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Ortiz Law Firm | National Disability Law Firm
Ortiz Law Firm is dedicated to helping people recover the disability benefits they deserve. We handle group Long Term Disability (LTD) claims, individual disability insurance policy claims, ERISA disability claims, and Social Security Disability claims.
Having a medical expert (ME) at your Social Security disability hearing can significantly impact the outcome of your case. These professionals are vital in providing expert testimony and medical evidence to support your disability claim. Medical experts bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, helping to clarify complex medical …
Navigating a disability claim can be a daunting journey, especially for those grappling with disabilities that are hard to prove. Conditions involving chronic pain and fatigue may pose significant challenges when it comes to providing tangible proof, as their symptoms are often subjective and fluctuate in nature. These disabilities can be met with …
Have you ever wondered if you can take a vacation while on disability benefits? It’s a common question among claimants receiving Social Security disability or long-term disability benefits. Enjoying some time away may seem appealing, but it can also raise concerns about how it may affect your benefits. This blog post will delve into taking …
How you fill out the Social Security Function Report (Form SSA-3373) is crucial to the success of your Social Security Disability claim. This detailed form collects essential information about how your medical condition affects your ability to work. Many applicants find this form overwhelming or confusing, but understanding how to complete it …
Are you applying for Social Security benefits and wondering how to correctly fill out the SSA’s work history form? Understanding the importance of accurately completing this form is crucial, as it directly impacts your eligibility for benefits and the amount you may receive. We will guide you through filling out the SSA’s work history …
Are you preparing for a Social Security disability hearing only to have it postponed? You’re not alone. Delayed hearings can be frustrating and overwhelming. This post will discuss why Social Security disability hearings may be delayed and what a postponement means for your claim. Common Reasons for Postponement Disability hearings are …
A vocational expert is a professional who provides testimony regarding the vocational aspects of a disability claim. The presence of a vocational expert in a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) hearing can significantly influence the outcome of a claim. By providing insights into a claimant’s work-related abilities and limitations, …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers programs to provide financial assistance to those in need. Among these programs is the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. Your SSDI claim may qualify for expedited TERI case processing if you have a terminal illness. What Is a TERI Case? The SSA established Terminal Illness (TERI) …
Staying afloat while waiting to be approved for disability benefits is a tricky issue in most cases. Help might be available while waiting for Social Security or long-term disability insurance payments, but you must piece it together. Below are some resources for claimants in the state of Florida. There may be similar resources available to …
Far too many people give up when denied Social Security disability benefits after a hearing because they feel like they have no further appeal rights. We have helped claimants get approved on a new claim even after receiving an unfavorable decision from a judge in a prior claim. If you’ve been denied by an Administrative …
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that pays benefits to people who cannot work due to a disability. If you have a disability and are unable to work, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits. However, getting approved for SSDI can be a long and complicated process. Here are some things that …
Today, I’d like to delve into a crucial aspect of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims: the “Grid Rules,” formally known as the “Medical-Vocational Guidelines.” These may be found in Appendix 2 to Subpart P of Part 404 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Note: They are called “Grid Rules” because …
When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, one term that often comes up is the On-The-Record (OTR) decision. This article will discuss an OTR decision and how it can affect your claim. What Is an On-The-Record (OTR) with SSA? An OTR decision is a fully favorable decision given without having to attend a …
Will a personal injury settlement affect my Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits? Should I apply for disability benefits with a personal injury lawsuit pending? Does a lump sum payment for my injury impact my disability claim? The short answer is personal injury claims do not affect SSDI benefits, but they generally do affect SSI …
My name is Nick Ortiz, and I am a Social Security disability attorney. I recently interacted with one of our clients, who received a favorable decision two years after starting his initial application. He was happy and relieved to finally get this good news. This made me think of a question we get from many …
The Listing of Impairments describes impairments for each of the major body systems that Social Security considers severe enough to prevent a claimant from doing any gainful activity, regardless of his or her age, education, or work experience (you can find these impairments on our website in our articles on the disabilities that may …
Social Security recognizes that it has an obligation to provide benefits quickly to applicants whose medical conditions are so serious that their conditions obviously meet disability standards. The Compassionate Allowances (CAL) initiative is a way of quickly identifying diseases and other medical conditions that invariably qualify under the …
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a lifeline that many rely on when the unexpected strikes. SSDI is a federal program that provides financial support and other benefits to people who cannot work due to a disability. To qualify for SSDI, you must have a disability that has lasted (or is expected to last) 12 …
If you’re currently receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, it’s important to understand that your benefits may not be permanent. The Social Security Administration (SSA) regularly conducts Continuing Disability Reviews to determine whether people are still entitled to receive benefits. The review performed by the SSA …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has added 12 new conditions to its list of Compassionate Allowances conditions. What Conditions Have Been Added to the List? Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, has announced the addition of 12 new Compassionate Allowances conditions: 1p36 Deletion Syndrome, Anaplastic Ependymoma, …
Social Security disability hearing offices are officially known as Offices of Hearings Operations (OHO). Previously, they were known as Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). Statistically, this is where most Social Security disability claims will be approved. A Request for Hearing is the third step in the process and the second …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is revising criteria in the Listing of Impairments used to evaluate claims. These changes will affect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims for adults and children involving digestive disorders and skin disorders. Why Is the SSA Revising the Listing? This …
A question we often hear is “Can I file for disability if I have a pending Jones Act Maritime Injury Case?” The short answer is – yes, you can apply for disability benefits while your Jones Act case is ongoing. Offshore workers can apply for disability benefits while a Jones Act claim is pending. Applying …
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) back pay or retroactive benefits are lump sum payments that cover the benefits you were entitled to but did not receive while waiting for your application to be approved. It can be a significant amount of money and is a welcome relief for many struggling to make ends meet while …