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Posted on in Social Security Disability

In many cases, the Social Security disability benefits a person can receive are based on their work history and the income they have earned in the past. However, there are some cases where children may receive disability benefits, and they may be eligible to continue receiving disability after reaching the age of 18, depending on whether their disabilities affect their ability to work.

Magistrate Reverses ALJ’s Denial of Disabled Adult Child Benefits

A recent U.S. District Court case in Illinois illustrates some of the issues that may be involved in cases involving Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits. In Alexandra A. S. v. Commissioner of Social Security, a woman had applied for benefits, and she alleged that symptoms she had experienced since her 18th birthday, including depression, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and lack of focus, made it impossible for her to work.

The administrative law judge (ALJ) who heard the plaintiff’s case found that while she had severe impairments due to personality disorders, anxiety, and substance abuse, she had the residual functional capacity (RFC) to perform simple, routine tasks in a work environment that is not fast-paced, does not involve any interactions with the public, and has only brief, superficial contact with co-workers. For these reasons, the ALJ denied the plaintiff disability benefits. The plaintiff appealed this decision.

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Tagged in: adult child disabilty benefits adult disability cases Chicago Social Security Disability Attorney Chicago Social Security disability lawyer disabilty evidence
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Posted on in Social Security Disability Medical Conditions

IL disability attorneyWhen a person makes a Social Security disability claim, the decision about whether to award benefits will usually depend on the medical examinations they receive, as well as evaluations that are meant to determine whether they have the ability to work. In these cases, the opinions of a person’s regular doctor, who is known as a “treating source physician,” are given a great deal of weight. This is because a treating physician will have established a relationship with the patient that gives them a better understanding of their physical condition and their capabilities to perform work. However, in some cases, disability claims are improperly denied because Social Security does not properly consider the opinions of a treating source physician.

Appeals Court Vacates Denial of Benefits Based on Failure to Give Weight to Treating Physician’s Opinion

One recent case in Illinois demonstrates how Social Security may deny benefits without properly considering the opinions of a treating source physician. In Hargett v. Commissioner of Social Security, the United States Court of Appeals considered a situation in which an applicant had been denied benefits by an administrative law judge (ALJ), and this decision was upheld by a federal magistrate judge.

The plaintiff applied for disability benefits based on a number of impairments, including type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, curvature of the spine, and high blood pressure. He had been receiving treatment from his primary care physician, who referred him to a physical therapist for a functional capacity evaluation (FCE). This evaluation found that while he had the lifting capacity to perform “medium-strength” work, he was unable to stand for more than five minutes, could not walk for more than a tenth of a mile, could not balance well while walking or standing, and could not crouch or stoop. The primary care physician signed off on the results of this evaluation.

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Tagged in: acceptable medical source appealing Social Security denial documented medical condition Illinois disability attorney Illinois Social Security disability attorney
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Posted on in Denied Social Security Benefits

IL disability lawyerIf you are suffering from medical conditions that make it difficult or impossible to work, you may struggle to meet your needs. Fortunately, you can apply for Social Security disability benefits, which will provide you with financial support while you are unable to work. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) often denies benefits to applicants, leaving them unsure about their ability to support themselves. If your disability claim has been denied, you can appeal this decision, and your appeal may be based on a variety of factors, including the fact that more recent medical evidence shows that you are disabled.

Magistrate Reverses Disability Denial Based on Outdated MRI Tests

One recent Illinois case demonstrates the legal issues that can arise when Social Security bases a denial of benefits on test results that may no longer be relevant. In the case of Dennis E. C., Jr. v. Commissioner of Social Security, an administrative law judge (ALJ) had denied benefits to the plaintiff based on the opinion that he had the ability to perform work in jobs available in the economy.

The plaintiff, a 39-year-old man, had previously worked as a janitor, a warehouse freight handler, and other temporary labor positions, but he reported being unable to work because of severe back pain that made it difficult to stand or sit for extended periods. He also reported difficulty kneeling, squatting, bending, reaching, climbing stairs, and performing other work-related tasks.

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Tagged in: appealing Social Security denial Chicago disability attorney Chicago Social Security attorney Social Security Disability benefits SSDI denial
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