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The Benefits of Working With a Law Firm When Filing a Disability Claim

If you are disabled, you may be eligible for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Unfortunately, the process to file a claim and actually get the benefits you’re entitled to is complicated, and many claims are initially denied due to simple errors. Between overwhelming paperwork and a confusing claims process, many people decide it’s not worth the hassle to file for disability. 

At The Law Offices of Michael Hartup, we understand how intimidating it can be to file a disability claim. We’re committed to helping Tennessee residents get the benefits they deserve. When you work with our office, we’ll walk you through every step from the initial claim to an appeal (if necessary). Working with us can make the entire process far less stressful. To learn more, contact us online or call our Jackson, Tennessee, office at (731) 424-5559. 

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How Rating Specialists Interpret Examination Reports

When you apply for veterans disability benefits, your claim is evaluated to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements. The individuals who perform these evaluations are called rating specialists. If your claim has been denied, you may wonder why. Understanding how rating specialists interpret examination records can help you know how to proceed with your appeal.

At The Law Offices of Michael Hartup, we know that applying for VA disability can be a complicated and frustrating process. Our team has helped many Tennessee residents successfully apply for VA disability benefits or go through the appeals process. If you aren’t sure of the next step to take when pursuing disability benefits, contact us online or call our Jackson, Tennessee, office at (731) 513-5282. 

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What Mental Disorders Are Covered by SSDI?

Mental illness affects millions of people in the United States. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 20.6 percent of American adults dealt with mental illness in 2019. About five percent of U.S. adults experienced severe mental illness in the same year. Many individuals with mental illness find it difficult to be successful at work and to maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships. 

At The Law Offices of Michael Hartup, we have years of experience helping Tennessee residents and their families apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. If you have a mental illness, we can help you understand whether it qualifies for SSDI payments. We’ll also walk you through the application (or appeal) process if needed.

Call our office in Jackson at 731-513-5282 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.

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How to Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is designed to provide financial benefits to people who cannot work due to a disability. These payments can be vitally important to individuals who are unable to continue in their careers or find new work due to a disability. 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) clearly defines the eligibility requirements for SSDI, but it’s not always easy for qualified applicants to get the benefits they deserve. Many eligible individuals have their initial claim denied because the process is complicated and overwhelming. 

At The Law Offices of Michael Hartup, we know that disabled Tennessee residents rely on SSDI benefits. If you can’t work due to a disability, you may be eligible for SSDI payments. We are here to simplify the application process, and we can help you appeal the decision if your claim gets denied. 

To schedule a consultation with our team of experienced disability claims attorneys, call our Jackson, Tennessee, office at (731) 513-5275. You can also use our online contact form.

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How to Apply for Veterans Disability

Many United States military veterans have injuries or diseases caused or aggravated by their time in service. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs show that in 2018, there were over 4.75 million veterans with service-connected disabilities. In fact, the number of disabled veterans has increased dramatically since 1990 even though the total number of veterans has decreased over the same time period. The VA provides benefits to disabled veterans who can prove that their disability was caused or worsened by their military service.

If you think you may be entitled to benefits from a disability caused by your time in the military, the first step is to apply for benefits. If you’ve already applied and had your claim rejected, you can initiate an appeal. In many cases, claims are rejected due to application errors or missing documentation, not the applicant’s ineligibility. Applying for VA disability benefits is often challenging and frustrating, but an experienced disability attorney can simplify and expedite the process. 

At The Law Offices of Michael Hartup, we have helped many Tennessee veterans get the benefits they deserve. Our team can explain the eligibility requirements, collect and submit all the paperwork, and work through the appeals process, if necessary. To schedule a consultation, contact our Jackson, Tennessee, office at (731) 424-5559. You can also use our online contact form.

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What Back Conditions Qualify for Disability?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, at least a quarter of all adults reported having lower back pain in the last three months. While there are numerous causes of back pain, the results are the same in many cases. Back conditions often prevent people from working and cause financial hardships for them and their families.

If you have back pain that affects your ability to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict requirements for medical conditions, and not all back issues fall into one of those categories. Even if your condition does meet the requirements, your claim may be denied due to errors in the application or insufficient medical records.

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How to Appeal a Denied Veteran’s Disability Claim

If the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has denied your claim for veteran’s disability compensation, you have options. You can file an appeal and ask the VA to review your case. It’s important to understand what factors may have led to your denied claim and how you can start the appeals process.

At The Law Offices of Michael Hartup, we’re committed to helping veterans with disabilities with their claims and appeals. If you need assistance appealing your denied claim, contact our Jackson, Tennessee, office by calling 731-424-5559. You may also fill out an online form to schedule an initial consultation. 

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Can You Get Disability After Back Surgery?

Back problems, and how they interfere with one’s ability to work, are some of the most common reasons people apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). In fact, the SSA’s annual report on the disability benefits program for 2019 found that most disabled workers belonged to the “musculoskeletal system and connective tissue” category of diseases. Back pain, trunk pain, and spinal disorders are very common conditions in this group.

If you suffer from back pain and receive back surgery to correct it, you may be wondering if you’re able to collect disability benefits afterward. Because back pain is so subjective, or personal, there’s no singular answer to this question that will apply to everyone.

However, we’ll explain common types of back surgeries, qualifying for disability, and receiving benefits post-back surgery below. If you need further help understanding your disability benefits and options in Tennessee, contact The Law Offices of Michael Hartup. Call our Jackson office at 731-424-5559 or fill out an online form to get started.

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How Can Injured Service Members Ensure They Get Disability After Separation?

Before you leave active duty, or separate, you may be able to apply for VA benefits during your service. If you’ve suffered any illnesses or injuries during your service, or noticed that they’ve become worse while serving, you may be able to receive disability benefits after separation. 

It’s a good idea to document your condition and understand your options now, before you separate, so that you can get your disability benefits sooner. 

In this blog, attorney Michael Hartup discusses what service members can do to receive benefits after separation. If you need assistance understanding your disability benefits options, The Law Offices of Michael Hartup can help. Call our Jackson, Tennessee office at 731-424-5559 or fill out an online form to get started.

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How Can Injured Service Members Ensure They Get Disability After Separation?

Before you leave active duty, or separate, you may be able to apply for VA benefits during your service. If you’ve suffered any illnesses or injuries during your service, or noticed that they’ve become worse while serving, you may be able to receive disability benefits after separation. 

It’s a good idea to document your condition and understand your options now, before you separate, so that you can get your disability benefits sooner. 

In this blog, attorney Michael Hartup discusses what service members can do to receive benefits after separation. If you need assistance understanding your disability benefits options, The Law Offices of Michael Hartup can help. Call our Jackson, Tennessee office at 731-424-5559 or fill out an online form to get started.

Continue reading “How Can Injured Service Members Ensure They Get Disability After Separation?”