Category Archives: Building a Case

Tips and things to watch out for when getting a Social Security case ready

My Social Security file is missing records

Posted on September 2, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

Let’s say you are reviewing your Social Security exhibit file before your disability hearing and you discover that some of your doctor’s (or other records) are not there. I have mentioned before that it is not unusual for the medical … Continue reading →

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Reviewing your Social Security exhibit file – Part 1: Medical Records

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

How do you begin to review your Social Security exhibit file? Here is a quick guide to finding the really important parts. Start with the “F” section to review the medical records. If you do not review anything else in … Continue reading →

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What is in a Social Security file?

Posted on August 26, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

Just before your Social Security hearing, you will be given a cd and pointed at a computer. If you ask, someone may help you load up the disk and get you to a screen that looks like this: Ok, now … Continue reading →

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Social Security Debit Cards

Posted on August 21, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

There is a new Social Security blog written by a 34 year veteran of the Social Security Administration. One of his recent articles talks about the pros and cons of Social Security debit cards … paying benefits digitally rather than … Continue reading →

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Will it hurt my child if I apply for children’s SSI Social Security disability benefits

Posted on August 19, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

I was asked to address some of the issues parents should consider when deciding whether to start an application for Social Security disability benefits (typically children’s Supplemental Security Income – SSI – benefits) for their disabled child. Many parents worry … Continue reading →

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Trying to work can sometimes help a Social Security disability case

Posted on August 12, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

Working while applying for Social Security disability benefits is a topic I have previously discussed. However, reading that article, you might come to the conclusion that it is never a good idea to work if you are either on, or … Continue reading →

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Seven facts about complex partial seizures

Posted on July 27, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

Today’s guest article is contributed by Meredith Walker, who writes about the masters in public health. She welcomes your feedback at “MeredithWalker1983 at gmail.com” Enjoy the article and please make her feel welcome! Complex partial seizures are epileptic seizures that affect … Continue reading →

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Do you need an FCE in a Social Security case?

Posted on July 6, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

I was recently asked if you need a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) in a Social Security disability case. No, but it really helps if you can get one. As I previously wrote, it is vital to get a statement from … Continue reading →

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Maximum attorney fees increase to $6000

Posted on June 22, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

If you hire a lawyer on a Social Security case after today, you may be surprised to learn that the maximum fees are $6,000. I thought the most a lawyer can charge in a Social Security case was $5,300?  That’s … Continue reading →

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Service dog programs for autistic children

Posted on June 10, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

We have written about service dogs for children with autism and mentioned two groups which provide training: 4PawsforAbility and Guiding Eyes.  The response has been amazing! A lot of people want to learn more about these programs. video platform video … Continue reading →

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Tips for seizure and epilepsy Social Security disability cases

Posted on May 27, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

  Attorney Anthony Reeves writes about what to do and not to do when applying for Social Security disability benefits for a seizure disorder (whether due to epilepsy or pseudo-seizures). Most people think that epilepsy is so traumatic that an individual … Continue reading →

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How do I prove my disability case when I look fine?

Posted on May 25, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

This is one of the most difficult issues in a Social Security disability case.  You might look “normal,” but you know that there is no way that you can work.  If you tell someone that you are applying for Social … Continue reading →

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Maximum attorney fees in Social Security disability cases

Posted on May 13, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

What is the most a lawyer can charge in a Social Security case? We have talked about the typical fee agreement when you are applying for Social Security disability benefits before. But I am often asked what is maximum someone … Continue reading →

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What is a fee petition?

Posted on May 11, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

A “fee petition” is a way your lawyer asks Social Security for fees for his services. I though attorneys were paid a percentage of what I get? Percentage-based contingency fee agreements are the most common way attorneys get paid in … Continue reading →

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Don’t go to your Social Security disability hearing with out-of-date medical records!

Posted on May 1, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

It surprises my clients to learn that, most of the time, Social Security does not update medical records after the initial denial. With wait times of a year or more, this can mean that by the time your case gets … Continue reading →

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