The Flint Journal & Genesee County Bar Association's "Ask the Attorney"

MACDONALD, FITZGERALD & MACDONALD, P.C

Q. A friend and I were both diagnosed with the exact same medical condition. She got Social Security Disability benefits right away with no problem, but I was turned down. This doesn’t seem fair. What can I do about it?

A. Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits varies depending upon on a person’s age, education, past work and transferable skills. The same medical condition can also effect people in different ways. It usually is not so much the medical diagnosis that matters. Instead it is important to prove how that condition effects your ability to stand, walk, sit, lift, carry and sustain other activities in a regular workday and workweek. Michigan residents can appeal an unfavorable determination by filing a Request for Hearing within 60 days. Call our office for further assistance.

Atty. Robert J. MacDonald
--October 2007 column