THE INTERNET IS NOT RELIABLE FOR DISABILITY INFORMATION

DANGER:  Don't count on the internet to tell you whether you qualify for Social Security disability.  This may lead you in the wrong direction, and cost you a lot of money.  Here's an example:

Thomas recently had back surgery and was forced to quit working because of unrelenting back pain and trouble standing, walking, bending and lifting.  He went online and googled "disability for back problems."

The internet directed Thomas to the Social Security listings for musculoskeletal impairments.  Tom saw a long list of complicated symptoms the Listings required and decided that his condition wasn't nearly bad enough for apply for benefits, so he didn't.  A year later, still not able to work, Thomas contacted an attorney.  The attorney filed for benefits and Tom was approved.

Here's the problem with relying on the Listings on the internet:  You do not have to meet those listings to be approved.  In fact, most people who are approved for disability benefits do not meet the listing.  

The "listings" are automatic approvals for the worst, most catastrophic conditions.  There is a mandatory 5-step process that Social Security must use to decide if you are disabled.  Claimants who "meet a listing" are approved early, at Step 3.  I would say less than 5 percent of those who get approved will meet a listing.

Those claimants who do meet a listing, however, may be approved at Step 4 or Step 5 (where most claimants get approved).  If you depend on meeting a listing, only 5 percent would win and 95 percent would lose.  So, the listings are not what you need to look at.

Here's my advice:  Do not rely on some website (even my own) to determine whether or not you qualify for benefits.  Let a professional evaluate your specific situation.  Factors that must be considered are:  your age, your education, your past work experience and your medical conditions (both physical and mental).

No two cases are alike.  Another bad thing is trying to judge your situation according to the experience that somebody else had.  For example, they denied Uncle Billy, who was even sicker than I am, so they will deny me, too.  Or conversely, they approved Uncle Billy in just 2 weeks, and he isn't near as sick as I am, so they should certainly approve me.  Uncle Billy has absolutely no bearing on your case.  You are unique because you...

• are a different age
• have a different work history
• have a different medical history
• will have a different judge
• probably have a different education level

• ...and are just different in a hundred other ways

Don't get led down the wrong path by the internet or well meaning friends who try to "help" with your disability situation.  There is a TON of false information out there.  Don't fall victim to it.

THE FORSYTHE FIRM
Social Security Disability Representatives
Huntsville, AL
Phone (256) 799-0297

MY WEBSITE IS PRETTY RELIABLE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION