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Information on Social Security Disability, Veterans Disability Compensation, and Long-Term Disability Claims

The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg have years of experience practicing disability law and litigating disability claims. In our library you will find links to documents, reports, publications, and discussions. These resources have been made available to you so that you can gain a better understanding of the disability claims process and be better prepared for the legal challenges you will face in the unfortunate event of a long-term injury or illness.

Contact us today for a FREE evaluation of your case.

Library Categories:

• Social Security Disability
• Veterans' Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• SSA & VA Federal Appeals
• Personal Injury
• Seguro Social por Incapacidad (en Español)
• Disability Descriptions
• Case Results & Legal Briefs
• Important Forms
• Newsletters
• Petitions
• Career Opportunities
• Veterans' Resources
• Resources for the Disabled
• General

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Social Security Disability:

• Social Security Disability Insurance: Who Determines Your Benefits? (Part A)   
  Description: Get informed and take control of your Social Security Disability Insurance benefit. Are you disabled and unable to support yourself or your family? Contact disability attorneys LaVan & Neidenberg for assistance with filing or appealing a disability claim – 1-888-234-5758.
• Social Security Disability Insurance: Who Determines Your Benefits? (Part B)   
  Description: Workers have many opportunities to appeal a bad SSDI benefits decision that denies you access to social security. Have you applied for Social Security disability benefits and been denied? Learn how to get help by contacting LaVan & Neidenberg, disability attorneys – 1-888-234-5758.
• Defining Social Security Disability Insurance (Part A)   
  Description: Workers are entitled to pay their bills with Social Security Disability Insurance benefits when disabled for a year or more. If your loved is suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, contact The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. LaVan & Neidenberg are disability attorneys that win disability claims
• Defining Social Security Disability Insurance (Part B)   
  Description: Get help making a Social Security Disability Insurance claim to get the cash and medical benefits you need. Have you applied for Social Security disability benefits and been denied? Learn how to get help by contacting LaVan & Neidenberg, disability attorneys – 1-888-234-5758.
• Work and Social Security Disability Insurance Status (Part A)   
  Description: Going back to work shouldn’t cut off your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. If you or your loved is suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, contact The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. LaVan & Neidenberg are disability attorneys that win disability claims!

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Veterans' Disability:

• Hepatitis C May Be a Service-Connected Disability   
  Description: If you are a veteran who contracted hepatitis C while serving in the U.S. military, and you received a VA-issued air gun inoculation, you may be entitled to disability benefits. Please contact the Florida veterans’ disability rights law firm of LaVan & Neidenberg for more information on how you can receive your due compensation.
• Read the VA Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) initiative Agreement and Waiver of Rights here [PDF]   
  Description: If you are a disabled veteran, exercise caution before signing any waivers for the Veterans Administration Regional Offices’ Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) initiative. The ECA affects veterans' rights by limiting the number of disability benefit claim appeals a veteran can file.
• Understanding the VA's Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) for Veterans Disability Compensation Benefits   
  Description: The Veterans Administration Regional Offices’ Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) initiative promises to reduce waiting times for veterans' disability claims. The ECA agreement and waiver greatly reduces the rights of disabled veterans in need of veterans' disability benefits.
• SBA Office of Veterans Business Development   
  Description: The Small Business Administration helps entrepreneurs start and maintain their businesses. One office within the SBA is the Office of Veterans Business Development. If you are a disabled veteran who needs help appealing your VA disability rating please contact your Florida disability attorney at LaVan & Neidenberg today for your free consultation.
• Enable America Helps Disabled Veterans Find Jobs in Florida   
  Description: Enable America is a nonprofit organization that works to find disabled veterans jobs. Though their main office is in Tampa Enable America assists disabled veterans across America and has programs in San Antonio, TX and Raleigh, NC. If you have been denied VA disability benefits please contact your Florida disability attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg at 1.888.234.5758 for your free consultation.

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Long-Term Disability:

• The Council for Disability Awareness   
  Description: The Council for Disability Awareness is a not for profit group that can help you understand how to prevent and cope with a disability. If you need help filing for Social Security, veterans’ or long term disability please contact the attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg today.
• Seven Ways to Increase Your Heart Health   
  Description: Seven easy to follow diet tips are outlined here. Use them to decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease and increase the health of your heart.
• Diet Tips to Help Your Teeth and Your Heart   
  Description: Recent research shows that heart disease and poor oral health go hand in hand. These diet tips can help improve your smile and the health of your heart.
• Fighting Childhood Obesity is a Community Effort in Treasure Coast   
  Description: Treasure Coast community activists are fighting to stop the trend of childhood obesity in Florida and, more specifically, Indian Rivers and Martin Counties. Working with We Can!, they hope to improve the health of children and families in their area.
• A Guide to Childhood Diabetes   
  Description: Links and information to help you with every stage of childhood diabetes. The page offers links to prevention tips, signs and symptoms and quality resources for parents of children with diabetes.

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SSA & VA Federal Appeals:

• Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Brief: BVA Denial of Servie Connection (Brief 1, p 8)   
  Description: A Hearing was held on July 13, 2004, concerning the claims of increased disability for the metatarsalgia of the right foot currently 10% disabling, and for service connection for low back pain secondary to the foot condition. On July 29, 2004 the RO issued a letter to the veteran that he was granted 10% disability for low back condition with radicular symptoms, secondary to service connected metarsalgia, right foot, assigned from March 8, 2001. The veteran’s combined rating was 20%
• Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Brief: BVA Denial of Servie Connection (Brief 1, p 7)   
  Description: On May 2, 2003, the RO issued a Decision on the claim for low back condition secondary to metatarsalgia right foot stating that they had denied the claim since the service medical records did not show treatment or a diagnosed back condition during the veteran’s period of active military service (R. 708-715), and stating that an examiner of March 18, 2002, stated it was unlikely that the veteran’s low back condition was related to the veteran’s service connection right foot metatarsalgia.
• Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Brief: BVA Denial of Servie Connection (Brief 1, p 6)   
  Description: On October 9, 2001, Dr. Peter Gorman of the Dept. Of Veterans Affairs, Maryland Health Care System, wrote that after reviewing the veteran’s medical records dated March 28, 1980 and May 6, 1980, in which the veteran complained of numbness of the toes of the right foot, that based on those two brief encounters during the veteran’s basic training period, it was certainly possible that the symptoms of the 1980’s and the symptoms of the late 1990’s were related.
• Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Brief: BVA Denial of Servie Connection (Brief 1, p 5)   
  Description: The Statement of the Case stated service medical records showed treatment in 1980 for numbness in the right foot, diagnosed as slight nerve damage (Id.). It also stated that service records show that the veteran was placed at bed rest shortly after reporting for active duty for training in September, 1990 for an unspecified condition.
• Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Brief: BVA Denial of Servie Connection (Brief 1, p 4)   
  Description: On April 2, 1997, the veteran underwent an examination for a miscellaneous neurological disorder. He told the examining doctor that his back began to hurt after a 25-mile hike in 1980 when he was in Basic Training (R. 1038-1039).

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Personal Injury:

• DUI Injury Victim Resources (Part A)   
  Description: Have you experienced a personal injury in a car accident caused by a drunk driver? Learn how to get help by contacting LaVan & Neidenberg, personal injury attorneys – 1-888-234-5758.
• DUI Victims: Funeral Planning and Expenses (Part A)   
  Description: Have you experienced a personal injury in a car accident caused by a negligent driver or lost a loved one unexpectedly to a DUI accident? Learn how to get help by contacting LaVan & Neidenberg, personal injury attorneys – 1-888-234-5758.
• DUI: Victim Services (Part A)   
  Description: Losing a loved one to a DUI accident can be devastating. However, there are resources for you to be able to handle the after-effects. Learn how to get help by contacting LaVan & Neidenberg, personal injury attorneys – 1-888-234-5758.
• DUI: Victim Services (Part B)   
  Description: Losing your loved one is difficult enough, but when it comes unexpectedly as a consequence of a DUI accident, you are often unprepared. Contact injury attorneys LaVan & Neidenberg for guidance.
• DUI Victims: Funeral Planning and Expenses (Part B)   
  Description: If you have you lost a loved one to an accident caused by a drunk driver, we want to help you bring the negligent driver to justice. The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg win wrongful death cases!

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Seguro Social por Incapacidad (en Español):

• Cambios de Seguro Social, 2009 - Ajuste de costo de vida   
  Description: El 16 de octubre del 2008 se anunció un aumento en el ajuste de costo de vida (COLA, sus siglas en inglés) de 5.8 por ciento para el 2009. A continuación encontrará los cambios que tomaran efecto a partir del primero de enero de 2009.
• Creditos de Trabajo Necesarios Para Recibir Beneficios por Incapacidad   
  Description: Estas tablas indican las reglas referente a trabajo necesario para cumplir con el límite de ganancias basado en su edad cuando su incapacidad comenzó. Las reglas en estas tablas se basan en el trimestre calendario en el cual usted cumplió o cumplirá una cierta edad.
• Programas de Beneficios por Incapacidad   
  Description: El Seguro Social paga beneficios a personas que no pueden trabajar porque tienen una condición médica que se espera que dure por lo menos un año o resulte en muerte. El Seguro Social paga beneficios por incapacidad a través de dos programas: el programa de beneficios por incapacidad de Seguro Social y el programa de Seguridad de Ingreso Suplementario (SSI, sus siglas en inglés).
• Abogados | Reclama de Beneficios por Incapacidad | Seguro Social y Compañías de Seguros Privados   
  Description: Todas las personas tienen el derecho a un abogado. Especialmente los reclamantes de beneficios de Seguro Social que no puede ayudarse en su propia cuenta. Es un derecho que LaVan & Neidenberg a estado defendiendo para nuestros clientes desde que abrimos las puertas de nuestra primera oficina en Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
• Cómo Apelar la Decisión de el Seguro Social   
  Description: Si su solicitud de beneficios por incapacidad no está aprobada, usted tiene el derecho a apelar la decisión de Seguro Social si no está de acuerdo. Llame el número gratis de Las Oficinas de Abagados LaVan & Neidenberg, 1-888-234-5758, si necesita ayuda con su apelación.

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Disability Descriptions:

• Joint Swelling   
  Description: FREE Consultation - signs, symptoms, and definition of joint swelling.
• Heart Attack   
  Description: This article discusses the definition, causes, signs, symptoms and treatments of a heart attack. If you have been affected by heart disease or a heart attack you may be eligible for disability benefits. Please contact an attorney at LaVan and Neidenberg today for your free consultation.
• Epilepsy   
  Description: Epilepsy can be a devastating seizure disorder. This article discusses the condition, its causes, types and treatments. If you or a loved one suffers from epilepsy please contact a disability attorney at LaVan & Neidenberg today for your free consultation.
• Coronary Artery Disease   
  Description: Coronary artery disease is a leading killer of both men and women in the United States. This article discusses and describes the causes, treatments and prognosis of coronary artery disease. If you have coronary artery disease you may be eligible for disability benefits. Please contact an attorney at LaVan & Neidenberg today.
• Crohn’s Disease   
  Description: This article discusses Crohn’s disease and its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. If you have Crohn’s disease you may qualify for disability benefits. Call your Florida disability attorney at LaVan and Neidenberg today for your free consultation.

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Case Results & Legal Briefs:

• Prostate Cancer | Kidney Disease | Diabetes Mellitus (Case 66, p.5)   
  Description: Since the claimant is limited to the performance of less than sedentary work on a sustained basis §201.00(d) of Appendix 2, Subpart P, Regulations NO.4 also indicates that a finding of disability is appropriate considering the erosion of the claimant's occupational base (20 CFR §404.1520(f)). Additionally, SSR 96-8p warrants a finding of disability because the claimant has difficulty performing work activities at all exertional levels on a sustained basis, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week by reason of weakness and chronic fatigue.
• Prostate Cancer | Kidney Disease | Diabetes Mellitus (Case 66, p.4)   
  Description: Considering the claimant's age, education, work experience, and residual functional capacity, there are no jobs that exist in significant numbers in the national economy that the claimant can perform. The claimant has additional non-exertional limitations that render ineffective any transferable skills that he may have acquired and prevent the claimant from even simple, unskilled work, the claimant cannot be expected to make a vocational adjustment to other work.
• Prostate Cancer | Kidney Disease | Diabetes Mellitus (Case 66, p.3)   
  Description: Our client had suffered a central nervous system vascular accident that resulted in significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in 2 extremities, resulting in sustained disturbance of gross and dexterous movements, or gait and station remaining more than 3 months post-vascular accident. His treating physician noted that the claimant had been unable to work since September 2, 1999.
• Prostate Cancer | Kidney Disease | Diabetes Mellitus (Case 66, p.2)   
  Description: The claimant has a long history of diabetes and hypertension (HTN). He suddenly developed left sided weakness and called his doctor who told him to go to the emergency room. The claimant was admitted at that time and discharged with a diagnoses of left sided weakness; chronic anemia; hematuria; diabetes; and hypertension.
• Hypertension | Social Security Disability (Case 65, p.5)   
  Description: Receive a FREE informative Social Security disability report from the Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg. Act now - our toll free number is 1-888-234-5758. Read an actual SSDI case where an ALJ decided favorably for our client who suffers from hypertention, schizoaffective disorder, and depressive and bipolar disorders.

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Important Forms:

• Mental Capacity Assessment [PDF]   
  Description: This form is used to assess your mental limitations.
• Service-Connected Questionnaire [PDF]   
  Description: The Service-Connected Questionnaire is used to assist the Veterans' Administration (VA) in determining whether your condition is a result of military service.
• Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire [PDF]   
  Description: The Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (RFC) is used to assess your physical limitations. The greater your physical limitations, the more likely you will not be able to sustain full time employment.

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Newsletters:

• LaVan & Neidenberg Newsletter - February 2010 - Vol. 2, Issue 2 [PDF]   
  Description: February's issue discusses Social Security's 5-Step Sequential Process (this is the process an Administrative Law Judge will follow to determine if you meet Social Security's definition of disabled and should be awarded disability benefits), the VA's Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) Initiative, this month's disability tip, and the connection between Hepatitis C and VA-issued air gun inoculations.
• LaVan & Neidenberg Newsletter - December 2009 - Vol. 1, Issue 12 [PDF]   
  Description: In this issue you will read about who is eligible for survivors' benefits, why you should stick by disability claim - even if you have been denied more than once - as well as, the disability tip of the month.
• LaVan & Neidenberg Newsletter - November 2009 - Vol. 1, Issue 11 [PDF]   
• LaVan & Neidenberg Newsletter - September 2009 - Vol. 1, Issue 9 [PDF]   
  Description: Applying for federal or private disability benefits can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing. Experienced disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, can help you navigate the process and increase your chances of winning your claim.
• February 2009 [PDF]   
  Description: Included in our opening issue are highlights from this month's web postings. We have selected our most read disability blogs, articles, current events, and Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits case results. The staff at the Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. is determined to help you secure the disability benefits you deserve. We know the frustration you must feel trying to battle the system alone. But the good news is... you don't have to.

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Petitions:

• Florida: Free Access to Medical Records for the Disabled   
  Description: Florida statute 395.3025 states that individuals requesting medical records may be charged up to $1 per page for copying their medical records. The issue with the statute is that people applying for Veterans’ Disability Compensation, Social Security Disability/SSI, or Medicaid generally cannot afford copies of their medical records to prove their disability and receive federally funded benefits.
  
  We cannot describe how frustrating it is to be contacted by a disabled individual who appeared at their Social Security hearing, but were still denied because they could not afford the necessary medical records to prove their disability case. Please join us in fighting to amend this statue - sign our petition today!

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Career Opportunities:

• SEO Web Content Writer   
• Disability Attorney   

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Veterans' Resources:

• Wheelchairs for Warriors   
  Description: Wheelchairs for Warriors is a Florida based disabled veterans assistance group that gives severely disabled veterans the chance to participate in a marathon. Volunteers run with the veterans, pushing them toward the finish line and a sense of accomplishment. When the marathon is over the veterans are given a custom wheelchair courtesy of the organization and its sponsors.
• VetWalking.org   
  Description: Richard Hunsucker wanted to bring attention to the special needs of disabled American veterans. To do so Hunsucker formed the non-profit organization Vet Walking. Starting in Jacksonville, Florida Hunsucker began walking across the country in order to raise money and awareness for disabled veterans. What began as a simple walk by one man has gained national media attention. Please read on to learn more about Richard Hunsucker and VetWalking.org.
• Homes for Our Troops (HFOT)   
  Description: Homes for Our Troops is a nonprofit organization that works to provide disabled veterans with specially adapted homes. The group has completed 51 homes to date, all of which now house veterans who were injured in the Iraq or Afghanistan wars and their families. The homes feature adaptations such as wheelchair accessible showers and cook tops along with wheelchair ramps and wider doorways. Read on to learn more about how Homes for Our Troops is working to help disabled veterans in Florida, Georgia and beyond.
• Stand Down | National Coalition for Homeless Veterans   
  Description: Stand Down is a movement that gives homeless veterans much needed supplies and services. The events take place across the country and are organized by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. Read on to learn more about the events and the history of Stand Down.
• The Center for Drug-Free Living   
  Description: The Center for Drug-Free Living has been operating in Florida for over 35 years. They offer services for men, women and children and have recently announced a transitional home for homeless women veterans. The staff and attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg hope that you can use the information provided here to help you or someone you know recover from drug addiction and the mental trauma of war.

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Resources for the Disabled:

• The Council for Disability Awareness   
  Description: The Council for Disability Awareness is a non-profit organization that strives to make Americans aware of their chances of becoming disabled. They encourage citizens to prepare for a disability before it occurs. If you have been injured and need help filing your disability claim please contact your Florida disability attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg today for your free consultation.
• National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)   
  Description: The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) is one of three components of the Office of Special Education. The NIDRR is the national leader in sponsoring research concerning disabilities. If you need help appealing your Social Security, long-term or veterans’ disability claim please contact an attorney at LaVan & Neidenberg today for your free consultation. With locations across Florida and Georgia we are here for you when you need us.
• Chamber of Commerce for Persons with Disabilities, Inc.   
  Description: The Chamber of Commerce for Persons with Disabilities, Inc. works to help anyone with a disability open and run a successful business. Located in Orlando, Florida the Chamber is open to anyone with a disability who would like to open their own business. If you need help filing for Social Security, long-term or veterans’ disability please contact an attorney at LaVan & Neidenberg today for your free consultation.

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General:

• Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Brief: BVA Denial of Servie Connection (Brief 1, p 13)   
  Description: However, a correct reading of the evidence of record shows that the examining physician at The VA Health System in Baltimore, Dr. Pineda, actually diagnosed metatarsalgia in both feet, stating that the veteran had had problems with pain on the plantar surface of the feet since he was in the service.
• Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Brief: BVA Denial of Servie Connection (Brief 1, p 9)   
• Federal Social Security Brief: Appeals Council Disability Denial (Brief 1, p 13)   
  Description: A claimant who could not perform work requiring climbing, balancing, working at heights or around dangerous machinery has been found unable to perform the full range of work.
• Federal Social Security Brief: Appeals Council Disability Denial (Brief 1, p 14)   
  Description: When a claimant cannot perform a full range of work at a given level of exertion or the claimant has non-exertional impairments that significantly limit basic work skills, exclusive reliance on the grids is inappropriate.
• FEDERAL REMAND: ALJ Failed to Properly Evaluate if the Plaintiff Meet or Functionally Equals a Listing (Federal Case 3, p. 6)   
  Description: The Eleventh Circuit reviewed listing impairments and stated as follows: “The Listing of Impairments describes, for each of the major body systems, impairments which are considered severe enough to prevent a person from doing any gainful activity

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