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If you recently became disabled and plan to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, then you likely understand that the application process can be complex and that you must meet strict requirements to obtain and keep these benefits.

However, you may have heard some common myths that led you to believe that the application process is more lengthy and confusing than it is or that you may not qualify for benefits at all when you likely do.

Read on to learn about four Social Security Disability myths you may have heard and the truth behind these common misconceptions.

There are some mental disorders that can prevent a person from working. Because of this, some mental disorders qualify for Social Security Disability.

Here are some of those mental disorders.

Somatoform Disorders

When a person has physical symptoms that cannot be medically explained, they most likely have a somatoform disorder. In order to qualify as a mental condition, the symptoms of the somatoform disorder cannot be related to substance abuse or a medical condition. Symptoms of somatoform disorders must also not be related to another mental disorder.

If you have been diagnosed with any type of immune disorder, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. An immune disorder occurs when the immune system is either underactive or overactive. An immune system that does not work as it should produces a variety of symptoms.

For some, the symptoms are so debilitating that they struggle to perform everyday activities, which includes going to work. Some of these symptoms include recurrent infections, extreme loss of function in an organ or entire body system, severe fatigue, and diffuse musculoskeletal pain.

If you have a disability or medical condition, you may be able to receive Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits provide income supplements if you can’t work because of your medical condition. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability, certain criteria must be met.

Unfortunately, 70 percent of those who apply for Social Security Disability are denied. The good news is that a denial is not always the final answer. If you have applied for Social Security Disability but were denied, you can go through the appeal process.

When you go through this process, you are asking the Social Security Administration (SSA) to take another look at your case. To help you better understand, here are the answers to four frequently asked questions about the Social Security Disability appeal process.

Heart disease is quite prevalent in the United States. According to recent statistics, heart disease affects nearly half of the country’s population. And, many different kinds of heart conditions exist. Each condition has its own unique symptoms. For example, the symptoms of heart disease in the blood vessels are different than symptoms of a weak heart muscle.

Some symptoms of certain heart conditions can make life difficult. Symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue can greatly affect one’s quality of life and their ability to work.

For this reason, certain heart conditions qualify for Social Security Disability. Discover three of those heart conditions.

Claiming your Social Security Disability Insurance benefits can become an uphill battle for some. Here are some important tips that can strengthen your claim, broaden your understanding of the process, and help you find approval.

1. Speak to a Legal Professional About Your Social Security Disability Claim

The best possible tip for handling a Social Security Disability claim is to speak with an experienced Social Security attorney. You don’t have to wait until you receive a denial, are facing an administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing, or run into a problem before contacting an attorney about your Social Security Disability claim.

Having diabetes will no doubt change how you live your life forever. If your diabetes has progressed and is causing multiple health problems, you may be able to get Social Security Disability. If you are no longer able to work because of your diabetes and associated complications.

Do Check to See if You Are Instantly Disqualified

It is best for you to have your application filed by an attorney that specializes in Social Security Disability from the start.

Veterans with disabilities can obtain both VA and Social Security Disability Insurance. However, these two types of insurance have vastly different procedures and considerations. The different systems involved can create confusion for veterans who don’t fully understand how to go about seeking both types of disability insurance. Here is a look at how Social Security Disability and VA disability can work together.

VA Disability Does Not Define Disability Like the SSA Does

You can receive your VA Disability benefits without having a total disability. This can become an important consideration when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance.

A high compensable rating from the VA can mean your condition severely limits your ability to work or quality of life. Nevertheless, this will all depend on your circumstances.

In most cases, when a Social Security Disability Claims Office denies your request to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you have the option to appeal the decision. This is accomplished through a process called reconsideration. After you’ve been denied, you or your attorney have 60 days to file a “Request for Reconsideration.”

If you don’t agree with the result of the reconsideration, you may then request a hearing in front of a judge. While it may seem intimidating to testify at a hearing in front of an administrative law judge, your attorney prepares you for the appearance and helps you feel at ease.

Below, you’ll find three bits of information to help you understand more about your first disability claim hearing.

Social Security disability benefits help many individuals maintain their quality of life in spite of job loss, illness, or permanent injury. However, the process to qualify for Social Security disability can seem daunting, especially for individuals without any legal experience.

Understanding what’s expected of you during the application process can help you feel calm and confident. In this blog, we list the documents and records you may be required to provide and the forms you may be asked to fill out. This paperwork falls under four main categories: medical history, official forms, personal information, and work history.

Medical History

Your Social Security disability claim must be based on specific medical needs. As part of the qualifying process, you must provide documentation of your relevant diagnoses and any treatment you have received.

Required documentation includes:

• Detailed records of your medication regimen, including dosage and observed side effects
• Reports or imaging that document your condition, such as radiologist findings and MRI images
• Residual functional capacity (RFC) assessments regarding your physical and mental condition
• The names, practice information, and contact information of each physician or specialist you see

If you see health care professionals for conditions that are not relevant to your claim, you do not need to include any information about those physicians or your treatment under their care.

Official Forms

Generally, you must fill out two primary forms during the qualification process, the application and an
Adult Disability Report.

Application

In addition to the information listed in the other sections of this blog, the Social Security disability application asks for general information. You must list the dates and locations of your marriage(s) and/or divorce(s), provide your bank information such as an electronic routing number, and disclose your educational history.

Adult Disability Report

The Adult Disability Report asks for more detailed information about the records you provide. You must answer every question, but you may have a trusted helper write the answers in if you are unable to do so. You should answer with “not applicable” or “none” instead of leaving any space blank on the form.

These forms are available both online and at your local Social Security Administration office.

Personal Information

To verify your identity and your current life situation, you may be required to provide personal information records. These records include the following:

• Military service paperwork
• Proof of birth, such as a birth certificate
• Proof of citizenship, such as naturalization papers
• Social Security card
• Spouse and dependents’ information, including names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers

Not all applicants are required to provide the entire list of documents listed above, so consult with your lawyer to determine which records you need to collect.

Work and Income History

Your work and income history for the last 15 years may be considered during the qualification process. You may be asked to provide any of the following documentation:

• An itemized list of your assets, excluding the land you live on and your primary vehicle
• Last year’s tax return
• The name and contact information of your current or most recent employer
• Your Social Security statement, which includes information about your earnings and your projected benefits

Your lawyer can help you determine what work and income information is relevant to these proceedings.

As you work on filing for Social Security disability benefits, rely on an experienced lawyer. Your legal counsel can help you put together the necessary paperwork, fill out forms correctly, and file in compliance with all requirements.

Learn more about the services offered by the Social Security disability lawyers at Horn & Kelley, P.C. Attorneys at Law on our Social Security disability claims page.