My Doctor Says I Am Disabled, Why Did Social Security Deny Me?

It happens at least a couple of times a week. A person calls and is perplexed as to how Social Security could deny their SSD or SSI application even though their doctor, or doctors say that they are disabled.

The truth is, although it's certainly helpful to have a doctor on board and willing to support your assertion that you are unable to work, the majority of doctors do not know Social Security's definition of disability.

There are certainly doctors out there who understand the Social Security disability process, but there are also a lot of doctors who do not know the slightest thing about Social Security, what the requirements are to qualify for Social Security disability and many that do not even know that such a program exists. Unfortunately, often these doctors tell their patients information that is inaccurate and then the disabled individual is left with misconceptions about the Social Security disability process.

My recommendation is if you have a disability or disabilities that prevent you from working go to your doctors for medical treatment. But, when you are prepared to apply for either Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income you should reach out to an experienced Social Security disability lawyer in your area.

I'm A Veteran and Receiving Veterans' Benefits, Do I Also Get Medicare If I'm Disabled?

If you are a Veteran and already receiving health benefits from the VA (Veterans Affairs) then you may be wondering what happens if you are awarded Social Security Disability benefits and become eligible for Medicare.

When you receive Social Security Disability benefits (SSD) you automatically become eligible for Medicare two years from the date you become eligible for benefits. I've had clients who are worried that this will affect the medical treatment that they have been receiving from the VA or affect their eligibility to continue receiving treatment from the VA Hospital or VA clinic.

This Medicare pamphlet has a lot of useful information that may answer many of the questions that you have. The chart on pages two and three of that pamphlet explains who pays first when you have another form of health coverage; whether it be Medicaid, a group health plan through work, VA benefits, Workers' Compensation or several other forms of medical insurance coverage.

According to the information provided by Medicare, if you are entitled to VA benefits and Medicare then you are entitled to both:

If you have or can get both Medicare and Veterans’ benefits, you can get treatment under either program. When you get health care, you must choose which benefits to use each time you see a doctor or get health care. Medicare can’t pay for the same service that was covered by Veterans’ benefits, and your Veterans’ benefits can’t pay for the same service that was covered by Medicare. To get the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for services, you must go to a VA facility or have the VA authorize services in a non-VA facility.

Medicare also gives this example:

Bob, a veteran, goes to a non-VA hospital for a service authorized by the VA. While at the non-VA hospital, Bob gets other non-VA authorized services that the VA won’t pay for. Some of these services are Medicare-covered services. Medicare may pay for some of the non-VA authorized services that Bob got. Bob will have to pay for services that Medicare or the VA doesn’t cover.

How Do I Find Out My Date Last Insured?

If you plan on filing for Social Security Disability benefits then an important thing to know is your date last insured.

The easiest way to find your "date last insured" or "DLI" is to call Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If you are unsure what Date Last Insured is, then you can read what date last insured means.