Kingsport Social Security Disability Lawyer 

Living with a Disability

Living with a disability is incredibly challenging, and each day may feel like an uphill battle – but fortunately, you can get in touch with a Kingsport social security disability lawyer who can help you get the care and attention you need to live your best life.

At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we understand that you may be feeling completely overwhelmed. Learning to live with a disability takes time, and some people never get back their mobility or independence. But you should never lose hope. With the right legal team at your back, you can get your life back, and the closure you need to rebuild.

Have you or a loved one been involved in a serious accident? Are you struggling with a disability, and anxious about your future? Read on to learn more about how social security should keep you afloat, and see how a Kingsport social security disability lawyer can help.

The True Cost of Disability

If your disability was due to an accident or an injury, it means a very difficult road ahead. And of course, it means a very expensive journey for you and your loved ones. When you’re disabled because of an accident, you’ll have a massive pile of medical bills to pay off. Ideally, you can count on your insurance to cover some (or all) of the costs, but once you’re out of the hospital, you’re not out of the woods.

A disability means taking time to relearn how to live your life. No matter the degree of your disability, you’ll have to get used to a new life after your accident – and you can’t give up hope on what you have, and what you can gain. You may have to attend physical therapy, and you may have to acclimate yourself to a new routine. You may even need live-in assistance. But more importantly, you’ll have to learn how to live again. And it’ll be a long road back to normalcy.

What About Your Future?

It’s one of the most common questions people with disabilities have to ask themselves: How will I take care of myself and my loved ones? Some disabilities mean you won’t be able to go back to your old job, and some disabilities mean you’ll have to completely refocus your professional life. It can be especially stressful when you have dependents, and it can weigh on you and cause many sleepless nights.

Fortunately, you can get important and much-needed funds through social security. When you apply for disability, you finally get a break: the government provides you with a financial hand up so you can continue to care for yourself and your loved ones, and so you can pay for any necessary medical or adaptive equipment you may need after your accident.

Of course, getting money from the government is never easy. It takes a lot of work and paperwork to get your disability checks, and you can’t afford to be filing paperwork only to have it come back rejected. It’s more important than ever for you to get in touch with a social security lawyer to help you through the necessary documents and the entire application process so you know what to expect in your future.

Get in Touch with The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt

A disability is an incredible challenge, and social security is your lifeline to a better future. Don’t hesitate to get the help you need to live the best life possible: Reach out to The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, and see how a Kingsport social security disability lawyer can help.

There are many medical conditions that Virginia residents may suffer from that could qualify them for Social Security disability benefits. One such medical condition is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a term used to describe a group of lung diseases that are progressive in nature – meaning the condition will get worse over time. One of the main characteristics of the disease is increased loss of breath. If you or a loved one is suffering from COPD, contact a Kingsport Social Security disability lawyer to find out if you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

What type of lung diseases fall under the COPD umbrella?

According to the COPD Foundation, some of the pulmonary diseases that fall under COPD are chronic bronchitis, emphysema, non-reversible (also referred to as refractory) asthma, and certain forms of bronchiectasis. Symptoms of COPD include frequent coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and increased breathlessness. The disease also puts stress on the heart and many COPD patients also end up developing pulmonary heart disease. There is no cure for COPD. Treatment may include medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and oxygen therapy.

How prevalent is COPD in the United States?

There are approximately 16 million people in this country that suffer from the disease, with more than 115,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The primary cause of COPD is smoking. However, there are also environmental factors that can cause the disease as well, including long-term exposure to harmful dust, chemicals, or fumes. There are also some genetic factors that may cause a person who has not been exposed to smoking or harmful pollutants to develop the disease.

How does COPD affect a person’s ability to work?

A Social Security disability lawyer in Kingsport knows that as the disease progresses, a person’s quality of life may be greatly affected. Certain accommodations may need to be made in order for the person to continue to work. However, over time, the disease could progress to the point where the patient is unable to work and could qualify for Social Security disability benefits. 

In order to qualify for Social Security disability, a person must be suffering from a medical condition that prohibits them from earning more than $1,350 per month (for the year 2022) and this condition must be expected to last (or already has) or a minimum of one year. Typically, advanced COPD patients meet those criteria.

Do You Qualify for Benefits?

If you have been injured or struggling with COPD or any other illness that has left you unable to work, you may be entitled to Social Security disability insurance. The process for applying for benefits can be long and complicated, and you may even be denied and have to file for an appeal. Contact The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Kingsport Social Security disability lawyer today.

Understanding Social Security Disability

Here are ten facts you need to know about SSD from our Kingsport social security disability lawyer; learn more then contact The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for help.

1. What is Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability (SSD) is a federal program in the United States designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. The program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

2. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for SSD benefits, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must have a severe medical condition that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). The condition must last or be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Additionally, applicants must have earned enough work credits through Social Security contributions. A doctor and a lawyer can help you determine your eligibility based on your current situation.

3. The Five-Step Evaluation Process

SSA follows a five-step evaluation process to determine eligibility for SSD benefits. It assesses an applicant’s work status, severity of the disability, whether the disability is listed in the SSA’s “Listing of Impairments,” ability to perform past work, and capability to adjust to other forms of employment.

4. Compassionate Allowances

Certain severe medical conditions qualify for “Compassionate Allowances,” a fast-track process for SSD approval. These conditions are automatically approved, expediting the application and decision process. If you believe this might apply to you, contact a Kingsport social security disability for help.

5. Waiting Period

After being approved for SSD benefits, there is a mandatory five-month waiting period before receiving the first payment. This waiting period helps distinguish short-term disabilities from long-term ones.

6. Medical Reviews

SSD recipients undergo periodic medical reviews to determine whether they still meet the disability requirements. If the recipient’s medical condition improves significantly, their benefits may be discontinued. If you are facing an issue with losing your benefits, contact a lawyer for help. They will be able to argue your case for you.

7. SSD vs. SSI

While Social Security Disability (SSD) provides benefits to individuals who have paid into the system through work credits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history.

8. Working While on SSD

SSD beneficiaries can attempt to return to work through the Ticket to Work program. During a trial work period, recipients can earn income without losing their benefits. If they exceed the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, their benefits may be affected. It is important to have legal advice before trying this as you do not want to lose your benefits.

9. Spousal and Dependent Benefits

Under certain circumstances, spouses and dependent children of SSD recipients may be eligible for auxiliary benefits. These benefits can provide additional financial support to the family.

10. Appeal Process

If an initial SSD application is denied, applicants have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process includes several stages, such as reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and review by the Appeals Council.

Social Security Disability is a crucial safety net for individuals who find themselves unable to work due to a severe medical condition. Understanding the program’s eligibility criteria, application process, and potential benefits is essential for those seeking assistance. If you or someone you know is facing a disability, it’s important to explore the options available and seek professional guidance to navigate the SSD system successfully. Remember, the Social Security Administration is there to support individuals with disabilities and provide them with the help they need to live their lives with dignity and financial security. Contact a Kingsport social security disability lawyer at the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for help today.