One of the more common myths about Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) is that benefits are related to the type of work you do. That is not the case. So, yes, millennials and other workers in the so-called “gig” economy — such as Uber, Lyft — can apply for — and obtain — SSDI benefits […]
New Orleans Veterans: Can I Reopen My VA Disability Claim?
Many New Orleans veterans mistakenly believe that if the VA denies their claim for disability they are prevented from ever filing again. However, denied claims can be reopened at any time. Indeed, reopening a claim can be an alternative to appealing a denial. You will need a Louisiana attorney experienced with VA disability claims to […]
New Orleans VA Disability: Military Sexual Trauma
Military Sexual Trauma (“MST”) is a physical and mental condition that results from sexual assault or repeated sexual harassment that occurred while a veteran was serving in the military. As the VA explains here in this MST Factsheet from March 2016, veterans are not eligible for benefits for the sexual assault or harassment, but, depending […]
Yes, You Can Receive Both SSDI and VA Disability Benefits in New Orleans
If you are a disabled veteran here in Louisiana, you may be eligible for disability benefits from the Veterans Administration (“VA”) and also for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (“SSA”). According to a SSA fact sheet, approximately 621,000 military veterans received Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (“SSDI”) in 2016. Note that the VA […]
VA Benefits in Louisiana: What is the Individual Unemployability Benefit Program?
The Individual Unemployability (“IU”) benefit program is a Veteran’s Administration (“VA”) disability program that allows for veterans to be paid VA benefits at the 100 percent disability rate, even if the veteran has not been rated at 100 percent for their service-connected disabilities. As discussed below, recent budget proposals by the Trump Administration threatened to […]
What Medical Conditions Will Qualify Me for SSDI in Louisiana?
New Orleans and Louisiana residents are eligible for Social Security Disability (“SSDI”) benefits if they have a disease or injury or physical/mental limitation that makes it impossible to work, or limits them from working. Obtaining SSDI benefits is linked to your ability to work or engage in gainful employment. What medical conditions are eligible can […]
Veterans’ Disability Benefits: What You Need to Know
If you or someone you know is a veteran with a disability, you should become familiar with all of the benefits that are available to you through the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). There are certain eligibility requirements that must be met in order to receive these benefits. Below you can find general information about […]
Reverse Offsets, the Trump Administration & Other Worker Disability Issues
The state of Louisiana is one of 15 states in the nation that has “reverse offset” laws on the books for workers’ compensation (WC) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits that may be targeted for elimination under the current administration’s proposed budget. A reverse offset means that compensation benefits are reduced by the amount […]
SSDI’s Problematic Delays & Denials
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to disabled workers who can no longer work. Many people each year depend upon the SSDI program: Single workers, families with children, dual income couples, and many others. Applicants who apply for SSDI are unable to work due to an illness or injury, but contributed to the SSDI […]
New GAO Report Finds Veterans’ Disability Claims for Gulf War Illness Denied At Alarming Rates
One man’s story provides us with an accurate example of what kinds of battles can erupt over veterans’ disability claims, and why working with an experienced attorney—especially during the appeals process—is vital. A veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, Ron Mayo, developed plantar fasciitis as a result of his years of service. Doctors at the […]
