Pittsburgh Social Security Disability Law Blog

As Pennsylvania residents know, Social Security disability paperwork is often grueling, complicated and inconvenient. This isn't just a problem for individuals who may be unable to work because of an injury or illness. Our nation's war heroes are also suffering because of the labyrinthine process required to obtain disability money after returning from combat. A new system should ease the process for these Wounded Warriors, allowing them to receive Social Security disability payments faster and with less hassle.

The federal government has taken its first step toward integrating medical information technology sharing through health information technology. In a move that will help thousands of American veterans, two major agencies have developed a new partnership to administer an electronic disability claims service. The collaboration between the Social Security Administration and the Department of Defense will be available to service members, veterans and their dependents.

Although today's job environment is difficult for everyone in the Pittsburgh area, legal and financial experts say the current economic conditions may be taking an undue toll on disabled individuals throughout the country.

A new report issued this week shows that disabled Americans experience a higher rate of unemployment, which has been significantly amplified thanks to the recent economic downturn. The study, which was performed by a provider of Social Security Disability, shows that those with disabilities experienced a 14.6 percent unemployment rate for the first quarter of 2012, as compared to just 8.4 percent for those without disabilities. That's a 74 percent difference.

Pennsylvania enacted new bicycle laws on April 2, 2012.

The new bicycle safety law requires motorists to leave a four-foot cushion of safety between their vehicle and any bicyclist they are attempting to pass. The law also allows drivers, where necessary and safe, to cross into the oppostie lane to pass a cyclist. Bicycle riders riding at a speed less than posted must do their best to avoid impending traffic by keeping to the right side of the road. If on a one lane road bicyclists are allowed to use any portion of the lane to avoid it's so important that both bicyclists and motorists obey all traffic signs and signals, ride and drive predictably, and signal their intentions when changing a lane or making a turn. And, of course, bicycle riders should always wear a helmet.. If a bicyclist is traveling straight on a roadway it is illegal for a driver to turn and interfere with the bike rider. Drivers must yield the right of way to bicyclists traveling in the opposite direction when they are trying to make a left turn. Motorists aren't allowed to force a bicyclist off the road, and drivers who do may face criminal charges.

It is important that motorists and bicyclists obey all traffic signs, signals, operate their vehicles predictably, and signal their intentions when changing lanes or turning.

For bicyclists, remember, always wear a helmet.

When his schizophrenia interfered with his ability to hold a steady job, a young man in the Midwest applied for Social Security disability benefits. Like many in Pittsburgh and throughout the nation, his application was denied. After he submitted his appeal for the benefits, he applied for unemployment to tide him over until his appeal was processed.

Dealing with one federal agency can be a headache, but dealing with two has proven to be even more confounding.