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Learn how you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.

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Social Security Disability Lawyers Helping Clients Obtain Benefits in New York City and Long Island

Are you unable to do your regular work because of a physical or mental impairment, or a combination of both? If your condition is expected to keep you out of work for 12 months or more, or your condition is terminal, you may qualify for federal Social Security Disability benefits. You should talk to the experienced Social Security disability lawyers at Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco, L.L.P. about filing for benefits - or appealing your denied claim.

Social Security Disability can pay you a monthly benefit of over $2,600 per month in 2014, depending on how much you paid into the system during your working career. If you have dependents, your benefits could total more than $3,000 per month for your entire family. In addition, if you are granted Social Security Disability benefits, you are also entitled to receive the same Medicare health insurance that people age 65 and over receive from the federal government.

Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco is recognized as one of the leading Social Security Disability firms in the New York metropolitan area and Long Island. Our firm has won more than 10,000 claims in the past 25 years, from initial application through administrative law judge (ALJ) hearings and federal court appeals. Our attorneys teach courses in Social Security Disability law at local law schools and to other attorneys at national conferences.
Our strategy is simple - unlike some other firms, we personalize your claim rather than treating you like a widget in a "disability factory." This takes a little more work - but our results speak for themselves.
Contact us today for a free consultation at any of our New York or Long Island locations - including Nassau County and Suffolk County. Our attorneys have secured benefits for all types of impairments, from back injuries to heart disease to mental illness.

Social Security Disability Lawyers with a Winning Record

The large majority of initial claims for Social Security Disability (SSD) are turned down. Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco has a high success rate because of our experience and approach:

We are not a national practice, but a local New York and Long Island firm. Our attorneys meet with clients one-on-one in the office to understand their disability, their former work and their current restrictions to prepare clients for their hearings.

Our cases are handled by real lawyers, not "advocates." We have the medical knowledge and courtroom skills to cross-examine experts and persuade judges our clients truly deserve disability benefits.

Troy Rosasco is recognized as a top SSD attorney who trains other disability lawyers. He has been named to the list of Super Lawyers in Social Security Disability law and is frequently quoted in newspapers and on television as an authority on disability issues. He has argued and won important disability cases in the highest federal court in New York. He currently teaches Social Security Disability law at St. John's University Law School on Long Island in addition to his full-time work at the firm.

Our Manhattan and Long Island Social Security Attorneys Are With You Every Step Through The Disability Process

You will never be alone when you hire Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco, L.L.P., to help you win your disability claim. The Social Security Administration (SSA), just like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is a massive federal bureaucracy that can easily intimidate claimants with disabilities. Thankfully, we have had great success guiding our clients through the "disability maze" for over 25 years throughout New York City and Long Island.

Unlike many law firms, we assist clients with the initial application for benefits. We carefully listen to clients and document their symptoms and treatment, then develop an appropriate strategy for the case. We have been successful at every level of the process:

Initial claims

Administrative law judge (ALJ) hearings

Appeals Council review

Federal court appeals

Our goal is to control the claims process by knowing more than the Social Security Administration and the ALJ assigned to your case. The key is diligent research (especially for rare or uncommon conditions), proper documentation and presentation of medical evidence, and sitting down with clients to prepare them to tell their story at the hearing. We break out the medical textbooks when we have to.

We treat every case individually, based upon the specific facts of the case. For example, we will prepare an application for a construction worker with a bad back much differently than we would for a bank manager with heart disease, or a teacher with depression, or a nurse with cancer.

Qualifying Impairments for Social Security Disability Benefits

A diagnosis, or even a visible injury or impairment, is not enough to win Social Security Disability benefits. You must meet specific medical criteria, and demonstrate that your medical condition causes serious physical or mental restrictions that prevent you from working. You must prove your disability claim. That's where an experienced SSD lawyer comes in.

At T urley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco, L.L.P., we have a reputation for results even in hard-to-win categories of impairment, such as fibromyalgia and mental illness claims. Over the past 25 years, our team has won benefits for more than 10,000 clients in Social Security Disability claims, hearings and appeals.

Our Social Security disability lawyers represent individuals from Suffolk County, Nassau County and the New York metropolitan area. Contact us today for a free consultation for assistance with your claim.

Success With Physical And Mental Impairment Claims

Attorney Troy Rosasco is a leading SSD lawyer who won some of the earliest cases involving HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain disorders and inflammatory diseases. He leads a legal team that has been successful with a wide range of claims, such as:

Spinal disorders - Herniated disk, spinal stenosis, compression fractures, spinal fusion, artificial disk replacement, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis

- Depression and bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, ADD/ADHD

Orthopedic disabilities - Shoulder surgery, hip surgery, knee surgery, hand surgery

Heart disease - Congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease , heart attack, enlarged heart, heart transplant, valve disease

Neurological disorders - seizures, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, myasthenia gravis, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Alzheimer's, brain tumor, dementia

Inflammatory disease and immune system - Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Cancers - Breast, lung, prostate, stomach, pancreas, kidney, liver, testicular, ovarian, colon, skin, throat, esophagus, melanoma, bladder, brain, bone and blood (leukemia)

Diabetes and complications - Diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, brittle diabetes, thyroid disease, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, morbid obesity

Gastrointestinal - Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, diverticulitis, pancreatitis

- , emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, asbestosis, black lung, lung cancer, sarcoidosis

Liver and kidney disease - chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, renal failure

Skin disorders - Scleroderma, burns, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, melanoma

Blood and lymph disorders - Sickle cell disease, anemia, hemophilia, Raynaud's, lymphoma, polycythemia

Addiction - Dual diagnosis, alcoholism, prescription painkillers, heroin

Vision and hearing - Macular degeneration, vertigo, tinnitus, pierced eardrum

Social Security Disability Initial Applications And Hearings

We assist clients in "putting their best foot forward" on the initial application. However, the majority of claims are turned down even with legal representation at the initial level. We have a very high success rate at the next level - disability hearings before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is the first time you will actually meet with a decision-maker "face to face" to explain why you can't work. We will always send your judge a "pre-hearing legal memo" explaining why we think you should win your case, so he/she is not surprised at the hearing.

Our New York and Long Island social security disability lawyers will fully prepare you for your testimony prior to this hearing and sit next to you during the hearing. At the hearing, we will explain to the administrative law judge (ALJ) our "theory of the case" and why you should be approved for benefits. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we have experience appearing before almost every ALJ in the New York area and Long Island. Our attorneys have a solid reputation for integrity and legal knowledge before these judges. Unlike some firms that have a reputation as "disability factories," we know how individual judges conduct hearings and what evidence they each require to approve claims. We tailor your claim to the individual judge hearing your case so you have the best chance of winning. If you fall within the small minority who lose at the ALJ hearing level, Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco, L.L.P., is fully prepared to appeal your case as far as the federal courts if necessary.

Let Our Social Security Disability Law Firm Help You Avoid Mistakes When Applying for SSDI

While it is not necessary to hire a disability attorney to apply for SSDI benefits, doing so can not only increase your chances of approval, but can also keep you from making mistakes that can be fatal to your application. Below are some of the most common mistakes claimants make when applying for SSDI benefits. For more information about any topic presented here, please contact a Social Security disability law firm like ours. Our practice has offices in New York City and Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

1. Applying for SSDI Benefits While Receiving Unemployment Benefits

There is no strict prohibition on applying for unemployment benefits while you wait to receive a decision on your SSDI claim. However, it can significantly complicate matters. When you apply for SSDI benefits, you are telling the SSA that you are disabled and unable to work for at least 12 months. However, when you apply for unemployment benefits, you certify that you are able and willing to work should you find the appropriate position. Thus, while not necessarily fatal to a disability claim, your certification to your state unemployment board that you can work may harm your case at the SSA.

2. Earning Too Much Money

The SSA considers individuals disabled and not able to work if their disability prevents them from pursuing " substantial gainful activity" (SGA). If your monthly income is below the threshold dollar amount the SSA considers SGA, you may continue working. However, if your income is more than the threshold, you may want to consider quitting your job. As of the date of publication, the SGA amount for non-blind individuals is $1,260 per month.

3. Discontinuing Medical Treatment

Eligibility determinations for SSDI benefits require a great deal of documentation, which comes mainly in the form of medical evidence. If you have discontinued treatment with your physician, your medical documentation may be too old for the SSA to make an accurate determination. For some conditions, the SSA also requires evidence that your symptoms have not improved despite following your treatment plan, and such failure could harm your eligibility.

4. Not Including Psychological Illnesses

When evaluating your eligibility for benefits, the SSA wants a complete and accurate picture of your health, and that includes your mental health. While mild to moderate mental illnesses - such as depression or anxiety - on their own may not be enough to qualify for benefits, they can strengthen your claim when considered alongside your physical injuries or illnesses.

5. Not Appealing a Denied Claim

Applying for SSDI benefits is a long, drawn-out process that often involves multiple levels of review. Most SSDI applications are denied at the initial level of application, but the approval rate rises significantly for those who appeal their denials. If your initial claim is denied, it does not mean that you cannot receive SSDI benefits - only that it may take more effort.

Our New York Social Security Disability Lawyers Have the Experience and Commitment to Win Your Case

Our lawyers are familiar with a wide range of Social Security Disability impairments and the medical criteria under the Social Security Administration listings. We are also knowledgeable about alternative criteria, such as the Medical-Vocational Guidelines, and special consideration for claimants age 50 or older. The key to our success is working closely with clients and paying attention to the details that can make or break a particular case.

Call the experienced social security disability lawyers of Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco toll-free at 800-671-4927 or contact us online. We offer a free consultation, with convenient office locations in Manhattan, Nassau County and Suffolk County.

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Social Security Disability Lawyers | New York and Long Island | TRRR Law

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Are you unable to do your regular work because of a physical or mental impairment, or a combination of both? If your condition is expected to keep you out of work for 12 months or more, or your condition is terminal, you may qualify for federal Social Security Disability benefits.

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Our Workers Compensation Lawyers Help Injured Workers Recover Compensation Throughout Manhattan and Long Island

Jobsite injuries are common across New York City, throughout New York State, and across the country. However, if an employer has workers compensation insurance in place, employees that are hurt while performing job-related tasks are entitled to benefits. Anyone who has suffered a personal injury related to a job task has the right to speak to a New York workers comp lawyer. Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco, L.L.P. is ready to stand by your side and protect your rights. Contact us today to discuss your options and due benefits during a free consultation. We serve clients in Manhattan and Long Island - including Nassau County and Suffolk County.

New York State Workers' Comp Benefits For Claimants

Workers who are injured on the job may be entitled to benefits such as:

Weekly cash disability benefits - If you cannot work, you may receive weekly benefits equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage. This amount should be computed from ALL earnings, including overtime, bonuses, and second jobs.

Medical benefits - Your employer must pay for reasonable and necessary medical care, including emergency room visits, hospital care, doctor visits, diagnostic testing, medications, medical equipment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.

Schedule Loss of Use (SLU)- You may be entitled to an additional cash award for loss of limb - even if you have not lost time from work, if you have suffered a permanent injury to a shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, hand, finger(s), hip, leg, knee, ankle, foot or toe(s). You may also receive an SLU award for a permanent loss of vision, loss of hearing or facial disfigurement. The amount of the cash award depends on the body part and the degree of permanent disability.

Lump sum Section 32 settlements - You and the workers' compensation insurance company may decide that a lump sum buyout of your entire claim is in your mutual best interests. These lump sum buyouts are called "Section 32" Settlements and are frequently negotiated after a worker has completed the majority of his or her medical care or reached maximum medical improvement. In some cases where an injured worker needs ongoing lifetime medical care, a buyout of only one's weekly cash benefits can be negotiated so that medical insurance is preserved. Our lawyers can help you make an informed decision and, if you wish to settle, negotiate your Section 32 agreement.

Death benefits - If a worker is killed on the job or dies from complications of a job injury, his or her family members can collect benefits based on the average weekly wage.

You have the right to hire a job accident lawyer at any point in the process. Our workers compensation lawyers do not - in fact, cannot - collect any payment upfront. Our fees are paid from your eventual benefits award or settlement, at a rate determined by statute or a workers' comp judge based upon what is fair and reasonable. Because workers' compensation claims are smaller than most other accident claims, you will never pay a typical attorney fee of one-third to your workers' compensation lawyer. Legal fees are more often in the 15 percent range depending on the amount of work involved in your claim.

The New York Claims Process For Injured Workers

When you are injured at work, you have an obligation to report the accident to your supervisor or employer within 30 days. After that:

1. Your employer then must report your accident to its workers' compensation insurance carrier and the New York Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) within 10 days of your notification on an official C-2 form (Employer's Report of Work-Related Accident).

2. You then have a full two years to file your claim directly with the New York State Workers' Compensation Board on an official C-3 form (Employee's Report of Work-Related Injury or Illness). However, we strongly recommend that you file a C-3 as soon as possible after your accident so that your rights to compensation and medical benefits are fully protected. You can also complete and file the C-3 form online. Our office files all our clients' claims electronically to speed their receipt of cash and medical benefits.

3. After your accident, your first concern will be medical treatment. In New York State, you can choose to see any doctor you want as long as that doctor takes workers' compensation insurance and has the proper credentials from the WCB. In some cases, you may see multiple doctors at the same time for the same injury. For example, an injured claimant with a back injury could be seeing an orthopedic surgeon, a neurologist and a chiropractor at the same time. It is important to see your physician(s) regularly (at least once every 45 days) while you are out of work and recuperating in order to maintain your cash benefits.

4. The workers' compensation insurer, or one of its representatives, nurses and/or investigators, may contact you after your accident. We recommend that you do not speak to them directly, as this may hurt your claim. This is a good time to call an experienced workers comp lawyer to learn your rights.

A workers comp lawyer from Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco will be glad to guide you through the process and fill out all forms to protect your rights to the compensation you deserve. We can explain every issue that may come up in a workers' comp claim, including how much money you will be entitled to receive, your medical benefits, pre-existing conditions, denial of treatment, termination of benefits, return-to-work issues, permanent disability cash awards and workers' compensation settlements.

Your Employer's Responsibilities in a Workers Compensation Claim

Your employer must follow the rules outlined by the New York Workers' Compensation Board. Your employer is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment, but you are entitled to recover compensation regardless of fault. Although your employer may face other repercussions for workplace safety violations, you cannot be denied coverage for your injuries based on this factor.

Your employer is responsible for filing forms and for cooperating with its insurance company and the New York Workers' Compensation Board. To protect your interests, our workers compensation law firm checks that your employer is complying and takes action if it is not.

Our New York and Long Island Workers Comp Lawyers Advise You to Cooperating with the Insurance Company

Being questioned about your accident and injuries is frustrating. It is important to understand that the insurance carrier's questions are normal. You should cooperate while also protecting your rights. Often, insurance companies question the nature of the injury or whether the injury is related to a job accident. To assess your injury, the carrier may ask that you submit to an independent examination with a doctor of its choice. This does not mean you are being forced to switch doctors; rather, the insurance company is verifying the diagnosis, course of treatment and prognosis for recovery as reported by your doctor.

Insurance companies commonly investigate the link between the injury and the accident. Some cases are more straightforward, such as a chef who cuts her hand while preparing food at the restaurant. Other cases may require more substantiation, such as a salesperson who crashes his car while on a call. Our work related injury lawyers makes a compelling argument, backed by evidence, to link your injuries to a job-site accident.

Our Workers Compensation Lawyers Will Take the Time to Answer Your Questions

You've had an accident at work. Aside from the pain, you have many questions and concerns that a workers' comp lawyer can answer.

How do I report this to my employer?

You must notify your supervisor, or someone in authority, about your injury within 30 days of the accident. It is best to provide written notice, however, oral notice is acceptable. There are some exceptions to this requirement which an attorney can explain to you.

Can I go to my own doctor?

You may seek treatment for your work-related injury with any health care provider authorized by the New York State Workers' Compensation Board. Healthcare providers include physicians, chiropractors, hospitals and walk-in clinics.

Who pays the medical bills?

So long as your claim is accepted, the employer or the employer's insurance company is responsible for payment of your medical expenses related to the on-the-job injury. There are no co-payments or deductibles. You should never pay a health care provider for treatment rendered in connection with a work-related injury.

What cash benefits do I get under workers' comp if I am out of work?

There is a seven day waiting period before cash benefits become payable. However, if the disability extends past fourteen days, benefits are payable from day one. If an injured worker is totally disabled as a result of a work-related injury, he or she is entitled to two-thirds of his or her average weekly salary for the year preceding the accident date. There is a cap, or maximum benefit payable, depending upon the accident date. If the injured worker is determined to have a partial disability, varying rates may apply.

Will I lose my job if I file a workers compensation claim?

It is unlawful for an employer to terminate an injured worker in retaliation for filing or attempting to file a workers' compensation claim. A claim may be filed by preparing and signing Workers' Compensation Form C-3 and filing it with the New York State Workers' Compensation Board within two years of the accident date or onset of occupational illness. This can be done through the mail, via fax, electronically or by dropping the form off at any local office of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board. You should always obtain proof that you filed the C-3 Form.

Do I need a Manhattan or Long Island workers comp lawyer?

The workers' compensation system has become increasingly complex in recent years. An experienced workers' comp attorney will help you navigate the waters and sort through the sea of paperwork you will receive throughout the course of your claim.

How much does a workers compensation attorney cost? Lawyers' fees are set by the Workers' Compensation Judge assigned to your case and are based upon services rendered by the attorney. There is no fee unless the lawyer is successful in obtaining cash benefits for you.

Do I have to pay anything upfront? (The answer is "No!")

No. All fees are subject to the approval of the Workers' Compensation Board. It is unlawful for an attorney to demand or accept upfront money from an injured worker in a workers' compensation claim in New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County or any other area in Long Island.

Recover Your Rightful Benefits - Contact a New York Workers' Comp Lawyer Now at Our Manhattan or Long Island Offices

Any worker who experienced in injury performing job-related tasks will naturally have questions regarding their rights and workers' compensation claim options. The good news is that with one toll-free phone call, a workers comp lawyer at Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco, L.L.P., can provide you with the answers.

Our firm has been helping injured workers in New York City, Long Island, and the surrounding areas for more than 25 years. On a daily basis, our lawyers represent clients at administrative hearings before judges of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, and negotiate their settlements with insurance companies and employers. Contact a workers' comp lawyer today to discuss your legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation. We can be reached at 1-800-671-4927 or online. Our workers compensation lawyers look forward to helping you recover your just workers' comp benefits and have convenient office locations in Manhattan, Suffolk County and Nassau County.

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Workers Comp Lawyer | Receive Your Workers Compensation in NY

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Jobsite injuries are common across New York City, throughout New York State, and across the country. However, if an employer has workers compensation insurance in place, employees that are hurt while performing job-related tasks are entitled to benefits. Anyone who has suffered a personal injury related to a job task has the right to speak to a New York workers comp lawyer.

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A Top Job Accident Lawyer Helping Construction Accident Victims Recover Their Rightful Damages

Were you hurt in a construction accident? Did you suffer debilitating injuries due to unsafe job conditions? If so, you may be eligible for compensation and an experienced work related injury lawyer can help you recover maximum damages. Contact a job accident lawyer at Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco, L.L.P. today to schedule a free consultation.

Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim After a Construction Accident in New York

A well-handled construction accident lawsuit always starts with a well-handled workers' compensation claim - period! After all, if you are seriously injured on a construction work site, your first priority is to get proper medical treatment. This medical care will be paid for by a workers' compensation insurance company.

It is likely that you will be called soon after your construction site accident by a workers' compensation claims adjuster. Saying the wrong thing to this claims adjuster without first talking to an experienced workers' compensation attorney could ruin any additional lawsuit you may have.

Do not talk to a workers' compensation insurance adjuster or investigator without speaking to Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco, L.L.P., first! Getting the right work related injury lawyer on board as soon as possible after your accident will preserve your rights to any additional lawsuit you may have and maximize your proceeds in addition to your workers' compensation benefits. If you were injured in a construction accident, you need a lawyer who can pursue compensation from all sources.

For over 25 years, Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco, L.L.P., has pursued injury claims on behalf of construction workers from New York City and Long Island. We work to maximize workers' compensation benefits and secure additional personal injury damages when the negligence of others contributed to a construction site injury.

Undocumented workers are entitled to workers' compensation benefits and lawsuit damages for work-related injuries. We have helped many Hispanic non-citizens obtain benefits and settlements for construction site injuries. Se habla español.

Scaffolding Accidents and Construction Injuries

We have represented carpenters and laborers, electricians and plumbers, roofers and painters, and others in the construction, remodeling and demolition trades. Our workers comp attorneys are familiar with the common causes of injury in these high-risk jobs, such as:

A job accident lawyer at our firm can handle serious and catastrophic injuries from construction accidents, including head trauma, severed limbs or fingers, broken bones, burns, and lacerations. Construction workers also have a high rate of injuries to limbs and joints, including back and neck injuries, arm and shoulder injuries, and knee and foot injuries. Our clients have obtained multiple million-dollar verdicts and settlements involving construction site injuries.

Workers' Compensation · Section 240 · Third-Party Claims Require a Job Accident Lawyer

New York State workers' compensation covers reasonable and necessary medical treatment for a work-related injury. It also pays wage benefits if you cannot work, including long term benefits or lump-sum settlements for a serious and lasting disability. We represent construction workers throughout the life of their claim, including hearings and appeals, to obtain and maintain their benefits.

Under Section 240 of New York's Labor Code, property owners are liable for damages for injuries involving ladders, scaffolds, roofs and other heights. Our attorneys are well-versed in Section 240 claims and application of the law, such as ground-level injuries from falling objects or failure to enlist a hoist for heavy objects.

Lastly, an injured construction worker may be able to sue third parties for negligence, such as subcontractors, general contractors, landowners or manufacturers of defective equipment. This allows for damages in addition to workers' comp benefits, including recoveries for pain and suffering.

Call a Job Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation and Contingency Representation

Construction accidents must be investigated promptly before evidence of negligence or OSHA safety violations "disappears." Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco have recovered millions of dollars for clients. with a work related injury lawyer. Call toll-free at Contact us today to speak with a job accident lawyer if you have been injured on a construction site to discuss your rights and the facts of your case during a free consultation 800-671-4927 or email us. We have convenient offices across New York and Long Island, including Ronkonkoma, Shirley, Riverhead, Garden City, and New York City.

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Job Accident Lawyer | Construction Accidents | NY Disablity Law

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Were you hurt in a construction accident? Did you suffer debilitating injuries due to unsafe job conditions? If so, you may be eligible for compensation and an experienced work related injury lawyer can help you recover maximum damages. Contact a job accident lawyer at Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco, L.L.P.

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Veterans Disability Lawyer Helping Veterans Obtain Disability Benefits In New York and Long Island

The New York disability lawyers at Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco are proud to assist veterans with benefits claims. We review your case and determine the full breadth of benefits you qualify for, including veterans, Social Security disability (SSD) and other government programs. You served our country and, after putting yourself in harm's way, you are entitled to compensation for your service-related disabilities. We want to ensure you obtain them and hope you will schedule a consultation with a veterans disability lawyer at our firm. We have offices in New York City and throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County.

What is Veterans Disability Insurance?

Veterans are entitled to compensation for injuries, illnesses and/or conditions that they sustained during active duty military service. Service-related disabilities are treated very seriously by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides tax-free compensation in such cases.

Veterans disability benefits cover any and all injuries, illnesses or conditions that are caused by the claimant's active duty service in the military. But what if you already had a pre-existing condition that was simply worsened by your service? It is important to note that veterans' disability benefits are also available to claimants whose injuries, illnesses or conditions were exacerbated by the veteran's service.

The qualifying health issue need not have been incurred during combat. In fact, you can recover benefits for an injury, illness or condition that you sustain while cleaning the barracks or while training. Disability benefits for veterans in Long Island and throughout New York City are broad in scope; therefore, you are encouraged to speak with a knowledgeable veterans disability lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights and options.

What Qualifies for Veterans Disability Claims?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays tax-free benefits for disabilities caused by injury or disease related to military service. The amount you qualify for depends upon your percentage of disability, which is rated from 10 to 100 percent. You may file your claim for a disability that:

Arose while you were in military service

Arose after you retired from military service

Had before entering the military and grew worse

Involves a special circumstance

Basic Eligibility Principles for Veterans Benefits

Veterans (and their surviving dependents) are entitled to submit an application and receive veterans' disability benefits for service-related disabilities that they sustained while in active duty service or active duty training, as long as they were not subject to a dishonorable discharge. It is worth pointing out that you may still be eligible to receive benefits even if you had a pre-existing disabling condition that was exacerbated due to your military service.

The VA will presume that you have a service-related disability (and are thereby eligible to receive veterans disability benefits) if you suffer from a specific set of injuries, illnesses, and/or conditions within a year of being discharged from active service, as long as the conditions are rated at least 10 percent disabling by the VA. These conditions include: hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, and various others.

Some conditions - such as multiple sclerosis and tuberculosis, or even toxic chemical exposure - will be presumed to be linked to your service even if you develop the condition more than a year after discharge. Contact a veterans disability lawyer at our firm if you have questions about your eligibility.

How Do You Apply for Veterans Disability Benefits?

You can apply for disability benefits online using the eBenefits website, which the Veterans Administration recommends since this can be the simplest approach. You can also print out Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits or call 1-800-827-1000 to have a copy of the benefits form mailed to you.

If you have not yet been discharged from the military and know you will need to obtain disability benefits, you could use the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program in order to obtain benefits more quickly and easily.

When you apply for benefits, you'll need to provide proof you were honorably discharged or separated from service; will need to include medical records documenting service-connected illnesses or injuries; and will need to include information about your dependents including a marriage certificate and birth certificates for your children.

How a New York or Long Island Veterans Disability Lawyer Can Assist with the Claims Process

The VA is a large government bureaucracy. Therefore, the claims process can be cumbersome, with multiple requests for information. The actual time between submission and approval depends upon the complexity of your injuries and access to the evidence the VA needs to make a decision. Our disability attorneys in New York help to expedite the process by meticulously preparing a thorough application and tracking its progress through the VA.

In general, the claims process involves:

Assessment of your claim by our lawyers, during which we gather supportive evidence and prepare a thorough application

Obtaining completed Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) from medical providers to prove your medical condition, which we can handle for you

Submitting your application to the Veterans Affairs, another task we take care of

Review of your claim by a Veterans Service representative

Request of additional information or evidence from you, doctors or another government department, if applicable, by the Veterans Service representative handling your claim

Claim decision

Injuries and Illnesses Covered by Veterans Benefits

You are entitled to compensation for injuries related to your service in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps or Navy. VA benefits cover injuries and illnesses incurred or exacerbated during training or combat, including:

Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC )

Chronic medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, arthritis and Lou Gehrig's Disease

Undiagnosed illness associated with service in the Gulf War

Tropical diseases and rare infectious diseases

Frostbite, heat stroke and other exposure-related conditions

Prisoners of war (POWs) physical and psychological conditions

Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides

Exposure to radiation

You will receive monthly monetary compensation that is based on the disability rating that you are given by the VA (i.e., 10 percent, 20 percent, etc.). However, this baseline compensation may be increased or decreased based on various other factors.

For example, compensation may be increased if you have a spouse with a severe disability. By contrast, compensation may be decreased if you are already receiving other forms of benefits, such as disability severance.
Facing a denied claim? Let our veterans disability lawyers help!
How Much Can I Expect to Receive in Veterans Benefits?

The Veterans Administration will pay you a set amount of benefits based upon how disabled you are. However, you can be paid additional amounts in circumstances where your disabilities are very serious, such as when you have loss of limbs. If you have a spouse who is severely disabled, you will be paid a larger amount of benefits. If you have a spouse, children, or dependent parents, your benefits will also be higher.

Cost of living adjustments change the basic benefits amounts periodically, so you'll need to find out how much your benefits will be worth each year. Beginning December 1, 2017, those who are 10 percent disabled without children will receive $126.24 in monthly benefits. Benefits go up from there. For example, a veteran without children or a spouse who is 60% disabled will receive $1,038.52 monthly. But, a veteran who is 60 percent disabled with a spouse would receive $1,182.52.

Because your benefits will vary based on the year when you apply, your disability rating, and your family circumstances, your best option to understand your anticipated benefits is to talk with a veterans disability lawyer in New York City or on Long Island to find out the amount of money that you are likely to receive.

Why Hire a Veterans Disability Lawyer fo r Your Long Island or Manhattan Claim?

A veterans disability attorney can provide help throughout the entire process of applying for disability benefits. A knowledgeable lawyer can:

Help you to determine if you're likely to qualify for benefits based on the nature of your condition.

Assist you in submitting an application for benefits and in providing the required proof to document the illness or injury that you experienced and to show that is a service-connected condition.

Help you to appeal a benefits denial through multiple steps in the appeals process, including when you initially receive notification that your claim for benefits has been denied.

Provide assistance in understanding the benefits that you should be entitled to receive given the number of dependents you have and your disability rating.

These are just a few of the many key reasons why it can make sense to hire a lawyer with experience in New York veteran claims. When you are coping with your own serious health issues or with the health concerns of a loved one, the last thing you need is to try to navigate a complicated bureaucracy and hope you can successfully convince the VA to give you the benefits you need.

Discuss Your Options for Compensation With a Veterans Disability Lawyer at Our Firm Today

If you are currently suffering from a disability that was caused or exacerbated by having served in the military, you may be entitled to recover tax-free disability benefits through the VA. Recovering the benefits you deserve is not as straightforward as you might initially think, however. We are here to help.

At Turley, Redmond, Rosasco & Rosasco, LLP, our team has decades of experience representing disability claimants (including those whose injury or condition was caused by their service in the military) in securing the benefits that they are owed. We are committed to tailoring our services to the client's needs. As such, we invest significant time and effort into collaborating with the client so that we fully understand their case from top to bottom.

Ready to speak to a seasoned Long Island veterans disability lawyer at our firm? Call us at 855-208-9438 or complete an online intake form on our website to schedule a free initial consultation today. We serve Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and other locations in NYC and nearby.

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Veterans Disability Lawyer in New York and Long Island | TRRR Law

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The New York disability lawyers at Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco are proud to assist veterans with benefits claims. We review your case and determine the full breadth of benefits you qualify for, including veterans, Social Security disability (SSD) and other government programs. You served our country and, after putting yourself in harm's way, you are entitled to compensation for your service-related disabilities.

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Introduction to the Workers' Compensation Law

Workers' compensation is insurance that provides cash benefits and/or medical care for workers who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job.

Employers pay for this insurance, and shall not require the employee to contribute to the cost of compensation. Weekly cash benefits and medical care are paid by the employer's insurance carrier, as directed by the Workers' Compensation Board. The Workers' Compensation Board is a state agency that processes the claims. If Board intervention is necessary, it will determine whether that insurer will reimburse for cash benefits and/or medical care, and the amounts payable.

In a workers' compensation case, no one party is determined to be at fault. The amount that a claimant receives is not decreased by his/her carelessness, nor increased by an employer's fault. However, a worker loses his/her right to workers' compensation if the injury results solely from his or her intoxication from drugs or alcohol, or from the intent to injure him/herself or someone else.

A claim is paid if the employer or insurance carrier agrees that the injury or illness is work-related. If the employer or insurance carrier disputes the claim, no cash benefits are paid until the workers' compensation law judge decides who is right. If a worker is not receiving benefits because the employer or insurance carrier is arguing that the injury is not job-related, he or she may be eligible for disability benefits in the meantime. Any payments made under the Disability Program, however, will be subtracted from future workers' compensation awards.

If you can return to work but your injury prevents you from earning the same wages you once did, you may be entitled to a benefit that will make up two-thirds of the difference. You may also return to work in light or alternate duty before you are fully healed.

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Introduction to the Workers' Compensation Law

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Workers' compensation is insurance that provides cash benefits and/or medical care for workers who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job. Employers pay for this insurance, and shall not require the employee to contribute to the cost of compensation.

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VA Advocates Plead for Congress to Address Bad-paper Discharges that Keep Veterans From Critical Benefits

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VA Advocates Plead for Congress to Address Bad-paper Discharges that Keep Veterans From Critical Benefits

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Last week, Army veteran and advocate Kris Goldsmith told lawmakers on Capitol Hill that that failure of the VA to help veterans with bad-paper discharges is "deadly serious."

Bad-paper discharges refers to veterans who received less-than-honorable discharges and have as a result been denied access to critical benefits. Currently, there are nearly 500,000 veterans with bad-paper discharges, 125,000 of which, from the post-9/11 era. Out of these veterans, only 35,000 have applied for the VA to review their discharge status. Only 3,500 of these veterans, 0.07 percent, have been deemed eligible.

Kris Goldsmith is one of these post-9/11 veterans that states " the experience of being discharged with a less-than-fully-honorable status and the resulting denial of VA benefits has shaped my entire life."

Goldsmith turned to binge drinking to cope with the horrors he witnessed on deployment as a 19-year-old solider. During his service he struggled to get mental health treatment from the Army, and ultimately gave up. The night before he was scheduled to be deployed back to Iraq, he attempted suicide. He was subsequently removed from the Army with a "general" discharge. He was suddenly back home with no job and resorting to heavy drinking to cope.

Goldsmith was rejected from attending local posts for veteran service organizations and he could not collect unemployment as the economy collapsed in 2008. Being branded with a bad-paper discharge left him not just unemployed but "unemployable" according to Goldsmith.

Studies have shown that veterans with bad-paper are more likely to suffer from substance abuse, homelessness, unemployment, and suicidal ideations than those with honorable discharges.

Fortunately, Goldsmith was eventually approved for a disability claim and immediately diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. "That access to VA care is the only reason I'm alive to testify before you today," Goldsmith told lawmakers in a Congressional testimony on bad-paper discharges. He's become the face of bad-paper discharges and has been a leading advocate for years.

12 years after his original discharge, Goldsmith's discharge was upgraded to fully honorable. He did not know about it for a half a year because it was sent to his childhood home. Goldsmith is committed to making sure more veterans don't have to go through what he went through.

"Through all of this frustration I've spent this time learning that I'm not alone, and that there are major systemic flaws that allow patriots like me to serve and sacrifice for this country, only to be discarded like trash," he said. "Since I learned about this country's abandonment of veterans with bad paper, it's been my primary focus in life to see that things are made right."

David Shulkin, former VA Secretary under the Obama Administration, told congress that he planned to provide VA emergency treatment to veterans affected by bad-paper discharges. His successor, Robert Wilkie, has not continued to pursue these plans.

Last week, Goldsmith recommended the creation a new procedure for filing for benefits for veterans with a less-than-honorable-discharge. This way, veterans don't have to be discouraged from filing as so many are. There will be a specific procedure for them.

Goldsmith and veterans advocate groups will continue to wait in frustration for Congress to take action.

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VA Advocates Plead for Congress to Address Bad-paper Discharges that Keep Veterans From Critical Benefits | Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco, L.L.P

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Last week, Army veteran and advocate Kris Goldsmith told lawmakers on Capitol Hill that that failure of the VA to help veterans with bad-paper discharges is "deadly serious." Bad-paper discharges refers to veterans who received less-than-honorable discharges and have as a result been denied access to critical benefits.

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The Social Security Trust Fund could be depleted by 2031 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic collapse, according to new projections - and today's youngest retirees could be among the first in the nation to see benefit cuts.

The Congressional Budget Office said in an analysis released Wednesday that the Social Security Old Age and Survivors Insurance fund, which pays out retirement benefits, faces insolvency within a little over a decade unless Congress takes action to address the shortfalls.
TRUMP'S UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT MAY ONLY LAST 3 WEEKS
The non-partisan agency said in the report the Social Security fund could plunge from $2.8 trillion to $533 billion in 2030. It estimates the fund would run out the following year. The Social Security Disability Insurance program, meanwhile, is projected to run out in 2026.

"Based on CBO's figures, Social Security's retirement benefit would be cut by roughly one-quarter in 2031," the CRFB said in an analysis on Wednesday. "In other words, today's youngest retirees will face a sharp 25% drop in their benefits when they turn 73."

At the end of April, the government projected that Social Security, one of the biggest federal benefit programs, would be unable to pay full benefits starting in 2035. At that point, only 76% of benefits could be paid out.
WHAT TRUMP'S PAYROLL TAX HOLIDAY WOULD MEAN FOR YOU
The bulk of the money that Social Security pays out in retirement and disability benefits stems from payroll taxes (a 6.2% levy on wages capped at $132,900 that shows up on your paystub as a FICA tax). The program receives some additional funding from the taxation of benefits and interest earned on securities held by the trust fund.

But the pandemic, which brought the nation's economy to a grinding halt, has threatened all three revenue sources: In the span of just two months, the U.S. lost more than 21 million jobs. It has since recovered about half of those, meaning there are still some 11.5 million out-of-work Americans compared to February, the Labor Department said Friday.

The CBO said in the report - in which it projected the nation's deficit to hit a record-shattering $3.3 trillion - that the change was "was largely driven by an increase in payments made by the Unemployment Trust Fund as the number of beneficiaries increased."
TRUMP SAYS SECOND STIMULUS CHECKS COULD BE 'WAY HIGHER' THAN $1,200
At the same time, a wave of older workers who are forced to retire earlier than they'd planned pre-crisis are expected to start claiming benefits, raising costs in the short term for the fund. During the 2008 financial crisis, for instance, the number of eligible adults claiming benefits six months early increased by 5%. The Obama administration estimated the recession put the fund on the path to be exhausted by 2037, four years earlier than initially expected.

Individuals who choose to collect early can claim benefits as early as 62, but they receive 5% to 6.6% less each year, depending on when they begin drawing payments. Conversely, those who decide to wait until their full retirement age receive a credit of 8% each year up to age 70.

In 2019, 54.1 million people received Social Security benefits. About 40% of Americans over the age of 60 who are no longer working full time rely solely on Social Security benefits for their income, according to the National Institute on Retirement Security. The annual benefit is about $17,000.
READ MORE AT FOXBUSINESS.COM

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Social Security benefit cuts could be coming - here's who it will affect first

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The Social Security Trust Fund could be depleted by 2031 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic collapse, according to new projections - and today's youngest retirees could be among the first in the nation to see benefit cuts.

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Is Social Security Becoming a Pawn in the Postal Service Crisis?

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Is Social Security Becoming a Pawn in the Postal Service Crisis?

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Most benefits are now paid electronically, but nearly a million monthly checks are still mailed out, and the post office's delays and political controversy could clog paperwork.

Credit... James O'Brien

Top Democrats are warning that the problems afflicting the United States Postal Service pose a threat to more than voting rights - a slowdown in services, they say, will also hurt seniors who rely on letter carriers for Social Security checks, medications and other critical mail.

Already, concerns about prescription drug deliveries are surfacing - but how about Social Security payments? Should beneficiaries be concerned?

Accounts of mail slowdowns and curtailed service emerged after Louis DeJoy, a Republican megadonor and ally of President Trump, became postmaster general in May. Mr. DeJoy has pushed changes he says will help the Postal Service grow and "embark on a path of sustainability."

Over the past two decades, the Social Security Administration has shifted to electronic payment for most beneficiaries, but that doesn't mean the agency's operations are not vulnerable to delays in mail service.

The agency currently pays 99 percent of Social Security beneficiaries via direct deposit to a checking or savings account, or a government-issued debit card. But nearly 850,000 paper checks still are mailed each month to recipients of retirement, disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits. Social Security also sends and receives millions of pieces of mail every year, including notifications, requests for information, Medicare enrollment forms and replacement Social Security cards. More isolated, rural parts of the country are particularly vulnerable to problems within the postal system.

Moreover, the shutdown since March of Social Security's national network of field offices because of the pandemic means that more business is being transacted through the Postal Service that normally would be handled through in-person visits.

Here are some key points to know about Social Security and the mail.

The federal government has required electronic payment to most beneficiaries since 2013, although there are some exceptions, and it is possible to apply for a waiver. Today, just 1 percent of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries receive paper checks, said Darren Lutz, an agency spokesman.

Anyone with a checking account can set up direct deposit, and roughly 94 percent of beneficiaries use this option. The other choice is Direct Express, a Mastercard prepaid debit card offered through the Treasury Department. The card can be used to make purchases, get cash or set up automatic monthly bill payments. Although there are no sign-up or monthly account fees, free A.T.M. cash withdrawals are limited to one per month - fees are applied for additional withdrawals.

Social Security has mailed annual statements to workers in various age groups who are eligible for a benefit since the mid-1990s. The statements provide projections of their benefits at various claiming ages, along with reminders on the availability of disability benefits and Medicare enrollment information.

Those mailings were reduced sharply in recent years to cut costs - and the Social Security Administration has encouraged workers to instead open online accounts, where statements can be downloaded at any time and other business can be conducted with the agency.

Currently, Social Security sends paper statements only to about 15 million workers annually, who are age 60 and older, have not yet claimed benefits and have not opened an online account, Mr. Lutz said.

As of last month, more than 51.5 million Americans had set up accounts, and 28 million of those have viewed their online statement since October 2018, he said. Those figures point to a sharp drop from the 155 million paper statements that were mailed in 2010 before the cuts; consumer advocates and researchers argue the savings don't outweigh the lost value of a statement in the mailbox, which builds awareness about Social Security benefits and claiming options.

The shift to digital statements is part of a broader Social Security strategy to shift as much of its interaction as possible to the internet - a plan that raises digital divide and equity concerns for consumer advocates. According to the Pew Research Center, 73 percent of Americans age 65 and older used the internet in 2019, compared with 97 percent of people ages 30 to 49. Lower-income, less-educated, nonwhite and rural workers are all somewhat less likely to use the internet, as well, Pew found.

Setting up online accounts can be challenging for the less tech-savvy, since the agency employs strong authentication standards to prevent fraud. "People think everything electronic is going to be seamless, but it's not," says Linda Sherry, director of national priorities for Consumer Action, an education and advocacy group.

"For many people, an electronic statement just isn't an option," Ms. Sherry added. "We're not opposed to electronic services, and eventually, almost everyone will adopt them, but at this point, it's important for people to have a choice - and the default choice should be paper statements."

The Social Security Administration is a very large user of the Postal Service. In fact, the ties between the two agencies go all the way back to the start of Social Security, according to Nancy Altman, the author of four books about the program's history and policies and a leading progressive advocate.

When President Franklin Roosevelt signed Social Security into law in 1935, federal officials creating the new system needed to sign up more than 26 million workers, and had just 17 months to get the job done. Their solution: post office letter carriers not only delivered Social Security applications, but helped people fill out forms, answered questions about the program, returned the forms to offices where Social Security cards were created - and then got the cards to workers. The entire job took just three weeks, according to Ms. Altman, who writes about the feat in her book "The Battle for Social Security: From FDR's Vision to Bush's Gamble."

"President Roosevelt knew that the post office was an essential, trusted institution, that relying on it was the way to ensure that Social Security would have a successful launch," Ms. Altman said. "Today, Americans highly value both institutions."

Nowadays, Social Security sends 350 million pieces of mail annually to support its programs, according to an agency report last year.

One letter of special interest to beneficiaries is the notice of the annual cost-of-living adjustment, typically mailed in the late fall. By law, Social Security benefits are adjusted each year using a formula tied to the Consumer Price Index. The percentage increase is announced publicly in October, but the letter informs beneficiaries of the monthly dollar increase they will receive, taking into account any increase in the Medicare Part B premium, which typically is deducted from Social Security benefits.

Mr. DeJoy tried ease concerns while speaking to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Monday. "While we have had a temporary service decline, which should not have happened, we are fixing this," he said. "In fact, as of last week, service improved across all major mail and package categories, and I am laser-focused on improving service for the American public."

The temporary closing of Social Security's field offices also has made it impossible to conduct routine walk-in business. The agency continues to operate mainly through telework, but many processes that normally would be handled in-person at the field offices are now being handled online, by phone, through the mail or are delayed, Mr. Lutz said.

Some procedures require important original documents, such as marriage certificates, driver's licenses or passports to be sent through the mail, said Kathleen Romig, a senior policy analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. These include benefit claims, Medicare enrollment, issuing Social Security numbers and replacement cards, benefit verification statements and paperwork that must be filed to deal with changing life circumstances.

"They're asking people to send in their original documents, which people are not thrilled about, and saying 'Don't worry about it, we'll send it right back,'" she said. "Are we going to see back-ups now?"

The pandemic makes the U.S.P.S. more important than ever to Social Security's operations, says Stacy Braverman Cloyd, director of policy and administrative advocacy for the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives, a specialized bar association for lawyers and advocates who represent people claiming Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income.

"To the extent the Postal Service becomes less reliable, or people have less confidence in it, those are real problems, and they couldn't happen at a worse time."

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Is Social Security Becoming a Pawn in the Postal Service Crisis?

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Most benefits are now paid electronically, but nearly a million monthly checks are still mailed out, and the post office's delays and political controversy could clog paperwork. Top Democrats are warning that the problems afflicting the United States Postal Service pose a threat to more than voting rights - a slowdown in services, they say, will also hurt seniors who rely on letter carriers for Social Security checks, medications and other critical mail.

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Senator Tillis Pleads for Congressional Action To Protect Troops From Toxic Conditions

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Senator Tillis Pleads for Congressional Action To Protect Troops From Toxic Conditions

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North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis spoke last week on the dangers of burn puts at military sites, specifically sites designed for the open-air combustion of waste. In a discussion with the Washington Post, Tillis advocated for further attention and support when it comes to veterans who have been exposed to toxic conditions.

In a comparison to Vietnam, Tillis noted that it took decades to get support for those veterans, a problem that he says is unaffordable in the case of the more recent wars.

As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee himself, Tillis argued for the collaboration of Congress, the Department of Defense, and the VA on the issue. "This should never be about money," Tillis said. "This should be about providing care to service members and veterans."

At this point, the Department of Veterans Affairs have stood by findings that show no evidence of long-term health problems due to burn pit exposure. These studies are not universally agreed on by any means. Last year, McClatchyDC reported that veterans saw a spike in several types of cancer including urinary, prostate, liver, and blood during the past two decades of war. Each category of cancer increased by 61%, 23%, 96%, 18%, respectively.

Veterans, their families, lawmakers, and advocates attribute these staggering figures to burn pit exposure. More than 200,000 veterans have reported health issues as a result of exposure. Tillis emphasized better tracking and treatment for those who may have been exposed to toxins. "I want to get to a point where we have the data to predict a risk before the soldier, the serviceman, or the veteran, would ever even expect that they are at risk," he said. Tillis also recommended that an independent agency should be created, designed specifically to understand the nature of exposures and provide guidance on how to move forward.

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Senator Tillis Pleads for Congressional Action To Protect Troops From Toxic Conditions | Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco, L.L.P

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North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis spoke last week on the dangers of burn puts at military sites, specifically sites designed for the open-air combustion of waste. In a discussion with the Washington Post, Tillis advocated for further attention and support when it comes to veterans who have been exposed to toxic conditions.

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New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

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Overview
There are two Federal disability programs:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a Federal disability income program for adults who have worked and now find themselves unable to work due to a disability.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is Federal program for adults and children who meet the definition of disabled and have limited income and resources. It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and it provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

Child Definition

Under Social Security's definition, a child is considered disabled if the child's physical or mental impairment(s) is so severe that it results in marked and severe functional limitations. The impairment(s) must last or be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in the child's death.

Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

The amount of your monthly benefit is based on your lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security.

Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are paid starting six months from the onset date of the disability, but no more than 12 months prior to application.

A claimant receives monthly benefits deposited directly into their bank account or on a SSA Direct Express Card.

Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.

The amount of your monthly benefit is based on your income and resources.

SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may be paid from the month of application.

A claimant receives monthly benefits deposited directly into their bank account or on a SSA Direct Express Card.

Eligibility

Find your local Social Security Office
SSA Office Locator
Anyone who believes they meet Federal Disability requirements is eligible to apply. Your family members may also receive benefits if you can no longer work due to a medical condition.

You are considered disabled under Social Security rules if:

You cannot work due to a medical condition;

You cannot do work that you did before;

We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and

Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

People who have worked long enough may also be able to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Contact

Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) by phone: 1-800-772-1213
Monday-Friday 7:00AM-7:00PM

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call SSA at TTY 1-800-325-0778.

Contact OTDA's Division of Disability Determinations by email:
NY.DD.PC3.CORRES@ssa.gov

Contact OTDA's Division of Disability Determinations by mail:

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Division of Disability Determinations
P.O. Box 165
Albany, NY 12260-0165

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New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

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There are two Federal disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a Federal disability income program for adults who have worked and now find themselves unable to work due to a disability. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is Federal program for adults and children who meet the definition of disabled and have limited income and resources.

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VA Proposes New Rule to Expand Coverage for Veterans and Troops Injured During Service

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VA Proposes New Rule to Expand Coverage for Veterans and Troops Injured During Service

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Traumatic brain injuries, heatstroke, and cold-weather injuries are among the list of service-connected injuries proposed for coverage under a new rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The proposed rule would expand insurance benefits to veterans and troops suffering from an array of injuries.

First proposed by the VA in 2018, the rule's targeting expansion is directed at the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI). The rule would allow for those previously denied to request reviews of their cases, where "new and material evidence" is applicable.

TSGLI is an insurance program that provides short-term financial support to severely injured service members. The participants are protected for up to $100,000 for covered injuries.

For a given veteran or active service member to be covered by TSGLI, they must satisfy the following parameters:
Insured by SGLI when injury occurs
Your injury must cause a loss that is covered by the policy
You must have suffered the traumatic injury while in the service
You must suffer a scheduled loss within 2 years of the traumatic injury
You must survive for a period of not less than seven full days from the date of the traumatic injury

The proposed rule change was outlined in a Federal Notice from the VA and is opened for public comment until mid-October. Unfortunately, there is some uncertainty around when the rule change would take effect.

Among the new injuries covered by the rule change are service related traumatic injuries from shock waves of improvised explosive devices, accidental ingestion of a contaminated substance or injuries as a result of exposure to extremely high or low temperatures, insect stings and animal bites, and traumatic injuries caused by diagnostic or medical procedures that were used to treat other service-related injuries.
The rule put forth by the VA also includes minor changes regarding the way in which claims are made by active service members and veterans. This includes the implementation of a three-tiered process in which Veterans must submit their appeals not to the VA, but to their prior branch of service. The appeal then moves up to the given branch's chain of command.

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VA Proposes New Rule to Expand Coverage for Veterans and Troops Injured During Service | Turley Redmond Rosasco & Rosasco, L.L.P

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Traumatic brain injuries, heatstroke, and cold-weather injuries are among the list of service-connected injuries proposed for coverage under a new rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The proposed rule would expand insurance benefits to veterans and troops suffering from an array of injuries.

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I Want to Quit My Job But I Got Injured at Work. What Are My Options?

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I Want to Quit My Job But I Got Injured at Work. What Are My Options?

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I Want to Quit My Job But I Got Injured at Work

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What Happens After a Workplace Accident?

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What Happens After a Workplace Accident?

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Workplace accidents can have a devastating effect on those who suffer them. Not only can they take a severe toll on injured workers' physical and mental health, they can also keep the injured out of work for weeks or even months while they recover. Very few workers have the resources on hand to remain out of work for that long, which is why most workers who suffer work-related injuries turn to the workers' compensation system to help them get back on their feet while they recover.

However, if you have suffered a work-related injury, you should know what to do after your accident to begin the workers' compensation claim process. Failure to adhere to each step of the process can result in an inadvertent waiver of your right to file a claim.

The most important step to take after a workplace accident is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Injured workers are free to choose their own doctors, but whichever doctor you choose most be authorized by the Workers' Compensation Board. (You can find out whether your doctor is authorized by using the Workers' Compensation Board's online tool). It is also vitally important for you to follow your healthcare provider's treatment plan. Failure to attend scheduled appointments or refusal to engage in certain treatments can jeopardize your benefits.

As soon as practical after your accident, but in no case more than 30 days, you should report the accident to your employer. It is a best practice to notify your employer in writing, but it is not a strict requirement - verbal notification is acceptable. Waiting longer than 30 days to report your accident to your employer could cause you to lose your right to collect workers' compensation benefits.

The Workers' Compensation Board uses dozens of forms to process workers' compensation claims, some that are fairly simple and others that require the assistance of an attorney. While you should take care to file all of the required forms, you should pay particularly close attention to the following four:

Form C-3 is the form you should submit to the Workers' Compensation Board as soon as possible after your injury. It contains the basic details of what happened, your employment information, the parts of your body that were injured, how and when you notified your employer, time lost from work, and any medical treatments for past injuries. It can be filed electronically or by fax, mail, or personal delivery.

Form C-4 is an initial form prepared and filed by your healthcare provider that covers all information about your injury, including how the injury happened, whether it is work-related, and whether you are disabled. While injured workers are not involved in the preparation or filing of the C-4, they should nonetheless make sure that their healthcare provider gets all of the details correct.

Form OC-110A is an authorization provided by injured workers to give third parties access to their confidential workers' compensation files, including their attorneys. It is extremely important for claimants who are represented by attorneys, as it allows their attorneys to communicate directly with their healthcare providers and the Workers' Compensation Board about their cases.

Form RFA 1-W is used to request a hearing before the Workers' Compensation Board. While it can be used for any reason to request a hearing, it is most commonly used in situations where a claimant's weekly payments have been stopped or reduced or where the insurance company refuses to pay for medical treatment.

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What Happens After a Workplace Accident?

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Workplace accidents can have a devastating effect on those who suffer them. Not only can they take a severe toll on injured workers' physical and mental health, they can also keep the injured out of work for weeks or even months while they recover.