CHANGES IN SOCIAL SECURITY

There have been several changes in Social Security disability in recent years that will impact claims filed in 2013.  Obesity is no longer a distinct impairment.  A person cannot get benefits based solely on alcoholism or drug addiction.  Diabetes is not a qualifying condition unless it is uncontrolled and causes serious additional impairments.

On the other, more positive side, Fibromyalgia can now be recognized as a disabling condition if it is severe.  Social Security has added more than 50 new diseases that qualify for compassionate allowance--an expedited approval process for certain catastrophic conditions.  Disabled veterans can now get expedited decisions on Social Security disability claims.  The administration also made some progress in catching up on the tremendous case backlog in the hearing offices.  We are again back to waiting around 11 months to get a hearing.  (It has been much longer).  However, the government shutdown in 2013 has caused the logjam to creep up again, more so in some offices than in others.

I am concerned, however, that the current hiring freeze and threatened cuts in the Social Security operating fund will get us back into the same hole we've been climbing out of since 2009. Congress needs to remove the sword of Damocles that's hanging over Social Security's head. It should send strong, reassuring language to the American people that Social Security is here to stay.  And it should take bold, assertive steps to strengthen the trust funds upon which Social Security disability and retirement benefits depend.  In my view, this should be part of a program of sensible reconstruction of the entire federal budget that eliminates unncessary spending, reduces national debt and reinvigorates essential programs.  I know that sounds easy and I know how tough it will be to accomplish in the political arena. However, Social Security must not become a political pawn and let down the most vulnerable among our society.

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