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My disability claimwas denied. How do I file an appeal?

A: The majority of initial claims are denied and sadly, most claimants become discouraged and do not appeal the VA’s decision. No special form is required to begin the appeal process. All that is needed initially is a written statement that you disagree with the...

Where do I file my appeal?

A: Typically, you would file your appeal with the same office (VA Regional Office (RO) or medical facility) that issued the decision you are appealing because that is where your claims file is kept. However, if you have moved and your claims file is now...

Will I be asked to testify at my Social Security Disability hearing?

A: Typically, an administrative law judge (ALJ) will decide cases based on the medical evidence in the file - this includes x-rays and other imaging exams, lab panels, treatment notes, and written statements from the claimant and the claimant's treating physicians. In...

How does the VA arrive at adisability rating?

A: The VA evaluates service-connected injuries in increments of 10 percent. They examine the medical evidence you've submitted with your claim and then assign a “rating”. The maximum disability rating percentage is 100%; however, most conditions receive a rating below...

If I am injured or disabled how do I apply?

A: If travelling or sitting for hours is difficult for you, the office of Disability Help Group can help. Contact our group of trained legal assistants—we will evaluate your claim for FREE! If we take your case, we will file your claim for you. You could also apply...

I just started a new application/filed an appealfor disability benefitsbut 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?

A: We can't stress this enough - if you've:MovedChanged your phone numberStarted seeing a new doctorYour condition has worsened or improvedYou've recently gone to the emergency roomYou've been prescribed and have started taking new medicationContact your disability...

If I am denied how can I appeal the decision?

A: You can request an appeal by calling the SSA directly at 1.800.772.1213. The SSA will mail you the necessary appeal forms which you will need to complete and send back in order to appeal the decision. Disability Help Group can simplify the appeals process by...

Social Security Rolls Out Nationwide Case Management Amid Staffing Cuts

Social Security Rolls Out Nationwide Case Management Amid Staffing Cuts The federal government has two competing goals for the Social Security Administration: to cut down wait times and speed up processing, and to dramatically cut staffing. In 2025, the agency cut...

Social Security Disability Myths BUSTED

Social Security Disability Myths BUSTED Every day, we are bombarded with information. It can be difficult to separate the truth from the tales that have been passed around from friends, family, social media, news stories, and advertisements. In this article, we will...

How Disability Help Group’s Leadership Training Improves Support for SSDI Claims

How Disability Help Group’s Leadership Training Improves Support for SSDI Claims At Disability Help Group, everything we do is focused on helping people navigate the Social Security Disability (SSDI) process with confidence. That’s why our leadership team recently...

THE WORK HISTORY REPORT: HOW YOU CAN MAKE AND BREAK YOUR CASE

THE WORK HISTORY REPORT: HOW YOU CAN MAKE AND BREAK YOUR CASE Written by Advocate Michael Parker             The Work History report is a 10-page document that you will receive from the Bureau of Disability Determination Services towards the end of your initial...

Complete Guide to Winning Your SSD Case

Complete Guide to Winning Your SSD Case You’ve probably heard that most Social Security disability (SSD) applications are initially denied. What you may not realize is that there are steps you can take to improve your chances of approval at every stage of the process,...

SSDI Without a Work History

SSDI Without a Work History Social Security disability (SSDI) offers an important safety net for those who are unable to continue working due to injury, illness, or a chronic medical condition. But, the SSDI program is for disabled workers. Those with no work history...

What is the Criteria for 70% TBI Disability Rating?

What is the Criteria for 70% TBI Disability Rating? What is the Criteria for 70% TBI Disability Rating? After VA grants service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI disability), VA must determine the correct rating percentage.  As a result, the rating...

Yankee Station Agent Orange UPDATED 2025

Yankee Station Agent Orange - Blue Water veterans can now get presumptive service connection. The Yankee Station If you served in the Blue Water Navy during the Vietnam War, you may have been exposed to Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide. As of January 1, 2020, Blue...

VA Permanent and Total Disability (TDIU) for PTSD

VA Permanent and Total Disability (TDIU) for PTSD. Let us help you receive the benefits you have earned.

VA Disability Compensation Rates 2020 (Updated for 2025)

VA Disability Compensation Rates 2020 (Updated for 2025) VA Disability Compensation Rates for 2020 increased by about 1.6% from 2019 rates. If the VA decides that a veteran’s disability is related to service, it must then assign a rating percentage.  By law, VA may...

What You Need to Know: Widows Benefits and Social Security Disability

What You Need to Know: Widows Benefits and Social Security Disability When you qualify for two types of Social Security benefits, such as widows benefits and Social Security disability (SSDI), you may be unsure which to pursue or how they might work together. ...

What Does “Appeal Under Review” Mean for SSDI?

What Does “Appeal Under Review” Mean for SSDI? If you’ve received an “appeal under review” status from the Social Security Administration (SSA), it can be confusing. This update in the Social Security Disability (SSDI) appeals process indicates that a decision has...

How Long Does it Take to Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

How Long Does it Take to Get Social Security Disability Benefits? According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average processing time for a new Social Security Disability (SSDI) application is three to six months. But, the average processing time varies...

Can I get A 100% VA Rating for PTSD due to Military Sexual Trauma?

Can I get A 100% VA Rating for PTSD due to Military Sexual Trauma? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disability triggered by a traumatic event.  When the average person thinks of a traumatic military event, they...

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How Can I Get TDIU?

What Is TDIU? Many veterans are unable to earn a living because of service-connected disabilities.  Congress created a special benefit called...

Am I Eligible for SSD for Muscular Dystrophy?

Am I Eligible for SSD for Muscular Dystrophy? When you apply for Social Security disability benefits (SSD) for muscular dystrophy or any other...

Can I Receive SSD for Lyme Disease?      

Can I Receive SSD for Lyme Disease?       It is possible to receive Social Security disability (SSD) for Lyme disease. However, it’s not a given...

Watch Out for Social Security Disability Scams: How to Protect Yourself

Watch Out for Social Security Disability Scams: How to Protect Yourself By:  Jennifer HC Walker, Senior Disability Advocate If you're applying for...

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