Rosasco Attends NOSSCR Disability Lawyer Conference in New Orleans

Posted on May 12, 2010 by Troy Rosasco

 

Today is the first day of the NOSSCR Social Security  Disability Lawyer conference in "The Big Easy", as this fun loving city is affectionately known. Some of the best Social Security disability lawyers  from around the country will be in attendance, including my good friend and current NOSSCR President Larry Wittenberg. 

While I was a presenter on ERISA Long Term Disability claims at the last NOSSCR conference, I am taking a break this conference so I can learn something new myself!  This time out I plan to sharpen my medical knowledge by attending separate seminars on multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome,  fibromyalgia,  lung disease (COPD) and  chronic pain.

In addition, I will be attending two seminars on Veterans Disability claims given by Katrina Eagle, Esq., one of the best in this complicated are of law.  I have seen her speak before at VA Disability Law conferences, and she really knows her stuff.  Finally, I will be attending a seminar on post-traumatic stress disorder, which is now rampant among returning vets from Iraq and Afghanistan.  I am seeing it weekly in my practice these days

After all this learning, perhaps I will take a much needed diversion to Bourbon Street to catch some New Orleans' jazz.  After all, they don't call it "the Big Easy"  for nothing!  

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Wild West Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Tomorrow for Social Security Disability Recipients

Posted on November 14, 2008 by Troy Rosasco

Tomorrow begins the "Wild West"  Medicare plan open enrollment period for Social Security disability recipients.  Social Security disability recipients entitled to Medicare can change their Medicare Advantage plan and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plan between November 15, 2008 and December 31, 2008.  But be careful!  Pick the wrong plan, and you could lose your current doctor, or worse!

Choosing the right Medicare Plan and prescription drug plan for you is more difficult, in my opinion, than picking a good mutual fund in the current stock market!  In addition, Medicare recipients are besieged at this time of year by slick advertising from insurance company salesmen hocking the advantages of their own plans.  Its a recipe for disaster for disabled individuals whose health care coverage is probably the most important thing in their lives.

The best I can advise is to check out the Medicare Advantage Plan Comparison tool  sponsored by the federal government.  Click here for the tool.  Also, ask for assistance from legitimate organizations such as the Medicare Rights Center.  Hopefully, the new Obama administration can help simplify the Medicare maze (mess) next year.  Some of the sickest among us, Social Security disability recipients, have their health at stake!  There has got to be a better way.

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New Test for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Will Help Long Term Disability Claims

Posted on September 24, 2007 by Troy Rosasco

It's all in your head!  You do not have "objective medical evidence" of a disabling condition!  Your symptoms are "self reported" and not supported by "testing"!  Any chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) sufferer whose disability claim has been denied by either Social Security or an LTD insurance company has seen these infuriating phrases before.  As reported by Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN last week, a new study and test for CFS may put an end to this injustice.

Despite ample clinical evidence of disability from treating physicians, many ME/CFS and FM patients and couldn't get past "objective evidence" roadblock put up by ERISA disability plan administrators.  Social Security finally caved a few years ago by issuing a ruling telling Administrative Law Judge's that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome claimants did not need objective medical evidence to prove that they were disabled.  Like other auto-immune disorders such as fibromyalgia (FM), lupus and sarcoidosis, CFS is primarily diagnosed based upon the patient's reported symptoms. 

The new study involved stomach biopsies done through endoscopy which revealed a strong association between enterovirus and CFS.   While a confirmatory stomach biopsy might not change the course of treatment for any chronic fatigue syndrome patient, it could be the evidence that long term disability lawyers need to obtain benefits for clients from disability insurance companies.  Gotcha Unum and MetLife!   For any of my disability insurance claim clients fighting a CFS case, I will be sure to tell them to discuss an upper GI endoscopy with their treating physician.  It could mean the difference between winning and losing your long term disability claim.

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Happy Labor Day from the Disability Law Firm of Turley, Redmond & Rosasco

Posted on August 31, 2007 by Troy Rosasco

To all workers who toil each day to make America great, the the attorneys and staff at Turley, Redmond & Rosasco wish you a much deserved and restful Labor Day.  Enjoy!  See you next week.

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