1. I have not seen a video about heart disease and social security. Can you please do a segment about this topic?
   1. 12 months or more?
   2. Diagnosis
   3. Medical testing or medical procedures?
   4. Medication
   5. Symptoms
   6. Limitations
2. Can you please explain the current class action lawsuit Clark v Astrue.
   1. Warrants for arrest and violation of probation
   2. Class action

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxVZZisZLVo

Should I apply for Social Security Disability benefits?

I’ve worked with hundreds of people who apply for disability benefits.   Ultimately, their question is, “Do you think I have a chance to get it?”.  However, this gentleman wasn’t asking about his chances.  He was curious to know if it’s something he should even consider.

The simple fact of the matter is that the average person really doesn’t know the standards for Social Security disability.  For those of you who are trying to figure out whether you should apply, here a few questions you need to ask yourself:

1. Are you working now?

Are you working a part-time job? A full-time job?  Are you working for someone who knows you and pays you to do basically nothing?   Are you working every now and then?  All of these questions are important because when you apply for Social Security, you’re telling the government that you can not work.

1. Is the reason you’re not working due to your health?

Why are you not working?  Remember, Social Security is not going to pay you because you decided to take a break from working or you decided to take care of a loved one.   Your reason for not working must be due to your health.

1. Has your health kept you out of work for 12 months (or do you expect it to keep you out of work for 12 months)?

What health conditions have kept you from working?   It’s important to remember the condition must be one that has lasted 12 months or more.  You can’t say your back hurt for two months and then got better and then your feet hurt for 3 months and got better (this is called ‘boot strapping’).  Remember, your health condition(s) (mental, physical, or a combination of both) has to keep you out of work for more than 12 months (or it is expected to keep you out of work for 12 months).

1. Are you getting treated for your health problems?

I can’t stress this point enough.  You bear the burden of proving that you are disabled.  Therefore, you must go to the doctor and get treatment to support your claim that you are disabled.

1. What can you do despite your limitations?

Ultimately, this is the question on which you really should be focusing.  Too many times people just focus on the diagnosis and think that, alone, is enough to let someone know they are disabled.   For instance, I’ve had people say one of the reasons they are disabled is due to high blood pressure.  Well, I have high blood pressure and I don’t have any symptoms. You have to be able to explain how your disability limits you in your ability to function and your daily activities.

1. Can you do anything you used to do in the last 15 years?

After you figure out your limitations, you need to look at your past jobs and ask yourself, “With my health conditions, can I do anything I used to do?”.  If the answer is ”No”, then you need to ask yourself “Why?”.  You, also, need to be prepared to explain why your health conditions keep you from doing any of your past work.

1. Can you do any other type of work?

If you can do any other type of work, in the eyes of the Social Security Administration, you are not disabled.  Remember, it’s not , ”What other type of work you would like do?”.  It’s, “What other type of work can you do?”.   The Social Security Administration is not looking at the economy or what you want to do.   They focus on what you can do.

Obtaining Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult and confusing process.  Hopefully, these questions can help you determine if applying for Social Security is the answer to your problems.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3gqal0jCtI