patient

Portland cancer patient who raised awareness of Medicare waiting period dies

Sue Sherman,  the subject of a story in The Oregonian about her quiet effort to raise awareness about the Medicare waiting period for Social Security disability recipients, died of pancreatic cancer. Her daughter, Bethany Sherman, was with Sherman when she died. Bethany said that Wednesday would have been Sherman’s 59th birthday, “which kind of makes it … Read more

Is your patient disabled due to major Joint Dysfunction?

Comprehensive Reporting for Social Security Disability Evaluation Purposes “Major joint dysfunction” is disabling under the Social Security regulations, if certain criteria are met. (20 CFR Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, 1.02) Major joint dysfunction must be characterized by gross anatomical deformity (such as subluxation, contracture, bony or fibrous ankylosis, instability, etc.) and chronic joint … Read more

Is Your Diabetic Patient Disabled?

Persons who have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus are considered disabled and entitled to Social Security disability benefits if they meet or equal. certain criteria in the “Listings.” A diabetic may be “disabled” as a matter of law, if he/she has any one of four conditions resulting from diabetes: Neuropathy which is demonstrated by significant … Read more

Is Your Patient With Aching Joints Disabled Under The Social Security Listings?

This is the third in a series detailing how the Social Security “Listings” define certain types of disabling conditions. If your patient’s symptoms match or are equivalent to the criteria in the Listings, then your patient is “disabled” under Social Security law. Under the Listings for the musculoskeletal system, there are three categories of arthritic … Read more

Is Your Patient Disabled By A Mental Disorder?

The opinion of a treating physician on the mental status of a patient claiming Social Security disability benefits is considered “competent psychiatric evidence” in federal courts, even if the treating physician is not a board certified psychiatrist. This article reviews the criteria for “Mental Disorders” set forth in the Social Security Regulations “Listings of Impairments.” … Read more