An MSS is a letter or form filled out by your doctor that describes your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work or function.
disability hearing
A disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge represents a chance to communicate your conditions and functional limitations in a way that is personalized and clear. Proper planning for this court appearance is vital.
An article discussing whether long lasting residual COVID symptoms qualify as a disabling condition under Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rules.
As we quickly head through summer toward fall in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many changes are taking place, but the needs of our country’s disabled have not changed. Attempts to flatten the curve have considerably altered work, educational, and pleasure activities, and in many cases not for the […]
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 […]
In every disability case, a Claimant’s cash flow (Passive Income and Regular Income) are observed. These earnings may be examined for evidence of Substantial Gainful Activity, or they may be examined for the purpose of reducing SSI benefits. In all cases though, the nature of the earnings is important. In […]
One of the more technical and intimidating aspects for individuals who worked in highly skilled jobs is understanding how transferable skills are analyzed during the disability hearing. For claimants with skilled or highly skilled work backgrounds—as opposed to those with only unskilled backgrounds requiring little training or education— winning a […]
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 […]
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 […]
Author’s Note: This article contains a number of defined terms used by the Social Security Administration. If you are not familiar with disability terminology, in particular the role of a Vocational Expert, please see our list of Common Disability Definitions. For most Claimants, especially those younger than age 50, one […]