This is a condition where the spine starts to fuse and can result in the spine becoming bent forward or flexed.  The Social Security Administration will concentrate on the degree  that the spine has become fused.  X-rays or MRIs are extremely important.  Also, if this [...]

The focus for unusual diseases is on objective medical evidence such as lab reports and other medical findings that show how your body or mind has been affected.   Sometimes medical research will need to be submitted to the Judge assigned to your case.  More [...]

If your doctor cannot identify what medical condition you have, then the focus will have to be on  the credibility of your functional limitations.  If your doctor says you have serious functional limitations, but he or she is unable to state what the cause is,  then your [...]

Peripheral arterial disease is a circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs.  Many times it is the legs that don’t receive enough blood flow.  Walking can cause leg pain.  A person with significant peripheral arterial disease typically develops pain in the muscles [...]

Social Security Rulings are made by the Social Security Administration. These are inter-agency rulings and are not set directly by Congress. However, many times the rulings are a result of the laws set by Congress or court decisions. The rulings govern the agency’s conduct and [...]

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) – A Social Security judge that conducts Social Security disability hearings to determine if a person should receive disability benefits. Appeals Council – The last level of review for a disability case after an administrative law judge has denied benefits. [...]