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Frequently Asked Questions for Social Security Disability, Veterans Disability Compensation, and Long-Term Disability Claims

Below are some initial questions many of our clients have about filing a Social Security, Veterans' Disability Compensation, or long-term disability claim. The answers we’ve provided in this section may address many of your concerns. The more informed you are about the process, the better your chances will be of winning your case.

If you have a specific question about your case, please contact us right away. Our knowledgeable staff will evaluate your case for FREE.

FAQ Categories:

• Social Security Disability
• Veterans' Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Preguntas Frequentes Seguro Social por Incapacidad
• General

Social Security Disability

• I just received a Function Report questionnaire in the mail from Social Security. What should I do? 
• Can abusing alcohol or illegal or prescription drugs harm my disability claim?
• Will I be asked to testify at my Social Security Disability hearing?
• I just received notice that my claim was denied. Should I appeal the decision or start a new application?
• I just received a notice from Disability Determination Services (DDS) that states I must undergo a medical examination by one of their doctors. Should I go to this appointment?
• I just started a new application/filed an appeal for disability benefits but have since moved/changed my phone number/started seeing a new doctor/my medical condition has worsened or improved/been prescribed and am taking new medication. What should I do?
• I can't afford the medication my doctor says I need to take for my condition. What should I do?
• What should I do to prepare for my Social Security Disability hearing?
• What is an "on-the-record decision"?
• Is it possible for me, the claimant, to request an on-the-record decision?
• My Social Security Disability claim received a fully favorable decision. However, because my condition is expected to improve, I was told that my case would be reevaluated in a year's time. Should I be concerned? 
• I've often heard that my disability must meet a "listing". What exactly is a listing? 
• How do I apply for disability benefits?
• If I am injured or disabled, when is the best time to apply?
• If I am injured or disabled how do I apply?
• How long does it take to get a decision?
• If I am disabled when will I be eligible for benefits?
• Where do I find helpful resources on how to file?
• How can I get a decision faster when I apply for disability?
• What medical conditions are considered disabling?
• What kind of benefits can I expect if I am found disabled?
• What evidence is used to determine if I am disabled?
• When can I expect to get a decision on my disability claim?
• What steps should I take if my disability claim is denied?
• If I am denied how can I appeal the decision?
• How severe does my condition have to be to receive disability?
• How long will my disability benefits last?
• If I have a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), what should I expect?
• Is it really that difficult to receive Social Security Disability benefits?
• I won my disability claim! What happens now?
• Can I work and still receive disability benefits?
• I will be 18 soon; will I continue to receive my disability benefits as an adult?
• What is the Disability Report - Adult?
• Is the Disability Report - Adult the same form you would complete for a child?
• What do I do if my benefits were cut off?
• What are the benefits of having a social security disability attorney or advocate assist me?
• How Can I afford a Social Security disability attorney?
• How should I choose a Social Security Disability Attorney?
• Should I choose a Social Security disability lawyer from my home town or state?
• I don’t have insurance, how can I get medical treatment?

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Veterans' Disability

• What happens to an appeal if the claimant (veteran) dies before a decision is issued?
• Where do I file my appeal?
• What can I do to prepare for my hearing with the Board of Veterans' Appeals?

• Where is my claims file, or claims folder, kept during the appeals and hearing process? 

• How can I check the status of my veterans' disability claim appeal?
• Can my VA disability compensation be garnished for child support and/or alimony? 
• Is my monthly VA disability compensation payment subject to federal and/or state income tax?
• Does the VA provide additional allowances for a veteran's dependents like a spouse, child, and/or parents?
• How will I receive my monthly VA disability payment?
• I've heard that retired veterans who were injured during combat or a combat-related activity receive special compensation. Is that true?

• How can I apply to receive a VA clothing allowance?

• Is it true that a veteran with a service-connected injury is eligible to receive a one-time payment for an automobile? 

• Does the VA offer transition assistance for disabled veterans who are reentering into civilian life?

• I am the spouse of a disabled veteran and I've heard that I may be eligible to receive preference when applying for government jobs. Is this true?  

• I am a disabled veteran but I received a dishonorable discharge from the military. I don't believe I was deserving of my discharge status - what should I do?
• How does the VA arrive at a disability rating?
• I am suffering from a service-connected injury, when is the best time to apply?
• How do I apply for Veteran’s Disability Compensation?
• How do I obtain a copy of my discharge/separation papers (DD 214)?
• I am the widow/parent of a veteran who was receiving or set to receive Veterans' Disability Compensation. Am I eligible for dependent benefits?
• What medical conditions qualify for disability compensation?
• I’m not sure if my condition is service-connected. What should I do?
• I am disabled, but was dishonorably discharged. Do I qualify for benefits?
• I was the victim of a physical or sexual assault during active duty. Would I qualify for Veteran’s Disability Compensation?
• What is the difference between Veteran’s Disability Compensation and Veteran’s Disability Pension?
• How long does it take to get a decision?
• If I am disabled when will I be eligible for benefits?
• Where do I find helpful resources on how to file my claim?
• How can I get a decision faster when I apply for disability?
• What kind of benefits can I expect if I am found disabled?
• What evidence is used to determine if I am disabled?
• When can I expect to get a decision on my disability claim?
• My disability claim was denied. How do I file an appeal?
• If I am denied how can I appeal the decision?
• How severe does my condition have to be to receive disability?
• How long will my disability benefits last?
• If I have a hearing in front of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA), what should I expect?
• Is it really that difficult to receive Veteran’s Disability benefits?
• I Won My Claim! What happens now?
• Can I work and still receive disability benefits?
• What do I do if my benefits were cut off?
• What are the benefits of having a Veteran’s Disability attorney or advocate assist me?
• Can I receive Veteran’s Disability and Social Security Disability Benefits
• How Can I afford a Veteran’s Disability attorney?
• How should I choose a Veteran’s Disability Attorney?
• Should I choose a Veteran’s Disability lawyer from my home town or state?
• I don’t have insurance, how can I get medical treatment?

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Long-Term Disability

• Do I have to pay income-tax on the long-term disability payments I receive?
• What is the "treating physician rule" and how will it affect my long-term disability claim?
• I am disabled and cannot return to work. What steps should I take before I apply for long-term disability (LTD) benefits?
• When should I file my long-term disability (LTD) claim?
• Is it really that difficult to receive long-term disability benefits?
• What is the difference between short-term and long-term disability (LTD) insurance?
• My claim for long-term disability (LTD) benefits was denied. What should I do?
• What medical conditions are considered disabling?
• What can I do to increase my chances of winning my LTD claim?
• I've filed my claim. What happens next?
• If I have reduced my work schedule to accommodate my disability, should I wait until I stop working completely to file my claim?
• What should I do if my insurance carrier says I need to be examined by one of their physicians?
• How long does it take to get a decision?
• How will I be notified of my insurer’s decision?
• Can my insurer gather information about me from my co-workers, family members, neighbors, or others while evaluating my claim?
• What evidence is used to determine if I am disabled?
• What is ERISA and how does it affect my disability claim?
• How do the state laws affect my private (non-ERISA) disability claim?
• If my insurance carrier continues to deny my claim, can I take them to court?
• I’ve paid my insurance premiums, why is my carrier refusing to pay my disability claim?
• I am receiving LTD benefits from my insurance carrier. Should I also apply for Social Security Disability benefits?
• What is “commutation” of benefits?
• How can I get a decision faster when I apply for disability?
• What kind of benefits can I expect if I am found disabled?
• How severe does my condition have to be to receive disability?
• How long will my disability benefits last?
• Can the terms of my disability benefits change in the future?
• Should I continue to pay my insurance premiums if I am awarded benefits?
• Can I do volunteer work while I am collecting disability benefits?
• I won my claim! What happens now?
• What should I do if my disability benefits were cut off?
• What are the benefits of having a disability attorney assist me?
• How can I afford a private disability attorney?
• How should I choose a Private Disability Attorney?
• Should I choose a private disability lawyer from my home town or state?
• Am I eligible for Veteran’s Disability Compensation?

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Preguntas Frequentes Seguro Social por Incapacidad

• ¿Cómo puedo obtener una copia de mi certificado de nacimiento?

• ¿Cuáles son las cantidades de impuestos, beneficios y ganancias para el 2009?

• Cuando empiece a recibir beneficios, ¿permanecerá igual la cantidad por el resto de mi vida?
• ¿Cómo informo la muerte de un beneficiario?

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General

• Can hiring an attorney or advocate speed up the disability claims process?
• I receive SSI. Am I eligible for any other types of assistance?
• How can I get my doctor(s) to help me with my disability claim?
• I am disabled and cannot work and as a result, my financial situation is deteriorating fast. How do I survive financially while waiting for my claim for disability benefits to be decided on?
• My medical condition is steadily becoming worse, but my doctor doesn't support my disability claim. Should I look for a sympathetic doctor?

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