Social Security Disability and SSI claims are decided upon what a person can still do – the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). Recently, I looked at the Social Security Administration’s definition of a sedentary RFC. This week, I will look at how the SSA’s definition of light work. The SSA defines light work as: The regulations define light
Often, Social Security Disability claims come down to deciding whether a person can work at a sedentary job. That naturally begs the question: What is a sedentary job? The Social Security Administration uses the same definition as the Dictionary of Occupational Titles when defining exertional levels of work. The SSA defines sedentary as: The ability
When a family is left without closure after a loved one is killed, the continual uncertainty can be very traumatic. In July of 2013, a 31-year-old Tennessee woman was killed in one of the hit-and-run car accidents that occur on the highways every year. The driver of the other vehicle had been on the run
Social Security Disability and SSI claimants are waiting longer to have their cases heard. The national average processing time for claims before the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review is up to 372 days with 46% of cases being approved. In Tennessee, the average processing time is 388 days with 53% of cases approved. This
Understandably, fatal accidents in Tennessee can have a long-term impact on the lives of surviving relatives and loved ones. Serious injuries can also bring about long-lasting pain and suffering. Unfortunately, many accidents are preventable, including one that recently occurred not far from Knoxville, involving alleged drunk driving. A 21-year-old Knoxville man was driving his truck
With a leading cause of death being vehicle accidents, researchers recently did a study, concentrating on only truck accidents. Data from a Tennessee sample was used for this study. Researchers commented that personal injury, property and productivity are often negatively affected by a truck accident. The research covered a period of five years and a
If I am approved for Social Security Disability benefits, how much will I get? For Social Security Disability, it all depends upon how much you have worked and earned in the past. For disabled widow’s or widower’s benefits, it depends upon how much the late husband or wife worked and earned. For disabled adult child
Can I get Social Security Disability benefits if I expect to get better and return to work? You have to be disabled for at least one year or be expected to be disabled for at least one year. So, if you expect to be out of work for one year or more on account of illness
Tennessee business owners in the construction industry may be interested to learn about a demolition contractor in another state who received a maximum OSHA fine of $397,000. The company was cited because basic safety precautions were not followed. Death and disfigurement of unsuspecting people were the result of the contractor`s failure to comply. The OSHA
A manufacturer of plastic pipes with a manufacturing plant in Tennessee and two other states received 18 citations on safety and health violations at one of its plants. Most of the violations were issued for safety-related programs that were not implemented, and could have workers’ compensation claims as a result. Endot Industries is the producer
Including Social Security Disability, there are several kinds of benefits for which a person can be eligible. The medical rules are the same for all categories, you must be just as disabled to qualify for one as for another. The non-medical requirements are different for each category. Disability Insurance Benefits: You are only eligible for these benefits if
At about 2:50 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, Metro Police in Tennessee were summoned to a six-vehicle crash on Interstate 24. They believe the multi-car accident may have been caused by one speeding vehicle. All westbound lanes were closed until Friday evening. Although the fatal accident is still under investigation, the initial indications are that
The SSA uses a five-step process to decide entitlement to Social Security Disability or SSI. Are you working? If you are working and your earnings average more than a certain amount each month, you generally will not be considered disabled. The amount you can earn changes each year. If you are not working, or your monthly
When Do I Apply For Social Security Disability? You should apply as you become disabled. It can take a long time to process an application for disability benefits. It can take up to six months at each of the disability application and appeal levels. The wait for a hearing has grown and currently averages right around
Just before midday on Saturday, Nov. 8, officers of the highway patrol of Tennessee were called to the scene of an accident in South Nashville. A woman had allegedly been drunk driving and, as a result, caused multiple accidents. The incident claimed her own life as well as that of a 4-year-old girl. State troopers
Many parents often wonder if their newborn or infant child qualifies for Childhood SSI disability benefits based on Developmental or Emotional Disorders. Childhood SSI claims are evaluated differently than adult claims for Social Security Disability or SSI. The SSA determines whether the child has an impairment or combination of impairments that meets or medically equals the criteria of
When individuals are injured in a Tennessee vehicle accident, their families are usually shocked at the unexpected event and filled with worry and despair. It is also natural for the injured victims and their family members to be upset if the accident happened due to another driver’s carelessness or failure to obey rules of the
A 34-year-old woman has died while on the job following an accident. The accident occurred on Sunday afternoon, but the exact details of what happened have not been reported. The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration has stepped in and are conducting an investigation into the matter. The family of the deceased woman may be
People involved in car accidents or other motor vehicle accidents are well served to keep records of everything related to the accident. Document, save and organize everything that comes into your hands involving the accident. You do not necessarily know what is important until you need it and do not have it or cannot find
The driver of a tractor-trailer may face criminal charges after a crash that killed two people. The truck accident occurred over the summer on the interstate when the truck’s driver reportedly failed to slow down for traffic. Tennessee district attorneys have handed the case over to a grand jury to render a decision. A man