Qualifying Physical Disabilities

Qualifying Physical Disabilities

At Davis, Davis & Patterson, in Georgia, we represent individuals who have a wide range of qualifying physical disabilities. Our attorneys are skilled at pursuing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for those with:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart conditions
  • Arthritis
  • Orthopedic problems
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Chronic pain
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Other disabling conditions
A Person With Disability — Rome, GA — Davis, Davis & Patterson

What Happens At A Disability Hearing?

At the disability hearing, the administrative law judge (ALJ) will usually ask a vocational expert a series of hypothetical questions. These questions will reflect, usually in varying degrees, the limitations contained in the record and the testimony that the judge wishes to consider. The vocational expert will state whether there are any jobs that someone with such limitations could perform. The case would then progress according to the hypothetical scenario chosen by the judge.

For instance, the hypothetical scenario the judge presents to the vocational expert might be something like, “Imagine a man who is capable of light work, but he has to periodically be allowed to sit down, and he can only lift 10 pounds.” Then the judge will ask, “Are there any jobs this man could perform?”

The expert may reply, “Yes, definitely. He could be a photo developer at CVS. He could be a surveillance systems monitor at a department store. He could perform a number of jobs.”

Get Representation For Your Hearing

The first thing you may think is, “Well, I guess I could do those jobs. I never thought about anything like that.” Yet the important thing to realize — and to communicate to the judge — is that although you could do a certain job, you couldn’t do it all day. Or even if you could, you couldn’t do it five days in a row, day in and day out. You might be able to work such a job Monday and Tuesday, but by Wednesday you can’t get out of bed. Davis, Davis & Patterson can represent you at your hearing, advocating for your best interests and helping you recover disability benefits.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

At Davis, Davis & Patterson, our lawyers will shepherd you and help you prepare for the disability hearing. Our mission is to help you present your case in the best possible light in order to obtain the benefits you need. For a free consultation, call our Rome office at 706-232-3090 or send us an email.

Orthopedic Problems

Do You Have A Joint, Muscle Or Bone Problem?

At Davis, Davis & Patterson in Rome, Georgia, we represent individuals throughout the state who cannot work due to orthopedic or musculoskeletal problems. Our attorneys are experienced in all aspects of Social Security Disability for orthopedic injuries, which can include:

  • Back pain
  • Hip problems
  • Spinal cord damage or spine curvature
  • Knee injury
  • Degenerative disk or joint disease
  • Other disabling joint, bone or muscle conditions

Disability Hearings Are Crucial

It’s critical to be prepared for your disability hearing because you will be in front of the administrative law judge for about 30 minutes (and for most of that time, he or she will likely be looking at a computer screen, not you). You may have the right testimony, but you need to present yourself and your case in a way that brings the full truth to light. Without understanding the issues, individuals may emphasize the wrong point or the wrong fact and end up sabotaging their cases.

A claimant may readily say, if asked whether he could handle a sit-down job, “Oh, I can do that, but where can I find a job like that?” and say it in good faith. But the whole truth may involve other considerations — like the difference between sitting and reclining (reclining is not allowed on the job); the implications of having to elevate your feet — how frequently, how high, how long at a time? (That may not be allowed on the job, either); how many days in a row could you do it — what about the bad days? (If you miss too many days a month, you are fired). These details can be crucial.

Preparing You For The Disability Hearing

The answers to these questions can play a critical role in whether or not you can actually perform work-related activities. It can mean the difference between winning and losing a disability case. The attorneys at Davis, Davis & Patterson can help you prepare for your case, attend the hearing with you and represent you before the judge.

Get A Free Consultation Today

The lawyers at Davis, Davis & Patterson represent clients throughout North Georgia, so don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation today. Call our office at 706-232-3090 or contact us by email.

Diabetes

If You Are Diabetic, You May Qualify For Social Security Disability

Davis, Davis & Patterson represents individuals in Rome and throughout the surrounding areas of Georgia who cannot work for at least 12 months due to diabetes mellitus or a related condition. With more than 80 years of combined experience, our lawyers understand that diabetes can lead to a host of disabling symptoms such as:

  • Fatigue, making it impossible to accomplish any work-related tasks
  • Diabetic neuropathy, making it difficult to walk
  • Diabetic retinopathy, making it difficult to see

The Listing Of Impairments Is Not The Final Word

In the early steps of the disability benefits process, the Social Security Administration will look at whether or not your physical or mental condition meets a listing on its “listing of impairments.” The Social Security adjudicators often seem to think that if you don’t meet a listing, you’re not disabled. We know better. We understand that most people with conditions that prevent them from working do not meet one of these strict listings.

For instance, you may have well-controlled diabetes and yet still suffer from regular bouts of extreme fatigue. This can potentially prevent you from working 40 hours a week just as effectively as having a foot amputated (which is one of the ways to satisfy a listing).

Compassionate, Knowledgeable Advocates On Your Behalf

We believe that to be successful in Social Security Disability law, an attorney must be compassionate, willing to listen and willing to learn.

He or she must also be knowledgeable about the Social Security Disability system and various medical conditions. Many cases are won simply because of pointing out some characteristic of that medical condition that correlates with the client’s testimony.

You can count on Davis, Davis & Patterson to provide you with the caring and skilled service you deserve. Schedule a free initial consultation about Social Security Disability for diabetes by calling us at 706-232-3090, or contact us by email.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) And End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Your kidneys remove waste and fluid, control blood pressure, produce red blood cells, maintain bone health and control the pH levels of your body. If you have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or have reached End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and require dialysis treatment, you can feel in every cell of your body the fact that your kidneys are not working.

You feel tired, suffer from headaches, have nausea and potentially restless legs syndrome (RLS) due to the build up of toxins in your body. CKD and ESRD are disabling conditions that can affect your quality of life, your ability to get a good night’s sleep and can prevent you from working.

Davis, Davis & Patterson in Rome, Georgia, understands the difficulties that someone with kidney failure experiences. We are here to help you obtain Social Security Disability Benefits so that you can pay your bills while taking care of your health. For information and a free consultation, please call us at 706-232-3090.

ESRD Qualifies You For SSDI

ESRD is the only disability that automatically qualifies you for SSDI. It is extraordinarily rare that your claim for SSDI will be denied if you have ESRD. You must have proper medical documentation from your nephrologist and dialysis unit to prove that you have CKD/ESRD and require dialysis. Whether you chose hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, the life-sustaining treatments will be time-consuming. While some kidney patients do want to continue work, many others are unable. Dialysis treatments do help filter waste and toxins from your system, but the treatment often wipes you out for several hours.

We Can Help — Contact An Attorney Today

Our lawyers know that kidney disease is a draining and difficult condition. We are here to help you obtain the SSDI benefits that you require. Talk to us today in a free consultation. We can be reached at 706-232-3090 or you can contact us online.

Arthritis

If You Have Arthritis, You May Qualify For Benefits

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the nation’s number one cause of disability. They state that one in five people over the age of 18 have arthritis and one in 250 children have arthritis.

The condition affects everyone differently, and for many, it can be disabling. If you have arthritis and are unable to work, you need an attorney to help you obtain the Social Security Disability benefits for which you are entitled. Davis, Davis & Patterson in Rome, Georgia, offers experienced guidance to arthritis sufferers. To learn how we can help you, call us at 706-232-3090 to arrange a free consultation.

Five Steps To Qualify For SSD With Arthritis

Our lawyers can help show that you qualify for SSDI. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires that claimants prove that:

  • They are earning less than $1,040 a month and/or unemployed.
  • Their arthritis severely restricts their ability to do most jobs that require walking, sitting, standing, lifting and otherwise carrying out instructions.
  • Their arthritis meets or equals a medical listing, exemplified with persistent swelling, pain and limitation of joints in the hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, wrists or hands.
  • They are unable to perform the work they once did.
  • Their age, education, work experience and physical condition prevents the individual from working.

Turn To Us For Guidance If You Have Arthritis

Arthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition. If you are unable to work because of arthritis, our firm can help you obtain the SSD benefits that you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with our lawyers, please call us at 706-232-3090 or contact us online.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Is A Qualifying Condition

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease. It affects your central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. People with MS experience symptoms that include loss of balance, difficulties walking, tremors and weakness, hearing loss, speech problems and more.

MS progresses over time — the symptoms get more and more debilitating as you age. If you have MS and are unable to work, Davis, Davis & Patterson in Rome, Georgia, can help you obtain the Social Security benefits to which you are entitled. For information, call us and schedule a free consultation with an attorney: 706-232-3090.

Qualifying For The Multiple Sclerosis Listing

Social Security’s blue book lists impairments that automatically qualify an individual for SSD benefits. Contained in the neurological disorders section for MS, it must be shown that you experienced at least one of the following:

  • Difficulty walking or using your hands, including having partial paralysis or tremors
  • Vision loss that cannot be corrected
  • Memory loss, decreased IQ, mood disturbance or other organic mental disorder
  • Severe fatigue and muscle weakness

Your physician will be integral to helping you fulfill the listing requirements. It is important that you obtain adequate medical documentation. Our lawyers can help gather this information and review the information prior to submitting your application to Social Security.

Schedule A Free Consultation

Multiple sclerosis can progress to the point where you are unable to work. Davis, Davis & Patterson is here to help you obtain the benefits that you need. We offer free initial consultations. Call 706-232-3090 or contact us online.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

SSDI Benefits For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and debilitating condition that makes it hard, if not impossible, for people to work. If you suffer from carpal tunnel and are seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the attorneys at Davis, Davis & Patterson can guide you through the process of applying for benefits and, if necessary, appealing a denied claim. We have more than 80 years of combined experience helping people in Rome and throughout North Georgia obtain the disability benefits they need and deserve.

Do You Qualify For Benefits?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury that occurs when the median nerve running from the forearm to the palm is compressed at the wrist. People from many occupations suffer from carpal tunnel, including assembly line workers, cashiers, hair stylists and those who routinely use a computer keyboard.

If you experience pain, numbness and other symptoms of carpal tunnel, your suffering alone will not qualify you for benefits. You must have documented medical evidence of your condition and must be able to convince Social Security Administration (SSA) officials that your condition prohibits you from working.

The good news? You do not have to face this process alone. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling SSDI claims for those suffering from carpal tunnel and are here to handle all aspects of your claim and any necessary appeals. We know what evidence is likely to sway SSA officials and can help you make the most compelling argument possible.

Take The First Step

To learn how we can help you pursue SSDI benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome, contact our law offices online or by telephone at 706-232-3090.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

When Traumatic Brain Injury Results In Permanent Disability

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause severe physical and mental limitations that last for years. In some cases, the symptoms of TBI last a lifetime. If you have suffered a serious brain injury and are unable to work as a result, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The process of obtaining benefits is complex, however, and you will encounter legal hurdles, strict timelines and reams of red tape.

Do not despair. The attorneys at Davis, Davis & Patterson in Rome, Georgia, are here to handle all of the paperwork and filing requirements on your behalf. We have more than 80 years of experience handling SSDI claims and appeals for clients throughout North Georgia.

The Harsh Consequences Of TBI

A traumatic brain injury will affect your life in many ways. Some of the most common symptoms of TBI include:

  • Severe headaches
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Impaired speech
  • Impaired cognition
  • Difficulty reasoning

It’s easy to see how such symptoms would make it difficult to hold down a steady job. Every occupation requires some level of sustained mental exertion, and many who suffer from TBI simply cannot meet that demand.

The good news: There is hope in the form of SSDI benefits. Our lawyers will work with you personally to learn how this brain injury has affected your life and impacted your ability to work. With a full understanding of your circumstances, we can make a compelling case for benefits on your behalf.

Legal Help For Those Who Have Suffered TBI

We understand that a TBI has the power to change lives and rob sufferers of their ability to work. We are here to take the legal burden off of your hands so you can focus on getting the treatment and rest you need. To arrange your free initial consultation with one of our experienced SSDI attorneys, please contact our Rome law offices by telephone at 706-232-3090 or online by sending us an email.

Heart Conditions

Is Heart Disease Keeping You Out Of Work?

Heart disease can cause severe fatigue, light headedness, concentration problems, pain and other symptoms that make it very difficult, if not impossible, to maintain employment. If a heart condition is keeping you out of work, the attorneys at Davis, Davis & Patterson can help you apply for monthly disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not approve benefits easily, but we can give you the best possible chance of obtaining a favorable outcome.

Heart Disease And SSDI

If you suffer from any of the following types of heart disease, you may qualify for SSDI benefits (note, this list is not exhaustive):

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Coronary heart disease 
  • Ischemic heart disease
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Recurrent arrhythmias
  • Severe hypertension

In order to be approved for benefits, you must provide the SSA with documented evidence that you suffer from heart disease and your condition prevents you from working. Evidence of heart disease may come from electrocardiograms (EKGs), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), stress tests and other medical evaluations. Remember, the SSA will only take your claim seriously if you get treated for your condition and follow your doctor’s orders.

We are here to handle all of the legal details of filing your claim and, if necessary, appealing a denied claim. We have more than 80 years of combined experience in disability law and a proven record of success obtaining favorable results for our clients.

You Don’t Have To Face The Legal Process Alone

The process of getting approved for SSDI benefits is not easy, but you don’t have to face it alone. Let us take the red tape and legal struggle off of your hands so you can focus on your treatment. To arrange a free initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys in Rome, Georgia, please call our law offices at 706-232-3090 or contact us online.

Chronic Pain Syndrome

Legal Help For Those Who Suffer From Chronic Pain Syndrome

Anyone who suffers from chronic pain knows how hard it can be to carry on with everyday activities, let alone work duties. Pain can make it hard to sit, stand and even concentrate. Many people with chronic pain syndrome are simply unable to work and need Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to survive. Obtaining those benefits, however, can be an uphill climb.

This is where the attorneys at Davis, Davis & Patterson in Rome can help. We have extensive experience helping people apply and qualify for SSDI benefits. We understand what you are going through and are determined to help you obtain a successful outcome.

Qualifying For SSDI Benefits

Chronic pain most often arises from physical impairments such as peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome or fibromyalgia, but can also be linked to mental health impairments. The SSA will consider chronic pain syndrome claims if the condition can be linked to a qualifying impairment.

The important factors in pursuing an SSDI claim are getting treatment for your chronic pain and obtaining documented evidence that you have a qualifying condition. Descriptions of your pain and how it affects you are important, but you must also obtain evidence from objective medical tests such as X-rays, MRIs and CAT scans.

Our attorneys can guide you through all aspects of this process, making sure you obtain the evidence you need to convince Social Security Administration (SSA) officials that you are truly disabled. We work with clients from all walks of life and a broad range of occupations. We will work with you personally to gain an understanding of your disability and how it impacts your ability to work.

Discuss Your Chronic Pain Disability Claim With An Experienced Lawyer

You don’t have to face this process alone. We are here to share our knowledge about disability benefits for chronic pain syndrome. To arrange your free initial consultation with an experienced SSDI attorney in Rome, Georgia, contact our law offices online or by telephone at 706-232-3090.

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