security

How cuts to Social Security Administration will hurt you

Advocates for older Americans are watching closely to see how the committee’s work might lead to retirement benefit cuts via a higher Social Security retirement age, smaller cost-of-living adjustments or higher Medicare eligibility ages. Meanwhile, a separate starve-the-beast exercise goes mostly unnoticed: a big squeeze on the administrative budget of the Social Security Administration (SSA). … Read more

Rick Perry’s claim of higher returns from Social Security alternatives

The Washington Post Fact Checks Rick Perry’s Social Security Alternative Plan. What’s your take? The Texas governor has pointed to three Texas counties that have opted out of Social Security as one possible fix for the retirement program. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/rick-perrys-claim-of-higher-returns-from-social-security-alternatives/2011/09/30/gIQATVnuAL_blog.html  

The Future of Social Security

Perry and Romney battle over Social Security. Read Romney’s Op-Ed piece in Fox News and weigh in with your thoughts on what direction you think America should take to ensure future benefits. If I am fortunate enough to be my party’s nominee, I will advocate for solutions that keep Social Security strong for seniors now … Read more

The Treating Doc’s Opinion Is Key To Social Security Disability

As the treating physician, your opinion is vital to your patient’s Social Security disability claim. In fact, it may have “controlling weight” in determining the outcome of the claim. Under a 1996 policy ruling (SSR [Social Security Ruling] 96-2p), a treating physician’s medical opinion which is well-supported and not inconsistent with other substantial evidence in … Read more

Spinal Conditions Added To Social Security listings

“Medical equivalence” and the effects of treatment and obesity may also result in Social Security disability. Two added spinal disorders were among the changes to the Social Security musculoskeletal disability “Listings” which became effective February 2002. Arachnoiditis and pseudoclaudication, as defined and discussed in the Listings at 20 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 404, … Read more

Social Security Regulations List Disabling Spinal Conditions

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