The Colony Social Security Disability Attorneys

Lawyers Helping Address Medical Conditions and Disability Benefits in The Colony, TX

Social Security disability benefits can be a crucial source of support when severe health conditions prevent a person from maintaining gainful employment. For residents of The Colony, Texas, the attorneys at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd can provide guidance on how to apply for these benefits and demonstrate eligibility. We can help streamline the application process and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Whether you are filing an initial claim or seeking to appeal a denial, we can provide effective legal guidance and representation during hearings or other procedures. Our goal is to ensure that you will be able to receive the benefits you need and deserve.

Health Conditions Addressed in Disability Claims

Social Security disability benefits are available for people who suffer from physical or mental health conditions that severely impair their ability to work. The SSA maintains a comprehensive list of recognized conditions in its "Blue Book." Examples of conditions that may qualify include:

Physical Conditions

• Musculoskeletal Disorders: These include back injuries, arthritis, and fractures that fail to heal properly.
• Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy will often qualify as disabilities.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Disability benefits may address issues such as chronic heart failure or coronary artery disease.
• Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a few of the lung disorders that may be considered disabilities.
• Cancer: Advanced stages of certain cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, will often allow a person to receive disability benefits.
• Chronic Illnesses: Kidney disease requiring dialysis, liver disease, Crohn's disease, diabetes, and immune system disorders like HIV/AIDS are a few of the conditions that may qualify as disabilities.

Mental Illnesses

A variety of mental health conditions may qualify as disabilities, including:

• Mood Disorders, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.
• Anxiety Disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• Cognitive Disorders, which may include intellectual disabilities or traumatic brain injuries.
• Psychotic Disorders such as Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
• Autism Spectrum Disorders that impair daily functioning.

Even if your condition is not explicitly listed in the SSA's Blue Book, you may still qualify if it is as severe as a listed condition. Our attorneys can evaluate your situation and determine the best way to present your case. We will work to ensure that you will be able to show that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working, and we will advocate for disability benefits that will meet your needs.

Criteria to Demonstrate That a Condition Qualifies as a Disability

When you apply for Social Security disability benefits, you must show that your condition meets the SSA’s definition of a disability. This includes satisfying several key criteria:

• Duration of Disability: The condition must have lasted or be expected to last 12 months or more. A condition may also qualify as a disability if you have received a terminal diagnosis.
• Severity of Impairment: The condition must make it difficult or impossible to perform work. If your ability to walk, lift items, sit in place for an extended amount of time, or concentrate on work-related tasks has been impaired, you may qualify for disability benefits.
• Medical Documentation: The SSA requires detailed evidence to support your claim, including doctor’s reports, test results, and treatment histories.
• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you are working and earning more than the SGA limit, which is adjusted annually by the SSA, your claim will likely be denied.
• Ability to Perform Previous Work: The SSA will consider your residual functional capacity (RFC) to determine whether your condition prevents you from returning to any of the jobs you have held in the past.
• Ability to Perform Other Work: If the SSA concludes that you can perform other types of work available in the national economy, your claim may be denied. Age, education, and work experience are also considered in this evaluation. However, if the SSA determines that you cannot perform past work or other work that may be available, your claim may be approved.

Successfully proving all of these elements will require meticulous preparation and a thorough understanding of SSA guidelines. Our experienced attorneys have a strong understanding of the requirements you will need to meet, and we will work with you to make sure you provide the necessary evidence during your claim.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Claim

Filing a disability claim involves many details, and failure to complete the correct steps can lead to the denial of benefits. Common mistakes include:

• Failing to provide sufficient medical evidence.
• Submitting incomplete forms or inaccurate information.
• Missing deadlines when filing applications or appeals.
• Assuming that the SSA will recognize your disability without extensive documentation.

Our attorneys can help you avoid these pitfalls. We will review your claim carefully and address potential issues before they arise. If your claim is denied by the SSA, we will work with you to pursue an appeal and secure the benefits you deserve.

Contact Our Social Security Disability Lawyers in The Colony, Texas

The Law Offices of Coats & Todd is here to provide the legal support you need as you file your disability claim. Navigating this process can be a complex matter, but with the help of our lawyers, you can avoid errors, provide the correct information, and demonstrate that you qualify to receive benefits. Contact our office at 972-671-9922 to arrange a free consultation today.