The Law Office of Stephanie J. Stevenson, P.C.

Feds Update Online Medicare Application

2010-03-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

Social Security has a new online service – an application for Medicare benefits. This new online application, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete, is for people reaching the Medicare eligibility age of 65 who want to delay filing for Social Security retirement benefits. Currently about a half-million Americans enroll in Medicare each year without applying for monthly benefits.

“Social Security’s online services are the best in all of government and exceed the top private sector companies in customer satisfaction,” said SSA Commissioner Michael Astrue. “The new Medicare application is a welcome addition to our suite of online services and will make it easier than ever to sign up for Medicare. I am thrilled that Patty Duke has once again volunteered to help us get the word out. The fact that this time her TV family has joined her makes this even more special and I thank William Schallert, Eddie Applegate, and Paul O’Keefe for their service to America. I also want to thank Dr. David Kessler, former FDA Commissioner, who appeared with Patty as a befuddled family physician in some of our spots.”

To apply online for Medicare, go to www.socialsecurity.gov and choose Retirement/Medicare under the header, “Select Below To Apply For.” You will be asked a brief series of questions. If you have a question or need additional information, there are convenient “more info” links. When you’re done, just select the “Sign Now” button to submit the application. There are no paper forms to sign, and usually no additional documents are required. If more information is needed, Social Security will contact you by phone or letter.

VA Proposes Change to Aid Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange

2010-03-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

Proposed Regulation Change Adds Illnesses to List of Diseases Subject to Presumptive Service Connection for Herbicide Exposure

The Department of Veterans Affairs has added three new illnesses to its list of health problems related to Agent Orange, a move that is expected to make it easier for more than 100,000 veterans exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam and other areas to qualify for disability pay.

“This is an important step forward for Vietnam Veterans suffering from these three illnesses,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “These warriors deserve medical care and compensation for health problems they have incurred.”

The regulation follows Shinseki’s October 2009 decision to add the three illnesses to the current list of diseases for which service connection for Vietnam Veterans is presumed. The illnesses are B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia; Parkinson’s disease; and ischemic heart disease.

The Secretary’s decision is based on the latest evidence of an association with widely used herbicides such as Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, as determined in an independent study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Even though this is a proposed rule, VA encourages Vietnam Veterans with these three diseases to submit their applications for compensation now so the Agency can begin development of their claims and so they can receive benefits from the date of their applications once the rule becomes final.

Over 80,000 of the Veterans will have their past claims reviewed and may be eligible for retroactive payment, and all who are not currently eligible for enrollment into the VA healthcare system will become eligible.

Other illnesses previously recognized under VA’s “presumption” rule as being caused by exposure to herbicides during the Vietnam War are:

· AL Amyloidosis,
· Acute and Subacute Transient Peripheral Neuropathy,
· Chloracne or other Acneform Disease consistent with Chloracne,
· Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, (now being expanded)
· Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2),
· Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma,
· Porphyria Cutanea Tarda,
· Prostate Cancer,
· Respiratory Cancers (Cancer of the lung, bronchus, larynx, or trachea), and
· Soft Tissue Sarcoma (other than Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or Mesothelioma).

For more, visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange.

VA Brings Disabled Veterans Winter Clinic to Colorado

2010-03-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

More than 400 injured Veterans have signed up to take part in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo., the largest adaptive event of its kind in the world, scheduled from March 28 through April 2.

“This VA Winter Clinic is an extension of the superb rehabilitative care Veterans receive daily at VA medical centers across the county,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “Through sports and other forms of recreation therapy, we can greatly improve the quality of life for many of our nation’s heroes.”

On March 11, Shinseki led the U.S. delegation to the opening ceremony of the Paralympics in Vancouver, Canada. Since 2005, VA has had a partnership with the U.S. Paralympics that establishes VA’s Winter Sports Clinic as a pipeline to provide participants to American paralympic teams engaged in national and international competition.

The Winter Sports Clinic, which is sponsored by VA and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), teaches Veterans with disabilities about adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing. It also introduces them to a number of other adaptive recreational activities and sports. This year's event will feature Veterans from the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Now in its 24th year, the clinic is an annual rehabilitation program open to U.S. military Veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, certain neurological problems and other disabilities, who receive care at a VA medical facility or military treatment center.

To meet the unique needs of participants, an estimated 200 certified ski instructors for the disabled and several current and former members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team will serve as instructors.

At the six-day event, Veterans also learn rock climbing, scuba diving, snowmobiling, curling and sled hockey. Other highlights include a self-defense workshop taught by the U.S. Secret Service and the attendance of Olympic Alpine skier Bode Miller.

States Combat Mounting Disabilty Claim Delays

2010-03-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Social Security Administration's first Extended Service Team (EST) is open for business in Little Rock, Ark. The Little Rock EST will make disability decisions for state Disability Determinations Services (DDSs) that are most adversely affected by the flood of new initial disability claims resulting from the economic downturn and from counterproductive furloughs of employees at the state level.

Later this year, Social Security will open additional ESTs in Madison, Mississippi; Roanoke, Virginia; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The ESTs are in states that have a history of high quality and productivity, as well as the capacity to hire and train significant numbers of additional employees.

“The strategy behind ESTs builds on our success with National Hearing Centers, where cases are handled electronically from all over the country,” Commissioner MIchael Astrue said. “These centralized units have reduced the hearings backlog and improved processing times at some of the hardest-hit hearing offices. This approach clearly works and extending it in this way can help us meet the challenge of unprecedented growth in our disability workloads.”

Social Security expects to receive more than 3.3 million applications for disability benefits this fiscal year (FY), about 700,000 more than in FY 2008. In addition, more than a dozen states are furloughing federally-funded state workers who make disability decisions for Social Security. The combination of increased workloads and state furloughs has resulted in a growing backlog of initial disability applications in state DDSs.

“More Americans than ever are turning to us for help,” said Commissioner Astrue. “I am grateful that Governor Beebe bucked the trend and recognized the value of more of our federally-funded jobs in his state. The opening of the Arkansas EST and our other planned expansions in Mississippi, Virginia, and Oklahoma will significantly benefit disabled workers and their families as well as create new job opportunities to these states during difficult economic times.”

SSA Hearings Backlog At Its Lowest Level in Five Years

2010-03-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

Pending Cases Drop Below 700,000; Processing Time Down 72 Days

The Social Security Administration announced today that the number of disability hearings pending stands at 697,437 cases -- the lowest level since June 2005 and down more than 71,000 cases since December 2008, when the trend of month-by-month reductions began. In addition, the average processing time for hearing decisions has decreased to 442 days, down from a high of 514 days at the end of fiscal year (FY) 2008.

“We have decreased the number of hearings pending by almost 10 percent over the last 14 months and cut the time it takes to make a decision by nearly two and a half months. This remarkable progress shows our backlog reduction plan is working,” said SSA Commissioner Michael Astrue. “With ongoing support from the President and Congress as well as the efforts of our hardworking employees, I am confident the hearings backlog will continue to diminish.”

Social Security has actively addressed the hearings backlog and increased the capacity to hold more hearings. The agency hired 147 Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) and over 1,000 support staff in FY 2009, and has plans to hire an additional 226 ALJs this year. The agency now has four National Hearing Centers to help process hearings by video conference for the most hard-hit areas of the country. The agency also has aggressive plans to open 14 new hearing offices and three satellite offices by the end of the year. The first of these offices was opened in Anchorage, Alaska on February 19, 2010.

Workers' Comp Question of the Day:

2010-03-01T13:01:00.000-08:00

What types of Workers’ Compensation benefits are available?

Workers’ Compensation is intended to help provide three primary types of benefits. First, you are entitled to reasonable and necessary medical care for your injuries. Second, you are entitled to wage loss benefits to compensate you for the time you miss from work as a result of your injury. Generally, these benefits are two thirds of your average weekly wage.

If you lose your health insurance, the cost of continuing it or in some cases replacing it should be included in your average weekly wage. Finally, you are entitled to compensation for the permanency of your injury. Once your condition is stable, your physician will assign an impairment rating. This rating is used to calculate the amount of money you will receive for the permanency of your injury.

Do you have a question about workers' compensation issues here in Colorado? Call me today.

Social Security Disability Question of the Day:

2010-02-26T15:35:00.000-08:00

Why can’t I qualify for Social Security benefits—my doctor has told me I’m disabled?

While SSA must take your treating doctors’ opinion into consideration, your doctor does not determine whether you qualify for SSDI. Instead, you have to go through SSA’s process which includes completing an Application and a Disability Report (available online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/).

Do you have a question about social security disability issues here in Colorado? Call me today.

Colorado DWC to Host WC Educational Conference

2010-02-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

The Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation has announced plans to host the inaugural Colorado Workers' Compensation Educational Conference in Denver, Sept. 16-17, 2010. The conference will be held in cooperation with the International Workers' Compensation Foundation.

According to the DWC, "[t]he goal of this conference is to educate those who participate in the Colorado workers’ compensation system regarding current statutory and case law, rules, procedures, policies and forms and to provide an opportunity for dialogue among these participants."

Employers, worker representatives, medical providers and their office staff, insurance claims professionals, self-insurers, third-party administrators, safety and human resource managers, claimant’s and defense attorneys, and vocational rehabilitation providers are encouraged to attend. The conference will also feature an Exhibit Hall, presentations and workshops from experts from the Division of Workers' Compensation.

For more info or to register, visit www.coworkforce.com.

SSI Benefits Question of the Day

2010-02-18T10:35:00.000-08:00

Are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments only paid to the disabled?

No. SSI payments are made also to people who are age 65 or older and have limited income and financial resources. For more information, see www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html.

Courtesy of SSA

SSA Adds New Allowances to Speed Disability Benefits

2010-02-12T12:27:00.001-08:00

The Social Security Administration added more than three dozen new medical conditions to its list of Compassionate Allowances -- the first expansion since the original list of 50 conditions - 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers - was announced in October 2008. The new conditions range from adult brain disorders to rare diseases that primarily affect children.

“The addition of these new conditions expands the scope of Compassionate Allowances to a broader subgroup of conditions like early-onset Alzheimer’s disease,” said Commissioner Michael Astrue. “The expansion we are announcing today means tens of thousands of Americans with devastating disabilities will now get approved for benefits in a matter of days rather than months and years.”

Compassionate Allowances are a way of quickly identifying diseases and other medical conditions that clearly qualify for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability benefits. It allows the agency to electronically target and make speedy decisions for the most obviously disabled individuals. In developing the expanded list of conditions, Social Security held public hearings and worked closely with the National Institutes of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the National Organization for Rare Disorders, and other groups.

New Compassionate Allowance Conditions include:
1.Alstrom Syndrome
2.Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia
3.Ataxia Spinocerebellar
4.Ataxia Telangiectasia
5.Batten Disease
6.Bilateral Retinoblastoma
7.Cri du Chat Syndrome
8.Degos Disease
9.Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
10.Edwards Syndrome
11.Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva
12.Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
13.Glutaric Acidemia Type II
14.Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), Familial Type
15.Hurler Syndrome, Type IH
16.Hunter Syndrome, Type II
17.Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
18.Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa, Lethal Type
19.Late Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses
20.Leigh’s Disease
21.Maple Syrup Urine Disease
22.Merosin Deficient Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
23.Mixed Dementia
24.Mucosal Malignant Melanoma
25.Neonatal Adrenoleukodystrophy
26.Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses, Infantile Type
27.Niemann-Pick Type C
28.Patau Syndrome
29.Primary Progressive Aphasia
30.Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
31.Sanfilippo Syndrome
32.Subacute Sclerosis Panencephalitis
33.Tay Sachs Disease
34.Thanatophoric Dysplasia, Type 1
35.Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
36.Walker Warburg Syndrome
37.Wolman Disease
38.Zellweger Syndrome

Open Goverment Project Now Includes SSA Webpage

2010-02-10T14:15:00.000-08:00

The SSA has a new Open Government webpage available to the public at www.socialsecurity.gov/open. The new webpage serves as the portal for all agency activities that support the President’s Transparency and Open Government initiative.

“Our new Open Government webpage gives Americans an opportunity to give us their ideas on how we can become a more open and transparent agency,” Commissioner Michael Astrue said. “They will be able to post their ideas on transparency, participation, collaboration, and innovation that should be included in our Open Government Plan. I encourage everyone to visit our webpage and submit their ideas, read and discuss what has been posted, and vote on the ideas that have been submitted."

The purpose of the project is to foster the administration to work better with others inside and outside the government; solicit feedback from the public; improve the availability and quality of information; be more innovative and efficient.

Social Security’s new Open Government webpage also provides easy access to important agency information such as the Agency Strategic Plan, Freedom of Information Act Report, as well as program laws and regulations.

SSA Makes New Data Publicly Available

2010-01-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

The Social Security Administration is making new data about beneficiaries and the agency’s disability and hearing processes available to the public. The new data supports the President’s Transparency and Open Government initiative and is available at http://www.data.gov/.

“Social Security has always valued transparency and sought to give the public user-friendly information about our programs," said SSA Commissioner Michael J. Astrue. "Each year we send millions of Americans personal information about their Social Security contributions and potential benefits. Our website www.socialsecurity.gov has a wealth of information about our programs and the Social Security trust funds. I hope the new data we are making available will lead to a better understanding of our operations and the important role we play in people’s lives. I look forward to engaging Americans in the business of their government.”

The datasets now available to the public include:

Researchers can find out about the work-related experiences of our beneficiaries receiving Social Security disability benefits and give us policy guidance for our disability programs.
The public can see information about hearings workloads and a breakdown of the types of decisions made by Administrative Law Judges.
Researchers can study the effects of current and proposed legislative and program provisions.
People who have requested a hearing on their disability claim can estimate the amount of time they may have to wait for the hearing to be held and for a decision.
The public can see general information requested under the Freedom of Information Act.

“These new datasets are just the beginning of our efforts. In February we will launch our Open Government web page that will include improved access to our data in a variety of formats. In April we will publish our Open Government plan,” Astrue added.

Tax Time SSDI Tips

2010-01-27T14:40:00.000-08:00

It's everyone's favorite season again, and with all the hustle and bustle of preparing your taxes, you likely have lots of questions regarding how your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income payments may be taxed. While SSI benefits are never subject to taxes, the situation for Disability benefits is not nearly so cut-and-dry.

BankRate.com reporter George Saenz has an incredibly in-depth article on the ins and outs of reporting disability benefits, in particular for minors. A part of their larger Tax Talk segment, the interactive tax Q&A information on the site gives users expert insights on how to avoid costly penalities for misreporting their tax liabilities.

The IRS' Publication 915 also provides a useful guide for beneficiaries that have questions or concerns about accurately reporting their tax liabilities. Check it out here.

WC Law Center Announces WC Award Winners

2010-01-25T09:56:00.000-08:00

The LexisNexis Workers' Compensation Law Center has announced the 2009 class of its annual awards: Workers' Compensation Notable People.

The recipients of the 2009 awards were selected by various organizations and experts in the field, including the Workers Injury Law & Advocacy Group (WILG), the National Workers’ Compensation Defense Network (NWCDN), the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association (CAAA), the Workers’ Compensation Forum on LinkedIn, and selected members of the Larson's National Workers' Compensation Advisory Board.

Notable honoraries include Humanitarian Award Winner H. Douglas Jones, Esq., managing partner of Jones Dietz PLLC, in Florence, Kentucky, and member of the Board of Directors for the National Workers’ Compensation Defense Network. Jones is the founder and CEO of Shoulder To Shoulder, Inc., a non-profit organization that has provided direct assistance to the working poor in Northern Kentucky on a 24/7 basis since 2006. The Leaders of Movements Award was issued to iWAR (Injured Women After Reform), a new committee at the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association, was formed for the purpose of ending discrimination against women in the workplace.

For a complete list of winners, click here.

SSDI Question of the Day

2010-01-18T14:22:00.000-08:00

What is the Ticket to Work Program, and how would it affect my current disability benefits?

Under the purview of the Social Security Administration, the Ticket to Work Program is designed to help assist individuals collecting Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income re-enter the workforce if they are able to do so. It is designed to, "ensure that Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities receive the services needed to obtain and maintain gainful employment."

While SSDI recipients are often unable to return to work, many would like to do so but are in need of additional vocational training, require special accomodation by potential employers or fear losing current benefits. The Ticket to Work program helps to combat all these issues by giving participating recipients benefits while in the midst of vocational training, matching workers with employers in need of their services (and readily able to accomodate disability-driven restrictions), as well as giving participants assurances about the ability to resume SSDI benefits immediately if the attempt to begin work again is not successful.

For more information about the Ticket to Work program, click here.

SSA Required to Provide Access to Blind Applicants

2010-01-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

If you are blind or visually impaired and receiving disability benefits or in the midst of the application process, you are covered by a recent court decision. The court case, American Council of the Blind v. Astrue, affirmed that the federal law requires the Social Security Administration to provide notices and other information about your benefits in a format in addition to print.

To request past and future notices in your preferred format, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/notices. You can also listen to a recording by calling 877-708-1776. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, the administration also provides TTY access at 800-325-0778.

By law, the SSA must always consider your request for your preferred format. They automatically grant requests for the formats listed below:

- Standard print notice by first class or certified mail; or
- Standard print notice by first class mail and a follow-up telephone call to read the notices to you within five business days of the date you get the print notice; or
- Standard print notice and Braille by first class mail (delivery begins April 15, 2010); or
- Standard print notice and a Microsoft Word compact disc by first class mail (delivery begins April 15, 2010).

DWC Updates Online Surcharge Payment Calculator

2010-01-15T13:50:00.000-08:00

The Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation has updated its Workers' Compensation Surcharge Web Portal. The new Web application is designed to facilitate calculation of surcharge by insurers and self-insured employers.

"In Colorado, employers with one or more full or part-time employees are required to provide worker's compensation coverage for their employees, with few exceptions," the site reads. "Employers may obtain insurance through a number of methods including commercial insurance and self-insurance for those employers meeting strict financial and loss control standards or self-funding with groups or pools. Insurers and self-insured employers pay a surcharge based on a percentage of premium or premium equivalents to the Colorado Division of Worker's Compensation to offset the cost of administration of the Colorado worker's compensation system and to fund the Major Medical and Subsequent Injury Funds. Surcharge is collected semiannually.
To find out more or access the calculator directly, click here.

SSA, Chubby Checker Announce New 'Twist' in the Law

2010-01-11T13:48:00.000-08:00

Changes Make it Easier to Qualify for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, and Chubby Checker, Grammy Award winner and rock and roll legend, recently launched a new campaign to inform millions of Americans about a new “twist” in the law that makes it easier to qualify for extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs. The extra help program currently provides assistance to more than nine million senior and disabled Americans -- saving them an average of almost $4,000 a year on their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. To apply for extra help, there is an easy-to-use online application available at www.socialsecurity.gov.

“The changes in the Medicare law that take effect this month will allow hundreds of thousands of Americans who are struggling to pay their prescription drug costs to get extra help during these tough economic times,” said Commissioner Astrue. “I am thrilled that Chubby Checker has volunteered to help us spread this important message through a new television, radio, and Internet spot as well as pamphlets and posters.”

“Listen up, America! For 50 years, people of all ages and backgrounds have danced the Twist,” Chubby Checker said. “Now it’s important everyone learn about this new twist in the law. Check it out at www.socialsecurity.gov.”

To qualify for extra help, people must meet certain resource and income limits. The new Medicare law eases those requirements in two ways. First, it eliminates the cash value of life insurance from counting as a resource. Second, it eliminates the assistance people receive from others to pay for household expenses, such as food, rent, mortgage or utilities, from counting as income. There also is another important “twist” in the law. The application for extra help can now start the application process for Medicare Savings Programs -- state programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. These programs help pay Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums. For some people, the Medicare Savings Programs also pay Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premiums, if any, and Part A and B deductibles and co-payments.

SSA: Furloughs in California are "Illegal"

2010-01-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

Administration Praises Court Ruling And Asks Governor Schwarzenegger to Accept Ruling and Congress to Increase Oversight

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, issued the following statement regarding two recent decisions of the California Superior Court for the County of Alameda:

"When it comes to the furlough of state employees whose jobs are paid for by federal funds, California Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch ruled state officials have 'abused their discretion' and that 'such a policy is arbitrary, capricious and unlawful.' I could not agree more.

For more than a year, I have made the case that these furloughs cost states money, hurt their most vulnerable citizens, and harm hard-working civil servants. California’s furlough of Disability Determination Service (DDS) employees costs the state $849,000 per furlough day in administrative funding. More importantly, each furlough day results in a delay costing California’s disabled citizens over $420,000 in much-needed Social Security benefits. For the sake of the citizens of California, I call on Governor Schwarzenegger to reject his own failed policy and not appeal the court's ruling.

Social Security funds 100 percent of DDS employees’ salaries as well as all overhead costs -- about $2 billion nationwide this year. These funds cannot be used by the states for any other purpose, so states do not save a single penny by furloughing employees in the DDSs – they only slow getting benefits to the disabled, unduly harm its civil servants, and cost the state needed tax revenue. Nevertheless, about a dozen governors are imposing similar across-the-board hiring freezes or furloughs that also affect DDS employees. I sincerely hope Congress will use its oversight authority to investigate not just California, but the other states that are using -- or have used -- furloughs and hiring freezes for positions that are fully funded by the Social Security Administration and other federal agencies."

For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

Intellitec Colleges, ADA Lawsuit Settled

2009-12-18T14:25:00.000-08:00

The Department of Justice today announced a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with Intellitec Colleges in Colorado Springs, Grand Junction and Pueblo to ensure access to its technical colleges for individuals with disabilities.

Intellitec offers career training programs for automotive technicians, drafting, medical and dental assistants, administrative professionals and more at its three campuses. The agreement requires, among other things, that Intellitec remove barriers to access at its existing facilities, ensure that future construction complies with the ADA, and ensure that any future alterations to existing facilities are, to the maximum extent feasible, readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. The agreement with Intellitec is the result of a compliance review conducted by the department.

"This agreement with a long-standing technical school will help ensure that job skills training is available to everyone, including individuals with disabilities," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "It is a top priority of the Justice Department to enforce the laws that guarantee that persons with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities and the doors those opportunities open."

The ADA prohibits discrimination by public accommodations on the basis of disability, including nursery, elementary, secondary, undergraduate or postgraduate private schools, and other places of education. Those interested in finding out more about these agreements or seeking information about and how to comply with the ADA can find out more at www.ada.gov.

Colorado Extends Tier III Unemployment Benefits

2009-12-18T11:56:00.000-08:00

Additional Weeks of Unemployment Benefits Now Being Provided to Unemployed Coloradans

A recent federal law granted a third federal extension of unemployment benefits in Colorado, and according to the Department of Labor and Employment, payment of those benefits began last week. The soonest that states were authorized to begin making payments was the week of December 7 and Colorado is among the first five states in the nation to begin issuing payments under this latest tier of extended benefits. Already, 10,000 claimants have had additional unemployment payments loaded onto their debit cards.

The new law provided more money to Colorado residents who have run out of money on their regular unemployment claims and on the other two prior extensions to their unemployment benefits. This latest extension is called Tier III of Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) adds a maximum of one week of benefits for Tier II. It also provides a maximum of 13 weeks of benefits for those who have run out of benefits on other extensions. Payment of Tier III benefits will be retroactive to November 8, 2009.

“These additional weeks address a real, kitchen-table issue for so many Colorado families that are running out of funds,” says Donald J. Mares, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. “It will provide a measure of financial stability to people who are worried about making the rent and buying groceries when their unemployment runs out.”

For more information, visit www.coworkforce.com.

Job Losses Spur SSDI/SSI Applications

2009-12-17T09:06:00.000-08:00

The Social Security Administration says that applications for SSDI and SSI benefits have skyrocketed about 30 percent -- a result of the widening recession and a large swath of applicants being recently laid off.

MSNBC.com has put together an exhaustive and interesting report on the application boom...including personal stories about applicants in the midst of the process, as well as an overview of the impact that the tsunami of applications is having on the already overburdened ability for the SSA to process applications.

"According to the Social Security Administration, which runs the two main federal disability programs, new claims for disability benefits rose nearly 17 percent nationwide in fiscal year 2009, to 3 million. Disability filings are projected to rise another 10 percent in fiscal 2010, to 3.3 million new claims," MSNBC.com reports.

Read the full analysis from MSNBC.com here.

Social Security Sending Corrected Benefit Notices

2009-12-14T12:51:00.000-08:00

The Social Security Administration earlier this month mailed notices that contained incorrect January 2010 payment dates. These erroneous notices went to about 6 million beneficiaries who receive their payments on either the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, and are part of the annual benefit notices that go to 52 million Social Security beneficiaries. In the notice the payment date is incorrectly shown as one week before what the actual date of payment will be. The other information in the notice, including the payment amount, is correct. Social Security is sending a letter explaining the error to beneficiaries who received the incorrect one as soon as possible.

“We apologize for the inconvenience and confusion these incorrect notices will cause,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. “The problem was caused by an unfortunate human error. We are correcting the misinformation as quickly as possible, and we are reviewing our processes closely to prevent this type of mistake from happening in the future. People receiving Social Security benefits in January 2010 should know that their payment will arrive on the same payment day that it has arrived in the past.”

For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

DORA Orders 9.7% Decrease in WC Loss Costs

2009-12-11T10:15:00.000-08:00

Colorado employers will be looking forward to additional financial relief next year by paying lower premiums for workers' compensation insurance due to the announcement that a significant component of workers' compensation premiums, known as loss costs, will drop 9.7 percent..

"Colorado employers could see as much as $84 million in reduced premiums for workers' compensation insurance, if all insurers implemented the revised loss costs with no further adjustments,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Marcy Morrison in a statement.

It is expected that the ultimate savings to consumers will be significant, but smaller than the maximum projection because rate filings will be made by individual insurers before the loss cost reduction goes into effect on Jan. 1. However, many employers will realize a savings in their workers' compensation premiums compared to last year.

“In this tough economy, it’s vital that state government is a strong and effective partner for Colorado businesses,” said Gov. Ritter. “This nearly 10 percent reduction in the loss costs factor in setting workers’ comp insurance premiums is extremely good news for businesses across the state. Our economy is doing better here than in many other states, and this will only help.”
The loss cost reduction is based on a continuing decrease in the number of claims filed in 2008.
“Workers compensation insurance loss costs have declined more than 50 percent since 2000, and this year’s decrease represents the eighth decrease in nine years,” Commissioner Morrison said. “This continuing trend indicates that workplaces are much safer than they have been in the past, and that employees are performing their duties in safer manners. Safety programs introduced by employers and insurance companies over the past several years are improving the Colorado workers compensation claims data, and that improvement continues to drive loss costs downward.”

For more information, click here (PDF link).

CO Court of Appeals Hears WC Case at Aurora High School

2009-12-10T12:58:00.000-08:00

The Colorado State Court of Appeals kicked off its Courts in the Community program with a unique event at Overland High School this week -- court proceedings in front of about 200 students.

According to the Aurora Sentinal, the Courts in the Community program is designed to introduce students to the unique functions of the appellate court with actual cases instead of mock trials. The event included an appeal for a workers' compensation case -- Safeway Inc. and Michael Arellano v. Martinson Snow Removal Inc. -- in effort to illustrate contract law, followed by a DUI case.

Students were encouraged to ask the presiding judges and lawyers questions about the case, though no judgement was given on either appeal during the event.

For more information, visit http://www.aurorasentinel.com/.

SSA's Adult Disability Starter Kit

2009-12-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

The Social Security Administration has updated its Adult Disability Starter Kit, a series of electronic resources for individuals considering applying for SSDI benefits.

Available here, the kit includes informational resources, access to an online application, medical and job worksheets, a checklist for the adult disability interview, and more.

For more information, visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/.

ODAR Backlog Shrinks in FY09

2009-12-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

For the first time in 10 years, the Office of Disability Adjudication & Review (ODAR) has ended its fiscal year with fewer pending hearings than in the previous year.

According to an SSA press release, ODAR has improved the average processing time to less than 500 days (down from 514 in FY2008)...part of the, "largest expansion in decades of its capacity to hear disability appeals."

The expansion is also moving forward in early FY2010, SSA reports, with plans to hire an additional 226 administrative law judges and corresponding support staff.

For more information, visit http://www.ssa.gov/.

Free Info About The SSDI/SSI Application Process

2009-12-02T08:57:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a quick, easy primer of the Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income application processes? The Social Security Administration has recently updated its online instruction booklet for applicants. The latest information is available at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10153.html

You can also find additional information for Coloradoans available here for free download (click here to download our free PDF report). Call us today at 1-800-562-5668 for more information.

Colorado DWC OAC Adds Online Access

2009-12-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

The Colorado Office of Administrative Courts has expanded its website to include instant access to workers' compensation decisions.

Links to specific decisions can be found through the OAC website at www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/DPA-OAC/OAC/1194261892662.

The Office of Administrative Courts is Colorado's centralized administrative court system. Most States and the federal government have established similar specialized legal processes within the executive branch. This structure enables both agencies and citizens to have certain disputes resolved while avoiding the time and expense of litigation in district court. In 1976, the General Assembly created Division of Administrative Hearings as a central panel of administrative law judges ("ALJs") to decide workers' compensation, human services, licensing and a variety of other cases.

SSA Investigates California, Hawaii DDS

2009-11-25T13:54:00.000-08:00

The Social Security Administration's Inspector General has opened up an investigation into allegations that the states of California and Hawaii have recently implemented practices that deny applicants the right to receive full consideration of their Social Security disability claims.

In a memo to Patrick P. O’Carroll, Inspector General, Social Security Administration, Commissioner Michael Astrue writes, “As you know, Gov. Schwarzenegger has insisted on furloughing California Disability Determination Service (DDS) employees, despite the fact that we fully fund both their salaries and overhead. According to Congressman Robert Filner, the State is attempting to find ways to improperly circumvent the effects of the furlough at the expense of some of the State residents who are in the greatest need.”

At a hearing before the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security last week, Congressman Filner (D-CA) testified that the California DDS is denying the claims of disability applicants who fail to return a 25-page report within 20 days – a practice which has been adopted since the institution of furloughs. He reported that one office had closed 30 percent of its cases due to the applicants’ failure to return the completed form within 20 days. In addition, he testified the California DDS may be manipulating its service numbers by assigning claims to fictional examiners or supervisors. According to the Congressman, this scheme would allow the DDS to hide the fact these cases are not actually being reviewed.

“I am concerned about the State of Hawaii DDS, which is furloughing its DDS employees for as many days as California, and which has made statements about new business efficiencies that closely track statements made by California officials,” Commissioner Astrue writes to the Inspector General. “Accordingly, I ask that you also review that agency to ensure they are also fully adhering to all SSA rules and policies.”

For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

SSDI Question of the Day

2009-11-23T12:14:00.000-08:00

Upon submitting an application for SSDI benefits, the Social Security Administration reviews your a disability claim and makes a determination to see if you meet basic requirements. They will determine if you’ve worked enough years and properly reported earnings, as well as evaluate your current work activities. When the minimum requirements are met, SSA delivers your application to the local Disability Determination Services (DDS) office.

What does DDS do with my application?

DDS completes the initial disability determination which is done by a variety of disability specialists and other medical professionals who review your application, obtain medical records from your treating doctors and consider the facts of your case. This medical evidence is used to determine the full extent of your limitations, the history of treatments you’ve received, and other critical factors related to your ability to work—such as sitting, walking, lifting weight, remembering instructions and more. DDS may request additional medical information to substantiate your disability claim, or require you to have a special examination (at their expense).

Upon completion of their review, DDS will notify you if your claim has been approved or denied. If approved, the notification will include the amount you are scheduled to receive, as well as other important information. If denied, you should request a hearing to appeal their decision.

Do you have a question about social security disability issues here in Colorado? Call me today.

Did You Know?

2009-11-19T08:25:00.000-08:00

Under the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation 2009 Maximum Benefits Schedule, the maximum benefit rate for Temporary Total Disability, Temporary Partial Disability, Permanent Total Disability and Death Benefits is 91% of your Average Weekly Wage or $ 807.24.

To qualify, a wage of $1,210.86 per week must be earned, and your benefits would be payable at least once every two weeks.

For a complete breakdown of the 2009 Maximum Benefits Schedule, click here (PDF Link).

SSA Hosts Disability Hearing on Compassionate Allowances & Schizophrenia

2009-11-19T08:21:00.000-08:00

The fifth event in a series of hearings on the Compassionate Allowances was hosted this week by SSA Commissioner Michael J. Astrue, as well as Philip Wang, M.D., Dr. P.H., National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, and other Social Security executives.

In October 2008, Social Security launched Compassionate Allowances to expedite the processing of disability claims for applicants with medical conditions so severe that their conditions by definition meet Social Security's standards. The hearings are part of a larger effort by the administration to network with the nation's leading experts on schizophrenia about possible methods of identifying and implementing Compassionate Allowances for young adults with schizophrenia.

"Schizophrenia is a devastating disease that affects more than two million Americans, primarily individuals in their teens and twenties," said Commissioner Astrue. "The onset of schizophrenia has life-changing consequences, which can include unemployment and homelessness...Our Compassionate Allowances and Quick Disability Determination processes are making a real difference by ensuring that Americans with devastating disabilities quickly receive the benefits they need. This fiscal year, we expect to fast-track about 150,000 cases and we plan to add more diseases and impairments to these expedited processes in the coming months."

To see a webcast of this week's hearing, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.

SSA Debuts Enhanced Online Retirement Estimator

2009-11-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

The Social Security Administration's online Retirement Estimator, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator, now can provide immediate and personalized benefit estimates to people who have enrolled in Medicare but have not yet filed for Social Security benefits. Previously, these “Medicare only” beneficiaries would need to contact a local office in order to obtain an estimate of their benefits. Currently, about a half-million people file for Medicare each year and delay filing for Social Security benefits.

“Social Security’s Retirement Estimator has been a huge success - with the agency providing over four million personalized retirement estimates to Americans since its launch last year,” said SSA Commissioner Michael J. Astrue said. “With more people delaying retirement beyond the Medicare eligibility age, it is critical that they also have access to this easy-to-use online tool.”

The Retirement Estimator is interactive and allows users to compare different retirement options. For example, a person can change retirement dates or expected future earnings to better determine the impact on their future benefits and decide the best time to retire. The Retirement Estimator presently is the highest-rated government online service in customer satisfaction and, according to the University of Michigan’s American Customer Satisfaction Index, it exceeds the ratings of private sector online innovators like Netflix and Amazon.

To learn more about the Retirement Estimator, click here.

Governor Restores Indigent Disability Program

2009-11-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

Gov. Bill Ritter has issued a reversal of a previous order cancelling $7 million state Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND) program which provides emergency assistance to disabled indigent Coloradans as they apply for Supplemental Security Income through the federal government.

The move has been heralded by the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition and other indigent services resources around the state -- which all call the AND program a critical resource for thousands of area homeless disabled as they apply for federal assistance.

According to The Pueblo Chieftan, AND provides about $200 a month to more than 6,500 people in Colorado as they await word on their application for SSI assistance. The program offers critical living assistance for indigent disabled Coloradans.

For more information, click here.

Income at Risk: Unemployment Skyrockets for Those with Disabilities

2009-11-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

Unemployment for people with disabilities has reached its highest rate since January, according to a quarterly study by Allsup. At the same time, the Allsup Disability Study: Income at Risk shows the number of people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits continues to climb.

Specifically, the third-quarter Allsup study shows unemployment averaged 16.1 percent for people with disabilities, compared to 9.3 percent for people with no disabilities, according to non-seasonally adjusted data from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Over time, the study shows people with disabilities consistently experience higher rates of unemployment. Monthly unemployment rates for people with disabilities during the third quarter ranged from 15.1 percent (July) to 16.9 percent (August). These are the highest monthly unemployment rates reported since the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) began reporting data on unemployment rates for people with disabilities last October. Monthly unemployment rates for people with no disabilities, in comparison, ranged from 9.2 percent to 9.5 percent during the third quarter. BLS also reported that during September, more than two-thirds of the unemployed (36 percent) had been jobless for 27 weeks or more.

The Allsup Disability Study: Income at Risk shows that the number of people with disabilities unable to work and applying for SSDI continues to climb. Disability applications rose to more than 733,000 in third quarter 2009. This is up just 1 percent from the second quarter. However, year-to-date there has been a 23-percent increase in initial disability applications compared to year-to-date 2008.

“Applying for SSDI is not a quick or easy experience,” said Paul Gada of Allsup. “It’s important for people to learn if they meet the criteria and apply as early as possible, with hopes of reducing their wait to begin receiving monthly SSDI benefits.”

CDA: Disability Rates Continue to Climb

2009-11-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

The 2008 Long-Term Disability Claims Review conducted by the Council for Disability Awareness (CDA) reveals a surge in the number of American wage earners requesting and receiving long-term disability payments.

The CDA's FourthAnnual Long-Term Disability Claims Review analyzes private and public long-term disability claims data and identifies continuing and emerging disability trends among U.S. workers. Fifteen CDA member companies, representing more than 75 percent of the commercial disability insurance marketplace, submitted proprietary claim data for inclusion in this year's study. The Claims Review found that CDA member companies made nearly $8 billion in ongoing disability insurance payments to disabled individuals in 2008. CDA member companies approved long-term disability insurance benefits for 156,000 new individuals.

In addition to these private payouts, applications for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program continued to surge in 2008. SSDI benefit applications increased 5.9 percent to 2.3 million in 2008 -- the highest ever. The program paid 7.4 million disabled workers a total of $91.3 billion in 2008 -- a 4.6 percent increase over payments made in 2007 and more than twice the $43.5 billion provided in payments to SSDI program beneficiaries 10 years ago.

For more information, visit www.disabilitycanhappen.org.

Insurance Journal: Colorado WC Rates Set to Drop

2009-11-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

The Colorado Insurance Commission has revised loss costs for workers' compensation insurance providers -- a move that could reduce as much as $84 million worth of state-based workers' compensation premiums for Colorado employers, the Insurance Journal reported today.

The move is expected to bring significant savings to individual insurers, but will likely take at least a year for its impact to be felt. The loss cost reduction triggers on January 1, meaning that many providers will see no significant impact for WC filings until after that time.

According to the Insurance Journal, the loss cost reduction is based on a steady decrease in filed claims in 2008, a continuing trend that has been marked by an overall 50 percent reduction since 2000.

For more information, click here.

SSA Launches Flu Prevention Campaign

2009-11-02T15:18:00.000-08:00

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, has announced a new campaign by the administration to raise awareness about flu prevention practices. The campaign will feature Academy Award winner Patty Duke and David Kessler, M.D., former head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in a new public service announcement letting people know some simple steps they can take to prevent the spread of the flu, as well as the fact that most business with Social Security can be done online by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.

“President Obama recently declared a flu emergency and we want to be sure that Americans looking to Social Security for critical services don’t underestimate the value of the simple but important steps they can take to help protect themselves and others from the flu,” Commissioner Astrue said. “They should also know if they need to do business with Social Security but don’t want to visit an office, they can always go online to www.socialsecurity.gov.”

Workers' Comp for Beginners Workshop

2009-10-29T09:23:00.001-07:00

The Colorado Department of Labor's Division of Workers' Compensation is hosting a series of workshops to provide basic workers’ compensation knowledge and basic fee schedule knowledge to the novice medical billing and AR staff, as well as, to the insurance bill reviewing communities.
The free, whole-day workshop is focused on the basics of understanding workers' compensation and the basics of how to derive the maximum Colorado medical fee schedule value for all types of medical bills.

"The program is designed to educate the novice workers’ compensation medical biller and coder, who either bills or collect payments or workers’ compensation payers, and third-party reviewers who will review workers compensation medical bills," the division announced this week.

The Colorado Workers’ Compensation 101 Workshop for the Beginner workshop is December 7 and January 13, 2010 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at 633 17th Street in Denver.

For more information, click here.

Website Updates Are Coming!

2009-10-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

We're in the process of revamping our online presence and will soon have a new website, blog and more. Please stay tuned for the changes, and be sure to let us know what you think (as well as your ideas for areas of improvement).

State DWC Publishes Claim Stats

2009-10-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Department of Labor, Division of Worker's Compensation has a variety of interesting WC-related statistics and other information on its website -- all related to the state's employment injury analysis.
Some key findings from the annual report include:

Injuries to the lower back area and knee are 25% of the lost-time claims. Strains and sprains are almost 39% of lost-time claims filed. Motor Vehicle accidents are the cause of injury in 3.4% of the lost-time claims.
From 1995 to 2004, Colorado’s average annual employment grew by 18.2%, yet the number of lost-time claims filed has dropped by 15.5%.
The Mining sector employs only .7% of the Colorado workforce, yet has the highest rate of claims at 25.8 per 1,000 employ0ed. The NAICS sub-sector, Couriers and Messengers, has the highest rate of claims at 52.4 per 1,000 employed.
Males file claims at a higher rate than females in every age group.
Motor vehicle accidents are the cause of death in 31% of fatal claims, but only 3.4% of all lost-time claims.

For more information, from the Colorado DWC, visit www.coworkforce.com/dwc.

SSDI Question of the Day

2009-10-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

How does a Social Security attorney get paid, and am I going to lose money by working with one to get benefits?

Attorney’s fees for SSDI clients are on a contingency basis—meaning that attorneys only receive payment if your claim is successful. When your benefits are approved, the attorney receives ¼ of back benefits (not to exceed a total of $6,000). If the claim is denied, there is no fee.

SSA FYI: Current Law Doesn't Provide Cost of Living Adjustment for SS Benefits

2009-10-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for more than 57 million Americans will not automatically increase in 2010, as the current law doesn't provide for a cost of living adjustment (COLA). According to an SSA press release, this will be the first year without an automatic COLA since they went into effect in 1975.

“Social Security is doing its job helping Americans maintain their standard of living,” Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security said. “Last year when consumer prices spiked, largely as a result of higher gas prices, beneficiaries received a 5.8 percent COLA, the largest increase since 1982. This year, in light of the human need, we need to support President Obama’s call for us to make another $250 recovery payment for 57 million Americans.”

The Social Security Act provides that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits increase automatically each year if there is an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the last year to the third quarter of the current year. This year there was no increase in the CPI-W from the third quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009. In addition, because there was no increase in the CPI-W this year, under the law the starting point for determinations regarding a possible 2011 COLA will remain the third quarter of 2008.

For more information, click here.

SSDI Question of the Day

2009-10-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

How does Social Security define disability?

There are strict requirements under the SSA to qualify as disabled. Adults can received benefits if they have a physical and/or mental disability severe enough to keep the beneficiary from working for 12 months. Disabilities that are expected to result in death are also included. Short-term or partial disability benefits are NOT paid through Social Security.

Do you have a question about social security disability issues here in Colorado? Call me today.

Five Critical Questions Asked By SSA:

2009-10-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

The decision regarding your disability application is a five-step process, with SSA requiring specific answers to these critical questions:

Are you working?
There is a ceiling for average monthly earnings for those applying for Social Security, and SSA will generally deny your disability if you make more than that amount. If you are not working, or your earnings are below what the SSA considers “substantial gainful activity,” then DDS proceeds to its investigation of your medical condition.

Is your disability considered “severe”? Does it limit your ability to work for at least one year?
Since Social Security does not provide temporary disability benefits, a minimum threshold of one year is required to qualify for benefits. Moreover, disabilities not deemed “severe” will not be considered by DDS.

Does your medical condition appear in the official Listing of Impairments?
Applicants with conditions such as terminal cancer, quad or paraplegia, and those awaiting a heart transplant can find their conditions on the LOI. Conditions on the list are obvious disabilities that automatically mean that you are disabled as defined by law.
While the list includes a variety of severe impairments to various parts of the body, if your condition is not listed, DDS will evaluate your condition and may then decide you are disabled.

If they do not, DDS will then proceed to the next question: Can you continue to work in your present field?
If you are able to work, they will decide you are not disabled. However, if the conditions prevent you from doing that kind of work, they move on to the next question.

Can you do any other kind of work?
Based on your medical condition, age, education, past work experience and other skills, DDS will make a determination on your ability to do other work, and thus your overall disability. If you can do other work, you are not disabled…if you can not, they will decide that you are indeed disabled.

SSDI Question of the Day

2009-10-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

Can credit card companies and other creditors (auto loan companies, etc.) garnish my Social Security benefits?

According to the Social Security Administration, only the federal government can garnish SS benefits. "Section 207 bars garnishment of your benefits. It can also be used as a defense in your benefits are incorrectly garnished...once paid, benefits continu to be protected under Section 207 as long as they are indentifiable as Social Security benefits."

Do you have a question about social security disability issues here in Colorado? Call me today.

NOSSCR Posts Comprehensive SSDI FAQ

2009-10-05T11:33:00.000-07:00

The National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) has published a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions regarding the Social Security Disability process. From basic definitions to detailed information about how Social Security benefits affect Medicare and Medicaid benefits, the informational resource is a must-stop if you're looking SSDI information on the web.
Find it here!

Colorado SSA Is Working to Reduce Its Backlog

2009-10-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

The Social Security Administration has released its quarterly report on the disability hearings backlog, and while the local office continues to make headway in reducing the overall backlog for the state, there is still a long way to go.
The Colorado Hearing Offices have hired more staff, and are in the midst of testing a new standardized electronic business process at two hearing offices that it expects will make significant inroads into reducing the backlog.
According to the offices, at the beginning of FY 2009, "we identified all Colorado cases that would be 850 days old or more by the end of the fiscal year. Through June, we processed 1,652, or 91 percent of these cases."
For more information from the report, click here (PDF link).

Advanced Workers' Compensation Seminar

2009-09-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

I'll be presenting at the Advanced Workers' Compensation seminar at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Colorado Springs on Dec. 2. This all-new WC seminar provides timely updates and insightful analysis of the most significant recent developments in this complex and dynamic area of law. If you are involved in workers' compensation practice, you will benefit from this seminar. Register today at www.sterlingeducation.com!

WE are here to help.

2009-09-24T15:52:00.001-07:00

Located on the west side of Colorado Springs, the Law Office of Stephanie J, Stevenson, P.C., provides experienced legal representation to people involving Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability claims. With determination, persistence and a strong sense of fairness Stephanie and her dedicated team have helped hundred of injured workers and people with disabling conditions receive the benefits and services to which they are entitled. Stephanie has the experience you need to ensure that your rights are protected.

WE know what you need.

2009-09-24T15:51:00.002-07:00

Stephanie and her staff understand that in addition to the physical impact, an injury or disability can make you feel invisible - like no one is listening or that you are no longer valued at work. Stephanie and her staff listen to your concerns and help you successfully address the challenges posed by confronting big insurance companies and the Social Security Administration. Our clients can expect straight talk and personalized legal services from a team that knows how important it is to take time to learn the unique issues you face in order to put your best case forward. We know you want to be kept informed, so we provide regular updates about the progress of your case.

WE know and help make the law.

2009-09-24T15:51:00.001-07:00

The team at the Law Office of Stephanie J. Stevenson, PC, works hard to keep up on the most recent developments in the law and to make law that helps injured workers. Stephanie serves on the board of the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Education Association; is a member of the National Association of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives; the Ben S. Wendelken Inn of Court; and National Association of Consumer Advocates. Stephanie has taken her client’s cases all the way to the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court where she won complex cases which continue to benefit injured workers throughout the state.

WE treat you right.

2009-09-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

While we cannot guarantee the outcome of your case, you can be assured that at the Law Office of Stephanie J. Stevenson, PC we will always tell you the truth and treat you with courtesy and respect. Your phone calls will be returned, your questions answered, and you will get a great legal team that will fight on your behalf.