Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is one of the most extensive federal programs that provides financial assistance to people who cannot work due to a disability. Managed by the Social Security Administration, in the simplest terms, it is a payroll tax-funded federal insurance program of the U.S. government.
As of the last program “snapshot” in February 2023, more than 63 million Americans receive monthly Social Security benefits. While the lion’s share goes to retirees at 78%, 13.2% goes to disabled workers, and the remaining 8.8% goes to survivors of deceased workers. Of the roughly 8.7 million disabled workers and their family members who receive SSDI payments, the average monthly benefit is $1,340.70.
Are you wondering if you can collect Social Security Disability Insurance? Impairments that qualify for Social Security Disability in Georgia run the gamut from Cancer to Loss of Vision. But, for this article, we will only tackle the three most common conditions. In the event that they apply to you or a loved one, you may require assistance to pursue Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The experienced Georgia SSDI attorneys at The Edmonson Law Firm stand at the ready to serve you.
Musculoskeletal System Disorders
Defined by the Social Security Administration as “disorders of the skeletal spine (vertebral column) or of the upper or lower extremities that affect musculoskeletal functioning.” This may include the bony structures, ligaments, and discs that make up the spine, as well as bones, major joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, or other soft tissues. The SSA requires “objective medical evidence from an acceptable medical source to establish that you have a medically determinable musculoskeletal disorder; evidence from both medical and nonmedical sources, who can describe how you function, to assess the severity and duration of your musculoskeletal disorder”; a physical examination; imaging and other diagnostic tests; surgical reports; responses to treatment; and/or a listing of assistive devices – like a wheelchair, walker, prosthetic devices, etc. They will take all of this information and more into account when determining whether or not you are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits and how much you are due each month. You’ll want to ensure you have a solid case before submitting it to the SSA, and the SSDI attorneys at The Edmonson Law Firm can help you prepare. If you’ve been denied, we can assist you in reapplying.
Mental Disorders
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated one in five adults live with mental illness. The Social Security Administration outlines mental disorders that could qualify for SSDI – if they are “serious and persistent” in 11 categories that include: neurocognitive disorders; schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders; depressive, bipolar, and related disorders; intellectual disorder; anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders; somatic symptom and related disorders; personality and impulse-control disorders; autism spectrum disorder; neurodevelopmental disorders; eating disorders; and trauma- and stressor-related disorders. Evidence required to evaluate your mental disorder includes “objective medical evidence from an acceptable medical source to establish that you have a medically determinable mental disorder” that also outlines its severity; relevant medical evidence about your disorder from your physician, psychologist, and other medical sources that includes symptoms, history, psychological testing, medications and more; “relevant evidence about your mental disorder and your daily functioning” as described by you and people who know you; relevant evidence from school, vocational training, work, and work-related programs; and more. This is another area where the Social Security Disability Insurance attorneys of The Edmonson Law Firm can be of great assistance in helping you require the evidence needed and advocate on your behalf.
Neurological Disorders
The Social Security Administration defines disabilities under the Neurological category as epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s syndrome, coma, or persistent vegetative state (PVS). There are also neurological disorders that cause disorganization of motor function, bulbar and neuromuscular dysfunction, communication impairment, or a combination of limitations in physical and mental functioning, such as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, or Huntington’s disease. Evidence to support the diagnosis and severity of your neurological disorder required by the SSA includes medical and non-medical evidence (signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings) to assess the effects of your neurological disorder, as well as clear evidence that limitations from your neurological disorder exist despite adherence to prescribed treatment. In addition, the limitations you incur due to your disorder will help determine the benefits you are due. Let The Edmonson Law Firm help you compile the evidence needed to gain the benefits you are due.
Remaining List of Impairments
Additional disability categories that could qualify you to receive Social Security Disability Insurance in Georgia include: Special Senses and Speech Disorders, Respiratory Disorders, Cardiovascular System Disorders, Digestive System Disorders, Genitourinary Disorders, Hematological Disorders, Skin Disorders, Endocrine Disorders, Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems, Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases), and Immune System Disorders. To learn what falls under each category and the evidence required to apply for SSDI under each, visit the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments page.
To discuss the next steps for applying for SSDI or approaching the administrative appeals process if you’ve been denied, contact Georgia’s Hometown Law Firm for a FREE case evaluation. The Social Security Disability attorneys of Edmonson Law Firm can be reached by calling 678-271-9111, emailing john@elf-legal.com, or filling out our online contact form. To learn more about Edmonson Law Firm and our capabilities in Social Security Disability, Personal Injury, and Workers’ Compensation, visit www.elf-legal.com.