As reported in multiple news outlets, the Veterans’ Administration will be shifting to a paperless disability claim process in hopes of reducing its backlog of claims. In the article, which you can find on Shreveport Times, testimony at a Congressional hearing stated that “compensation and benefit claims pending at VA, as of Jan. 23, totaled…
A recent article by the Kansas City Star noted that rural communities have a higher percentage of disability recipients than urban areas. The article is based on statistical data compiled and evaluated by Dr. Roberto Gallardo at the Southern Rural Development Center at Mississippi State University. The data tables as well as other information can…
Strokes are increasing among young and middle-aged individuals. If you experience a stroke, you may need to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. This article describes the increase and the disability benefits process for those who have suffered a stroke.
The City of New Orleans recently released a 32-page Guide to Behavioral Health Resources in the Greater New Orleans Area to help affected persons find the mental and behavioral health treatment they need. This resource consolidates information on various state and local governmental programs as well as non-profit and for-profit treatment facilities. The guide also…
The American Cancer Society annual report found that most cancer death rates continue to fall in the United States. The overall cancer death rate has fallen by 1.8% for men and 1.6% for women from 2004 to 2008. The improved outcomes are attributed to advances in cancer screening and treatment. This is great news for…
The election results are in, and Jefferson Parish continued a state-wide trend by approving the doubling of the homestead exemption for fully disabled veterans. The measure gives veterans who own and live in their home but who are unable to work because of their injuries a $150,000 exemption, up from $75,000. If they die, their…
In yesterday’s election, a proposal to increase the homestead exemption for disabled veterans appeared on ballots in 42 parishes and passed with overwhelming support in each. Louisiana homeowners are exempt from paying property taxes on the first $75,000 of the assessed value of an owner-occupied home. In yesterday’s election, voters approved to double the exemption…
In yesterday’s election, residents in St. John the Baptist Parish overwhelmingly voted in support of Proposition 1 to raise the homestead exemption amount for veterans who are rated 100 percent disabled and whose disability is a result of their military service. This is welcome and needed relief for disabled veterans and their spouses in LaPlace,…
Social Security recipients, including New Orleans Social Security Disability recipients, have received welcome news today – their checks will be going up for the first time since 2009. There was no COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) in 2010 or 2011. The increase is expected to be approximately 3.5%. You can find a story on the…
Many Social Security Disability applicants in the New Orleans area and beyond are confused when they receive a partially favorable decision. Two common questions I hear are “Can I appeal a Partially Favorable decision by an ALJ?” and “If I appeal the decision, can I lose my awarded benefits?”. A partially favorable decision occurs when…