Marc Whitehead - February/March 2021

Marc Whitehead - February/March 2021

DISABILITY DIGEST

888-497-9061 |DisabilityDenials.com

February/March 2021

UNDERSTANDING DISABILITY CLAIMS FOR RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS

Hello, everyone! This month, I’m proud to feature a brief overview of a recent guide I wrote that advises clients on how to win disability benefits for respiratory disorders. These conditions can be complex and difficult for anyone to live with, and that’s why my team and I are honored to fight for the survivors and victims living with respiratory conditions. If you’d like to learn more or read the full paper, please contact my office today. As we learn more about COVID-19, we are beginning to understand how this devastating and deadly disease can have lasting impacts on those who have had it. For some, the virus is mild, similar to a head cold, but others have experienced far greater complications, including difficulty breathing. If you are a survivor of COVID-19 and shortness of breath keeps you from working, you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits. However, like many other forms of respiratory conditions, obtaining disability benefits for shortness of breath after battling COVID-19 can prove to have its own unique challenges. Many denials made by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for this specific claim cite “lack of evidence” as the reason for denial. This is often an unfair observation on behalf of the SSA. Under the Social Security Act, Americans facing debilitating medical conditions can justifiably receive compensation from the U.S. government as a way to mitigate financial hardships that occur when the citizen cannot work as a result of their condition. These

For those seeking disability compensation, hiring an attorney may seem like a large financial burden, but this has been taken into consideration by the SSA. Claimants represented by attorneys in SSDI cases do not owe attorneys any money upfront, and the attorney will only be paid 25% of all past-due benefits up to $6,000, should they win the case. Many attorneys, including my team, will also work on this contingency basis for LTD claims, too. While it’s deserving for those who need it, disability claims can be complex and difficult to navigate. Don’t let this deter you from seeking the compensation you deserve. Call our team today to learn more about how we can help you receive the benefits you need after a respiratory condition — or other disability — leaves you unable to work. To your success, -Marc Whitehead, Esq. To read the full guide to Disability Benefits for Respiratory Disorders, please visit our website here: www.disabilitydenials.com

benefits are often provided under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is offered to employees who are no longer able to work due to their condition. Long-term disability (LTD) insurance can offer a boost to these payments. These funds are provided through an employer’s insurance company and are often considered as “supplemental” to SSDI. However, many of the major insurance companies that offer compensation for respiratory conditions do not follow one set of guidelines for determining who should receive LTD and who should not. This makes it painfully clear: You will likely need the guidance and expertise of an attorney to ensure you receive the LTD and SSDI benefits you deserve when living with a respiratory illness that limits or hinders your ability to work. In fact, in my discussions with administrative law judges, I’ve been told that many prefer when clients seek help from a disability attorney, as it can make their jobs much easier.

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Cindy Carrillo “I guess it’s in m been that pers Born in Houst countryside, C she was 16 yea after graduatin ago, she found moving from r tenure there. That job fulfill she was consid years ago this that Marc Wh Law, LLP doe CALLE What Dr

IMPROVE PATIENCE AND REDUCE STRESS

With These 4 Tips

In this fast-paced world, it can be easy to grow impatient. Things as small as waiting for a slow website to load or waiting in a long line for coffee can sometimes leave people feeling frustrated and anxious. Practicing patience helps reduce stress and helps you realize it's okay if something takes a few extra minutes. If you find yourself feeling impatient, here are a few helpful tips. Breathe Deeply When you feel stressed, your breathing gets shallow, which amplifies anxiety. Practicing deep breathing can help reduce stress and frustration by relaxing your body and mind. This is as simple as taking a few quiet moments to inhale through the nose, drawing your breath into the belly and lungs. Count to four to help you focus as you inhale. Then exhale slowly through your mouth. After a few repetitions, you will find that your mind and body feel calmer. Switch Focus When agitated, it’s common for our thoughts to center on the irritant. Though it may feel difficult to do when you’re stressed out, switching your focus will help you calm down and be more patient. For instance, if you find yourself growing more and more frustrated by hitting red lights as you drive, try focusing on green instead. Looking for passing cars, signs, trees, or anything that is green will help break that hyper-focus and shift it from negative to positive. Soon, those red lights will be less bothersome. Meditate A great way to increase your patience is by meditating, a combination of the first two tips — focus and breathing. Meditation helps people constructively manage thoughts by allowing them to practice observing their thoughts from a neutral perspective. Regular meditation can reduce stress and improve patience throughout the day. Even just 5–10 minutes of daily practice can have a tremendous impact over time. Practice Acceptance While the above tips can help you improve your patience, sometimes you must simply accept that some things can’t be rushed. There will be times when we cannot control the outcome: A red light will change to green when it changes and no sooner. Learning to accept that can help people let go of their frustration, become more understanding of their situation, and greatly improve their patience.

IT’S IN THE CARDS Why Valentine’s Day Is the Ultimate Card Holiday

Handing out cards is now a well-loved Valentine’s Day tradition, but have you ever wondered why? There are legends that the originator of this holiday tradition was Saint Valentine himself. One story says that on the night before he was set to be executed, Valentine wrote a small letter to a jailer’s daughter. He ended the note with “Your Valentine.” It’s unknown whether that story is true, but to 18th century Europeans and Americans, it was inspiring! So inspiring, in fact, that the entire Valentine’s Day industry began to gain traction. During the 1700s, it became fashionable to trade Valentine’s Day cards with a short poem or verse. The popularity of swapping cards only increased throughout the 1800s. Sometimes, people would go as far as to paint or draw spring-like images on the cards. Today, Valentine’s Day cards are an ingrained tradition, and now people can’t get enough of them.

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ED TO SERVE rives Our Director of First Impressions, Cindy Carrillo

o has always wanted to help. my nature,” she says. “I’ve always son who wanted to help others.” ton and raised in the Oklahoma Cindy returned to Houston when ars old and entered the workforce ng from high school. Thirteen years d work at an assisted living facility, receptionist to director within her led Cindy’s desire to help, but when dering a new opportunity just two March, Cindy says it was the work hitehead & Associates Attorneys at es that inspired her to apply.

“I liked that they worked in disability since I worked in health care,” Cindy says. “I always wanted to pursue a field where I was helping people.” Today, Cindy serves as the firm’s director of first impressions. Cindy is often the first person clients see if they come into the office and usually the friendly voice that those calling in hear on the phone. As someone who was new to the firm just two years ago, Cindy now helps new employees feel comfortable and welcome. “Everyone is so helpful here,” Cindy says, adding that she is especially appreciative of the intake team and every employee she works with at the firm.

When she isn’t helping our new employees or clients, Cindy can probably be found on her bike. “That’s my outlet when I’m stressed,” Cindy explains. This outlet has also turned into a great show of Cindy’s will and determination. Since the pandemic began, she’s participated in two virtual races and earned medals in each! Cindy also has two children, ages 11 and 23, and as she explains, “They’re just super kids. They make my life easy.” Cindy also has two cats, and her daughter has a corgi puppy. We’re proud to have someone like Cindy on our team! Her willingness to fight for our clients and help them feel comfortable makes Cindy a great addition to our firm. Thanks for all you do, Cindy!

PUZZLE TIME!

ASPARAGUS AND SMOKEDMOZZARELLA PIZZETTES

Ingredients

Inspired by EatingWell.com

• 1 lb prepared whole-wheat pizza dough, divided into 6 equal portions • 12 oz asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 cup shredded smoked mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup scallions, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp walnuts, toasted and chopped • 1 sprig of fresh mint leaves, torn • Zest of 1 orange

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 500 F and ensure there are two racks in your oven. 2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, stretch each piece of dough into a 7-by-3-inch oval and arrange evenly on the pan. 3. On a second baking sheet, toss asparagus with oil and 1/4 tsp salt. 4. Place dough on top rack and asparagus on bottom and bake for 3 minutes. 5. Remove both trays from the oven, sprinkle cheese over the dough, then top with asparagus and scallions. 6. Return pizzettes to oven and bake until the crusts' edges are golden, about 8–10 minutes. 7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with walnuts, mint, and orange zest before serving.

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INSIDE

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Trouble Breathing? Can’t Work? Here’s What You Need to Know How to Be More Patient and Less Stressed Meet the Person Behind Our Friendly Voice on the Phone! What’s the Deal With Valentine’s Day Cards? Asparagus & Smoked Mozzarella Pizzettes Our Clients Say It Best

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ANATIONAL DISABILITY LAWFIRM

Social Security Disability Claims | Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims | Veterans Disability Benefits ERISA & Employee Benefit Claims |Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Litigation

"Thank you to Marc Whitehead and Associates for all you have done and are doing to help people get the justice they deserve. Melanie Donaldson was an amazing person to work with; she is prompt and knowledgeable about the cases at hand." – Lakisha Mason (Google)

WHY PARTNERWITHUS?

• Office visits are not necessary.

• We gather all evidence needed.

• We don’t get paid unless you do.

• We solicit the opinions of medical and vocational experts.

• We build the strongest case possible for a favorable outcome.

• We give you a dedicated case manager to coordinate all the aspects of your case.

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