Legal Blog

Walter Blakeney(57 articles)

Person circling a date on a calendar beside paperwork, representing the importance of the date last insured in an SSDI claim.

What Does Date Last Insured Mean for Social Security Disability?

Aug 27, 2026 | Social Security Disability, Walter Blakeney

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Being unable to work today does not always mean a person currently meets the work-related requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. In addition to reviewing the medical condition, Social Security considers whether the applicant was still insured through their work history when the disability began. An important date …

Medical report form on a clipboard next to a pen, tablet, and stethoscope for a Social Security Disability claim.

Gaps in Medical Care & Disability Claims

Aug 10, 2026 | Social Security Disability, Walter Blakeney

When you apply for Social Security disability, your medical records tell the story of your condition and how it affects your life. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will review your medical history for steady, consistent evidence of how your condition has affected your ability to work. Your disability application could face challenges if your records …

Medical provider wearing blue scrubs gently holding an elderly patient's hand for compassionate care and Social Security Disability support.

Fast-Track Disability: Compassionate Allowances

Aug 6, 2026 | Social Security Disability, Walter Blakeney

Living with a severe disability can be challenging, especially when it affects your ability to work and support yourself. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes this struggle and has implemented the Compassionate Allowances Program to help individuals with certain medical conditions get the support they need more quickly. What is the Compassionate Allowances Program? The …

An empty school classroom desk with a standardized test bubble sheet, a question booklet, and a pencil resting on top.

What Social Security Looks For in Intellectual Disability Claims

Jul 30, 2026 | Social Security Disability, Walter Blakeney

Families often come to us with the same worry: My child (or my adult son or daughter) has struggled their whole life, but Social Security keeps asking for more proof. What are they really looking for? How SSA Evaluates Intellectual Disability Claims For adults, the SSA has a five-step process to help determine if you …

How to Prepare for Social Security Disability Administrative Law Judge Review

Jul 20, 2026 | Social Security Disability, Walter Blakeney

When a disability case reaches an Administrative Law Judge, many people already feel frustrated. They have filed an initial application, waited months, received a denial, and then repeated the process at the reconsideration level. A hearing before a judge can feel intimidating, but it is also an important chance to explain your case more fully. …

The Role of the Onset Date in Disability Claims

May 4, 2026 | Social Security Disability, Walter Blakeney

Are you thinking about applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? If so, knowing the “onset date” of your disability might be the key to maximizing your benefits and improving your chances of approval. This often-overlooked detail can make a significant difference in your disability claim. What is a Disability …

Receiving Social Security Disability with an Amputation

Apr 13, 2026 | Social Security Disability, Walter Blakeney

Losing a limb changes nearly every aspect of your life. Simple tasks can become challenging, and your ability to work may be severely affected. If you’re facing life after an amputation, you could qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to help ease the financial burden during this difficult time. …

Receiving Social Security Disability for Schizophrenia

Mar 23, 2026 | Social Security Disability, Walter Blakeney

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It can interfere with daily life and, for many people, make it impossible to keep a steady job. For that reason, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes schizophrenia as a condition that may qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits …

How Medication Side Effects Can Affect a Social Security Disability Claim

Mar 2, 2026 | Social Security Disability, Walter Blakeney

Many people who apply for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income struggle with serious medical conditions that involve taking one or more prescription medications. While the medicines they take may help control symptoms or slow the progress of their condition, they can also bring unwanted side effects. Sometimes, the side effects are nearly as …

Helpful Tips for Getting Social Security Disability Approval

Aug 4, 2025 | Social Security Disability, Walter Blakeney

Worried about applying for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) because of all the paperwork and red tape? That’s completely normal, but don’t let it stop you from getting the benefits you and your family need. Here are some tips to help improve your chances of approval: Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits When applying for disability …