In recent issues, we have presented a series of articles setting out the specific medical criteria used to determine whether Social Security claimants with specific afflictions are disabled as a matter of law. What if your patient’s condition does not meet or equal the criteria of any of the Listings, but he or she simply … Read more
If your patient has applied for Social Security disability and is being treated for more than one condition, consider and address in your chart notes the combined impairing effect of all conditions. This includes both physical and mental conditions. For example, your patient may suffer from a chronic pain syndrome related to a vertebrogenic disorder. … Read more
“Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Objective Medical Evidence Requirements …”was the subject of a memorandum from Social Security Deputy Commissioner, Susan M. Daniels, Ph. D., (“the Deputy Commissioner”) to a Social Security administrative law judge (ALJ) in May 1998. This memo has been widely circulated. The memo was in response to memoranda from the ALJ … Read more
The Social Security regulations list numerous conditions which render a person legally “disabled” for the purpose of receiving Social Security disability benefits. The conditions listed are collectively referred to as “the Listings.” In prior articles we have explained that a person is disabled if Social Security finds a condition which impairs ability to work to … Read more
Fibromyalgia is the subject of varying opinions among medical professionals. It is certainly controversial in the medical-legal arena. One area of disagreement is its etiology: What causes fibromyalgia? More specifically, in the context of personal injury lawsuits: Is fibromyalgia caused by traumatic injuries? If so, can it result in disability? In a recent personal injury … Read more