Everyday People Matter
Women who use a commonly-prescribed multiple sclerosis drug for treatment of their symptoms may find complications arising when they choose to stop the drug before conceiving, or continue to take the drug during their pregnancy. A team of Italian researchers recently found a number of reproductive hazards involving Natalizumab , a drug that is commonly used to treat symptoms of…
Athletes receive plenty of attention for brain injuries. However, other professionals are also very likely to suffer head injuries and may require disability benefits. According to a new study, theater workers and actors are at a high risk of head injuries, due to the risky nature of many of their job activities. According to the results of the study conducted…
A simple test involving a keyboard may allow quick detection of Parkinson’s disease, thereby helping patients slow down progression of the disease. Early detection of Parkinson’s disease is crucial in helping limit the deterioration of symptoms. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can worsen in intensity, and over a period of time, the person may find himself unable to perform routine activities…
Last week I blogged on national trends with the opioid epidemic. Georgia data tracks national trends, and unfortunately, seems to be leading the nation in opioid overdoses. A 2017 research paper from the Georgia Prevention Project tracked the following data. Of the 1,307 drug overdose deaths in 2015 in Georgia, 900 or 68 percent were due to opioid overdoses including…
Many people ask how to win a Social Security Disability case. However, it also might be helpful to analyze why people lose their claims. Here are my top 6 reasons why a case is not successful. You are working while applying for disability. Nothing hurts a case more than claiming you cannot work while simultaneously working. When I realize my…
Last Thursday, the Trump Administration invited states to add a work requirement to Medicaid eligibility. States and the federal government jointly fund Medicaid, but states are responsible for running it. The federal government cannot impose work requirements without Congressional approval. However, states can impose a work requirement by requesting a waiver from the regulations for new programs that carry out…
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…