Marc Whitehead & Associates wants everyone to know that October 2019 is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The U.S. Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has once again declared October as NDEAM, a time to celebrate the contributions of American workers with disabilities and the essential role they play in America’s economic […]
If I Have Ovarian Cancer, Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability?
In recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the disability denial attorneys at Marc Whitehead & Associates would like to focus attention on this often misdiagnosed disease that claims the lives of over 14,000 women in the U.S. each year. According to the American Cancer Society, one in 78 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer […]
My Doctor Does Not Support My Mental Disability Claim. What Do I Do?
Those who suffer mental impairments often find themselves facing more than just the insurance company or government program standing in their way of getting crucial benefits. Often it’s your treating psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health doctor who seems to be working against your mental disability claim. It is important your claim has the support of […]
Inability to Communicate in English May No Longer Help Your SSDI Claim
Older disability applicants who cannot speak or understand English may be cut out of disability benefits, according to a rule change proposed by the SSA. The Social Security Administration wants to stop using the “inability to communicate in English” criteria as a vocational factor when evaluating claims for disability benefits. For thousands of disabled Americans […]
What Is the RAMP Appeals Process? How Does It Affect My Claim?
What every veteran must know about the (now discontinued) RAMP appeals decision process, the new Appeals Reform law (AMA) and how they affect your claim. Now concluded, the RAMP appeals process served as the pilot program for the streamlined, 3-laned review framework as set forth by the new VA appeals law. The modernized VA appeals […]
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) VA Claim – Get the Benefits You Deserve
If you suffered a head injury during service, and you have current residuals of TBI, then you may be eligible for veteran’s disability compensation benefits. But don’t let the VA underrate you. Often the VA does not evaluate the long term effects of TBI properly. Should you have questions or need assistance at any stage […]
Prevalence of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Is On the Rise
New data from the Department of Defense reveals that the prevalence of military sexual trauma, or MST, has reached new heights. Military sexual trauma is the term the VA uses to describe the effects of sexual violence, abuse or harassment experienced by a military service member during active duty. If you are suffering from the […]
Ways to Increase Your PTSD Rating
Are you wondering why your PTSD rating is so low? If you are unsatisfied with the VA’s decision, it may be possible to increase your PTSD rating. The VA ratings for PTSD—and all mental health claims—are set at the following percentage increments: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%. But the reality is that far […]
Is PTSD a Disability under VA Compensation and Social Security?
Yes—if you are a veteran diagnosed with PTSD (or are living with symptoms and suspect you have the condition) you may qualify for Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, or both. Each program’s eligibility criteria are different and must be met. Basically, PTSD can be the basis for a successful […]
Understanding Your PTSD Rating
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often rated at a level that fails to reflect your actual disabilities and extent or stage of impairment. These and other issues make it very hard for you to get a handle on your PTSD rating. A prevalent disability among U.S. service members, PTSD claims are hard fought battles for […]