Everyday People Matter
This week the A&E channel highlights Atlanta in a series of Intervention episodes focused on the “Heroin Triangle.” Intervention documents individuals addicted to drugs and alcohol. “The Heroin Triangle” consists of areas just outside of Atlanta, mainly in Cobb County. Cobb County officials report a growing opioid and heroin epidemic. Examples of opioids are morphine, hydromorphone, methadone, fentanyl, hydrocodone, codeine, tramadol…
We had a successful hearing last week for a young client who was diagnosed with Amplified Pain Syndrome, also known as Amplified Muscoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AAMPS). AAMPS is a medical condition in which a young person develops an abnormal pain reflex. The overactive reflex causes constriction of blood vessels which deprives oxygen to the muscles, bones and skin causing lactic…
First, right before the holidays, Congress approved another short-term funding bill, funding the government through January 19, 2018. Congress did fund the Children’s Health Insurance Program through March 31, 2018. I have previously blogged on the importance of funding that program. More on that as we head to March. The final version of the tax bill repealed the penalty for…
Many potential clients I speak with daily are shocked to learn that the average wait time for a disability decision with the Social Security Administration is two years. Yes, you heard me correctly – two years. Why is that? First, most applications are denied. Second, the time period for a decision on the initial application is five months. An appeal…
One of the most frustrating problems people with disabilities experience is that a loss of a job usually leads to loss of healthcare coverage. Filing for Social Security disability takes several months if not two years on average for a decision on an application. When people with chronic or traumatic health problems lose their health insurance, they usually go without…
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved a personalized cancer treatment that has the potential to have dramatic benefits for some types of cancer patients. The therapy called Yescarta is a gene therapy, and involves the removal and genetic engineering of the immune cells of patients, so that they are better equipped to fight off the cancer cells.…
Young athletes who suffer frequent concussions have a higher risk of suffering multiple sclerosis later in life. These findings were part of a study recently published in the journal Annals of Neurology. Researchers in Sweden analyzed medical histories of Swedes who had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis since 1964. When the same data was compared with another control group, the…
Lupus patients from lower socio-economic populations have a higher risk of suffering organ damage as a result of the condition. According to new research published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology, persistent poverty is linked to an increase in the amount of damage caused by lupus over time. On the other hand, persons who are able to improve their economic…
A common question I get each while talking to prospective clients is whether a person can keep working while applying for disability. Frequently, callers are baffled when I advise that “no, you cannot work and simultaneously apply for disability.” Also, I do not accept prospective clients that are still working. First, let’s define “work.” Social Security defines work as “substantial…
Last night Congress agreed to fund the government through December 22, 2017 and just hours ago the President signed that bill. One of Congress’ constitutional obligations is to approve government funding. The federal government’s fiscal year runs through October 1st to September 30th. Because Congress cannot agree on spending priorities, particular the defense department, immigration and healthcare, annual funding has…