Fibromyalgia is an illness that affects millions of people nationwide, and of those individuals, many thousands will experience challenges claiming disability as a result of fibromyalgia. This diagnosis is neurologic in nature, and its symptoms include tenderness to the touch in the muscles, joints, and soft tissue as well as […]
Thomas O.
20 posts
O’Brien & Feiler recently presented a webinar through Hometown Health University regarding Insourcing Medicaid Eligibility. Most hospitals seek Medicaid Eligibility on behalf on uninsured patients. Not only does this benefit the hospital, but it benefits patients, and the stakes have never been higher. Unexpected medical debt is the leading cause […]
The Composite Jobs Rule can materially affect the Social Security Disability / SSI claim evaluation process. The technique employed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) typically follows a five-step sequential evaluation process. These five steps are discussed in detail over in the OBF Knowledge Base, but as a brief summary […]
A well-timed Social Security Disability claim can increase retirement benefits in certain circumstances. Successfully claiming disability will lessen the early retirement reduction for people who stop working due to health reasons. OBF Disability Attorney Thomas O’Brien shares this strategy in an article published on Medium.com. Seeking Disability benefits prior to […]
Filing an initial claim for disability benefits is a watershed moment in most workers’ lives. By the point filing disability has been considered, a Claimant has almost certainly experienced such significant mental or physical health issues at to prevent or remarkably reduce the ability to work. As such all communications […]
When individuals file for disability, the odds are initially against them. Most disability claims are denied at the initial level of application. In fact, nearly 70% of claims are denied at the initial stage. Claimants should not give up because the odds of success will improve (just not as quickly […]
Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits are payable to disabled individuals over the age of 18 whose parents receive Social Security benefits. This name is confusing (what is an adult child anyway?), but the reason that Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits are named as such is because these benefits are paid […]
Waiting for Disability or SSI decisions is a lengthy and frustrating process during a desperate time. Most initial applicants are denied, which results in an appeals process that results in waiting for disability for two years. This time period should not simply be treated as a wait. If denied at […]
Though an ALJ Disability Hearing typically lasts for less than an hour, they cover a lot of ground. Knowing what to expect going into a disability hearing and preparing appropriately are keys to success. Here is The Law Firm of O’Brien & Feiler’s list of 10 things all Claimants should […]
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) are truly insurance, not a handout. A wage earner must have paid into the system through OASDI contributions and earned sufficient work credits to be eligible to claim disability insurance benefits. To be clear, these benefits are not a handout and there should be […]