From the Charlotte Observer:
Nearly all American workers pay the federal government for insurance in case they get too sick to keep a job. But thousands of disabled workers wait longer for help in the Charlotte region than almost anywhere else in the nation.
Many lose their homes, fall into bankruptcy or go without needed medicine awaiting Social Security disability payments. Some die before their cases are heard.
From today’s Rochester Democrat and Chronicle:
One million people by 2010. That’s the estimated backlog of pending cases for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
To handle that increase, due largely in part to the aging of baby boomers, the approval and appeals process must be altered.
The Social Security Administration is making an effort to screen and prioritize cases that are or will be 1,000 days old by the end of September.
That’s a start. But those are just bare minimums. Implementing those things won’t be enough to address the growing backlog, currently at 745,000 cases.
Reynolds was first denied for her claim back in May of 2005 so she appealed. She was denied again in November of 2005. She appealed that decision and received a letter saying her hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge would be scheduled. That was more than a year ago…frustrated she e-mailed 7 On Your Side for help.
“I think nobody should have to wait that long to see anybody especially when they have medical problems that need to be taken care of,” said Reynolds.
We contacted the SSA and within just a few days her hearing was scheduled.
From the San Antonio Express-News…an injured veteran may be eligible for Social Security disability payments even while receiving medical disability pay from the Armed Services…
If the “wounded warrior” has sufficient work credits , then Social Security must decide whether he or she meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Basically, if the person cannot work because of a physical or mental condition that is expected to last at least one year, then he or she may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Even if the wounded warrior still is receiving pay while disabled, he or she can receive disability benefits.
For example, if a wounded warrior is recovering in a hospital and is expected to be unable to work for at least a year, he or she may be eligible to receive disability benefits even though military pay continues.
See full article here:
There is no specific listing for Lyme under the Social Security Administration’s list of impairments that would qualify one for disability benefits. Lyme sufferers must be evaluated and have their conditions compared to listed impairments, such as those for lupus, for example. Evaluation of fatigue levels and neurological impairments can help develop evidence needed to prove a case.