhaps the fundamental takeaway for Social Security Disability Insurance applicants to appreciate when they file for federal benefits they are entitled to as the result of substantial and enduring disabilities.