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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:

• Leukemia and Social Security Benefits   
  Description: If you suffer from leukemia you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Social Security Administration provides a listing of impairments which helps determine if you are eligible for disability. If you or someone you love suffers from leukemia or any other severe mental or physical condition, contact LaVan & Neidenberg, disability attorneys – 1-888-234-5758.
• Breast Cancer and Social Security Benefits   
  Description: If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Get a FREE Social Security disability guide and avoid the common mistakes many claimants make during their application or appeal. If you or your loved is suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, contact The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. 1-888-234-5758
• Overview of Hematological Disorders   
  Description: If you suffer from a hematological disorder, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration provides a listing of impairments which helps determine if you are eligible for disability. Don’t apply or appeal your Social Security disability claim until you read this FREE guide. LaVan & Neidenberg can increase your chances of winning your claim – 1-888-234-5758.
• Overview of Genitourinary Impairments   
  Description: The Social Security Administration provides a Listing of Impairments for the genitourinary system which helps determine if you are eligible for Social Security disability. Don’t apply or appeal your Social Security disability claim until you read this FREE guide. LaVan & Neidenberg can increase your chances of winning your claim – 1-888-234-5758.
• Overview of the Digestive System   
  Description: The Social Security Administration provides a Listing of Impairments for the digestive system which helps determine if you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Our FREE Social Security disability guide will save you from harming your claim. Request your copy today! Disability attorneys, LaVan & Neidenberg, will fight for your rights – 1-888-234-5758.

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Veterans' Disability:

• West Nile Virus   
  Description: West Nile Virus has been approved by the VA as a presumptive disease. This library item will take a look at West Nile Virus and how it affects service men and women who contract the disease while serving in Afghanistan and Southwest Asia. If veterans can prove that they contracted West Nile Virus while serving they will be eligible for veterans disability compensation.
• 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.

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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 Injury Victim Resources (Part B)   
  Description: DUI accidents can result in expensive-to-treat medical injuries. If you or your loved one has been in a car crash or motorcycle accident due to a drunk driver, contact The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. LaVan & Neidenberg are personal injury attorneys that win auto accident 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:

• Overview of Lymphoma   
  Description: If you suffer from lymphoma you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Social Security Administration provides a listing of impairments which helps determine if you are eligible for disability. If you or someone you love suffers from lymphoma or any other severe mental or physical condition, contact LaVan & Neidenberg, disability attorneys – 1-888-234-5758.
• Overview of Lung Cancer   
  Description: If you suffer from lung cancer you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a listing of impairments which helps to determine if you are eligible for disability benefits. If you or someone you love suffers from lung cancer or any severe mental or physical condition, contact LaVan & Neidenberg, disability attorneys – 1-888-234-5758.
• Malaria   
  Description: Malaria, a serious infectious disease spread though mosquito bites, has been approved as a qualifying presumptive disease by the VA. This means that if a veteran contracts the disease while serving in Southwest Asia or Afghanistan they will be eligible for VA disability compensation. This article will discuss the causes and effects of malaria.
• Brucellosis   
  Description: Brucellosis has been included on a new list of presumptive diseases that qualify veterans for VA disability benefits. In order to qualify a veteran must be able to show that Brucellosis was contracted while serving in Asia, Iraq or Afghanistan.
• Q Fever   
  Description: Q Fever is an illness caused by a bacteria that is carried by farm animals. The VA has added Q fever its list of presumptive diseases that, if contracted while serving in Afghanistan or Asia, qualify the service member for veterans’ disability compensation. Please read on to learn more about the disease and how it affects veterans who have contracted the illness.

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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 - August 2010 - Vol. 2, Issue 7 [PDF]   
  Description: August's issue brings news about advancements in prosthetics for amputee veterans from all wars and spinal cord injury treatment. We also cover the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recent decision to acknowledge that the burn pits used during war to dispose of waste can cause serious and debilitating respiratory issues, and in some cases cancer. Also included in this month's issue is our calendar of events for the upcoming month and other noteworthy disability news.
• LaVan & Neidenberg Newsletter - July 2010 - Vol. 2, Issue 6 [PDF]   
  Description: Do you or a loved one suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? If you've answered yes, you will want to read this month's issue since your requirements of proof when applying for Social Security or veterans' disability benefits will be impacted.
  
  July's newsletter also discusses the threats looming over our Social Security retirement benefits and a proposed legislative change that will serve to protect veterans' disability benefits from garnishment in a divorce.
• LaVan & Neidenberg Newsletter - June 2010 - Vol. 2, Issue 5 [PDF]   
  Description: June's issue is aimed at answering our clients' most pressing questions about: the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF); Social Security's Adult Function Report; the possibility of garnishing your disability payments; and retroactive disability payments. Also included is this month's calendar of events.
• LaVan & Neidenberg Newsletter - April 2010 - Vol. 2, Issue 4 [PDF]   
  Description: April's issue shines the light on the newly passed Healthcare Reform Bill, the astronomical backlog of Veterans' Disability Compensation claims, new medical advances in treatment options for Multiple Sclerosis, Personality Disorder, and prostate cancer, as well as this month's calendar of events.
• LaVan & Neidenberg Newsletter - March 2010 - Vol. 2, Issue 3 [PDF]   
  Description: March 2010's issue discusses the penalties of knowingly - or unknowingly - committing Social Security fraud, the increase of homeless female veterans, new advances in veterans' disability treatments, our calendar of events, and whether or not is it wise to put your disability benefits in your savings account.

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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:

• Epilepsy Foundation of Florida   
  Description: The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida is a non-profit organization working to help these suffering from epilepsy in Florida. Their website offers support and information useful to those with the seizure disorder and their families. The Foundation has recently be working to help veterans with epilepsy.
• The American Veterans Disabled for Live Memorial   
  Description: The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial is a non-profit organization that is working to erect a monument to all disabled U.S. service men and women. The tribute will be built in Washington D.C. and will feature a star shaped reflecting pool and eternal flame. Please read on to learn more about the organization and monument.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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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 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 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 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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