Date of onset is key in disability cases

People in Tennessee who have medical conditions that prevent them from working full-time jobs may have claims for disability benefits. These claims are filed with the Social Security Administration and may be available whether the condition is mental or physical in nature. Broadly speaking, there are two types of benefits that may be available for workers who are disabled, Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance.

To be categorized as disabled with regard to SSI or SSDI benefits, the person must have a condition that stops them from making a threshold level of monthly income when working full time. The disability must have existed for 12 months continuously or be expected to last that long. The Social Security Administration keeps a list of medical conditions that are approved, including autism, depression, anxiety, chronic coronary disease, vision loss, hearing loss, Parkinson’s disease and many other conditions. The SSA list is commonly called the blue book.

Disability benefit claims can be submitted in person, online or over the phone. There are a number of different documents that must usually be submitted as part of a disability claim in Tennessee. These include income taxes, dates of therapy sessions and medical procedures and the names of prescribed drugs. One of the key factors in any worker disability claim is the onset date. The disability onset date is the first day that the person was unable to work because of the condition.

In situations where a worker in Tennessee believes he or she may have a claim for disability benefits from Social Security, a lawyer might be able to help. A lawyer who has experience pursuing Social Security Disability Benefits may draft and file the required SSA paperwork or, otherwise, communicate with government agencies on the client’s behalf. In cases where a disability claim has been initially denied, a lawyer might have the matter called for reconsideration or schedule a hearing with an administrative law judge.