Articles Posted in Social Security Disability

A denial of Social Security disability benefits can feel devastating, but federal court review may still offer a path forward. A recent decision from a Massachusetts court shows that when an Administrative Law Judge does not adequately explain how medical opinions are weighed, remand is required. If you are appealing a Social Security disability denial, it is smart to speak with a Massachusetts disability attorney promptly to determine how you can protect your interests.

Case Setting

The plaintiff allegedly filed a Title II application in December 2020, alleging disability beginning in January 2020. The claim was initially denied, and upon reconsideration, the plaintiff requested a hearing. An Administrative Law Judge conducted a telephonic hearing in October 2022 and issued an unfavorable decision in November 2022. The Appeals Council denied review, and the plaintiff then filed the federal complaint in October 2024.

It is alleged that the record included treatment beginning in 2020 for cervical and hip complaints, conservative management with medications and injections, and opinions from both an impartial medical examiner and state agency consultants. Of particular note, an examining pain specialist opined that the plaintiff was permanently partially disabled and set functional limits on standing and walking that were more restrictive than the state agency assessments. Continue reading →

People who are unable to work because of physical or mental disabilities may be eligible to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA will often deny a party’s initial claim for disability benefits. In many instances, such decisions are reversed on appeal, however, as demonstrated in a recent Massachusetts ruling. If you cannot earn an income because of an enduring physical or mental health condition, it is in your best interest to speak with a Massachusetts Social Security Disability lawyer to determine whether you may be able to recover disability benefits.

Procedural and Factual Background of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff stopped working at the age of 45 after he suffered an injury to his dominant hand while assembling medical equipment. After the injury, he could no longer perform many of the tasks of daily life, like cutting his food, grooming, preparing meals, or shopping for groceries. He subsequently developed mental health issues as a result of the frustration of his inability to use his dominant hand.

It is reported that the plaintiff sought and received workers’ compensation benefits. He then filed a claim for SSA disability benefits. Following a hearing, an administrative law judge (ALJ) denied his claim on the grounds that the plaintiff was not disabled, as defined by the SSA. The plaintiff appealed. Continue reading →

When people apply for Social Security Disability benefits, they will typically undergo examinations that result in the issuance of residual capacity forms (RFC), which describe their abilities to work and the extent to which they are deemed disabled. If an administrative law judge does not grant an RFC proper weight or renders a decision that is inconsistent with it, it can adversely impact a claimant’s outcome. Recently, a Massachusetts court discussed how RFCs weigh into administrative law judge’s decisions in social security disability benefits claims, in a matter in which the claimant argued her claim was unjustly denied. If you cannot work due to a disability, you may be able to recover social security benefits, and it is advisable to speak with a trusted Massachusetts Social Security Disability attorney about your options.

The Claimant’s Case

It is reported that the claimant, who is 52-years-old, has a high school education and became disabled in October 2016. She was unable to engage in any substantially gainful activity since she was injured in a fall accident, which is when her disability began. Prior to becoming disabled, she worked as a respiratory therapist, which is listed as a medium exertion and skilled position.

Allegedly, in July 2017, the claimant filed an application seeking social security disability benefits. Based on numerous examinations, she was found to be capable of sedentary work, and in consideration of her age, RFC, and education level, it was concluded that she could engage in other work. Thus, she was deemed not disabled and denied benefits. She appealed. Continue reading →

Generally, when a person with a disability applies for Supplemental Security Income, the Administrative Law Judge evaluating the individual’s claim will assess the evidence submitted by the claimant, including medical records and testimony. If the Judge relies on unsuitable evidence, though, it can result in an inappropriate decision and may be grounds for a reversal, as demonstrated in a recent Massachusetts case. If you suffer from a disability, you may be able eligible for social security benefits, and it is prudent to speak with a skillful Massachusetts social security disability attorney regarding your rights.

The Underlying Hearing

It is reported that the plaintiff suffered a head injury when she was 23-years-old, after which she spent a year in a rehabilitation center. Since the accident, she suffered seizures and memory decline, and in 2012 an MRI of her brain showed post-traumatic changes. She began treating for anxiety, depression, and seizure disorder but continued to suffer significant symptoms. She ultimately underwent testing that indicated she suffered from numerous mental and physical ailments.

Allegedly, in 2014 the plaintiff filed an application for social security disability benefits. Her claim was denied, and she filed an appeal. She received a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (Judge), who determined her ailments were not sufficiently severe to warrant benefits. The plaintiff then appealed, arguing, in part, that the Judge improperly relied on lay testimony and failed to give sufficient weight to her medical expert. The appellate court agreed and reversed the Judge’s ruling. Continue reading →

Many people who cannot work are able to obtain social security benefits. A key element to eligibility for such benefits is a disability that prevents a person from being able to remain gainfully employed. Thus, people that cannot prove they are disabled will be denied benefits. Recently, a Massachusetts court issued an opinion discussing what factors are considered in determining whether a person is disabled under the Social Security Act. If you cannot work due to an injury or illness, you may be owed social security benefits, and it is prudent to meet with a skilled Massachusetts social security disability attorney regarding your options.

The Plaintiff’s Harm

It is alleged that in December 2014, the plaintiff herniated a disc in his lumbar spine and suffered from disc bulges in other areas. He was regularly treated for his injuries, which included undergoing epidural injections. In January 2016, he was involved in a car accident while working, after which he experienced increased pain. He developed sciatica as well. He filed a workers’ compensation claim, and a doctor ultimately deemed him permanently and totally disabled for any job due to his injuries.

Reportedly, the plaintiff continued treating, and medical records throughout his treatment alternately indicated severe symptoms and a lack of any issues. He then filed a claim for social security disability benefits, listing the date of the car accident as the onset of his disability. His application was denied after he was deemed not disabled. He then appealed.

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A person suffering from disabilities that prevent the person from holding gainful employment may be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits. While physical disabilities preclude many recipients of Social Security Disability Benefits from working, mental disabilities can impair a person’s ability to work as well, and evidence regarding mental impairments should not be disregarded. This was discussed in a recent Massachusetts case in which the court overturned the final decision of the Social Security Administration Commissioner on the grounds the decision was not supported by substantial evidence under the Social Security Act. If you are suffering from a mental impairment, you should speak to a trusted Massachusetts Social Security Disability attorney to discuss what benefits you may be eligible to obtain.

Factual Background

It is alleged that the plaintiff filed for Social Security Disability Benefits in July 2016, due to physical and mental disabilities. His application was denied and after a subsequent hearing, the denial was affirmed. The plaintiff then filed a motion to reverse the Social Security Administration Commissioner’s final decision, while the Commissioner filed a motion to affirm the final decision. Upon review, the court granted the plaintiff’s motion and remanded the case for further proceedings.

Evidence of Mental Health Conditions

On appeal, the plaintiff argued that the Commissioner failed to consider important evidence regarding the plaintiff’s mental health issues prior to affirming the denial of the plaintiff’s application for benefits. While the court found that several of the plaintiff’s arguments fell short, the court agreed that the hearing officer improperly discounted the opinions of the plaintiff’s treating provider.

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While many people think of Social Security Disability Benefits as benefits paid to adults who cannot work due to a physical or mental disability, disabled children may be eligible for benefits as well. Similar to adults seeking Social Security Disability Benefits, children seeking benefits must establish that they meet the requirements set forth by law. In a recent case, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts discussed what a child claimant must prove to be eligible for benefits and what weight should be granted to the child’s treating physicians. If your child suffers from a physical or mental impairment and you wish to obtain disability benefits, you should speak with a proficient Massachusetts Social Security Disability attorney to discuss your case.

Factual Background

It is reported that the child claimant suffers from significant impairments in reading and writing, following directions, and completing grooming and other self-care tasks. She also has ADHD and PTSD. Her guardian filed a claim for Social Security Disability Benefits on behalf of the child. The administrative law judge denied the claim, finding that the child did not suffer from an impairment and her treating physicians were not credible. The child’s guardian appealed.

Physical or Mental Impairment of a Child

Under the Social Security Act, a child who has a medically determinable mental or physical impairment that causes severe and marked functional limitations that are anticipated to last a minimum of twelve months is deemed disabled. Thus, when a claim for Social Security Disability Benefits is made on behalf of a child under the age of eighteen, the determination must be made as to whether the child’s impairment is severe. If it is established that a child has a severe impairment, the inquiry becomes whether the impairment is either listed in or is functionally or medically equivalent to, an impairment listed in the regulations. If the child does not have such an impairment, he or she will not be deemed disabled.

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Social Security benefits are not only available to individuals who have earned and income or are disabled, but also to the individual’s prior or current spouse if the individual dies. Regardless of whether a person is eligible for Social Security benefits, however, he or she will not receive any benefits if he or she does not provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) with the necessary documentation. The United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts recently explained the requirements for receiving Widows Insurance Benefits in a case in which the plaintiff appealed the initial denial of her claim. If you believe you are eligible for Social Security benefits, including Widows Insurance Benefits, you should meet with a knowledgeable Massachusetts Social Security Disability attorney regarding your rights.

Factual Background

Allegedly, the plaintiff was married to the decedent from 1965 through 1982, when they divorced. The decedent began collecting disability benefits in 2001 and died in 2008 when he was 69. After the decedent’s death, the plaintiff filed a claim for Widows Insurance Benefits. The SSA then sent a written request to the plaintiff for proof that she was married to the decedent, evidence of her divorce, and evidence of the decedent’s death. The SSA sent the plaintiff a follow-up letter as well, stating that if she did not provide the requested documentation, her claim would be denied.

It is reported that the plaintiff failed to submit the documents and was notified that her claim was denied, and she had 60 days to appeal the decision. In 2013, the plaintiff submitted a second claim for Widows Insurance Benefits. The claim was approved, and she was paid benefits at a reduced rate. She then filed a motion for reconsideration, arguing, in part, that she was entitled to benefits since 2008.

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In many instances in which a person suffers a debilitating injury, the person will be unable to do any meaningful work and therefore cannot earn a living. In such cases, the person may file for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI). SSDI is not always granted, however, even if the claimant provides ample evidence of his or her injury if conflicting evidence is presented regarding the claimant’s lack of disability. In a recent case ruled on by the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the court discussed what weight should be given to conflicting evidence when evaluating entitlement to SSDI. If you were injured and can no longer work, it is prudent to consult a seasoned Massachusetts social security disability attorney to discuss your case and whether you may be able to recover benefits.

Facts of the Case and Procedural Background

It is reported that the claimant sustained an injury to his shoulder while working as an order picker at a warehouse. He subsequently filed a disability claim due to complex regional pain syndrome/reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. His application was denied, and a subsequent reconsideration was denied. He then requested a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ). The ALJ issued an unfavorable decision, which became the final decision, and the claimant appealed. On appeal, the claimant argued that the ALJ committed an error by failing to give the claimant’s treating care provider controlling weight. Instead, the court adopted the findings of the physician who conducted an independent medical examination and opined the claimant did not have a physical disability.

Weight of the Evidence of Disability

On appeal, the court stated that under the treating source rule of the Social Security Administration, an ALJ should give greater weight to the opinions of claimants’ treating physicians, as they are the people most likely to be able to provide detailed pictures of the claimant’s disability. Further, the rule notes that a treating physician may have medical evidence that cannot be obtained solely from an independent medical examination. The court further explained that a treating physician’s opinion will be given controlling weight unless it is not supported by medically acceptable techniques, or is inconsistent with other substantial evidence in the record.

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