09 June

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Long Term Disability – Key Terms

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While some workers may not think that they may become disabled and unable to work, many do. The Council for Disability Awareness reports that 25 percent of people in their 20’s will become disabled at some point during their careers, and the average disability-related absence from work is nearly three years. Some people have short-term disability insurance provided to them by their employers as optional benefits, and they might not understand the difference between that coverage and long-term disability coverage. Short-term disability coverage lasts for a short duration, normally no longer than three to six months. By contrast, long-term disability...

03 June

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June 6 is National Cancer Survivors Day

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National Cancer Survivor’s Day recognizes cancer survivors, and raises awareness of the challenges they face and, importantly, celebrates life. A cancer “survivor,” by some definitions, is simply someone who, to put it bluntly, hasn’t died from their cancer. In that sense, 3 1/2 years after my diagnosis and first surgery, I qualify. But, “life” is so much different from “being alive,” a point driven home to me in a million ways trying to recover from a second surgery and getting through covid last year! Thanks to brilliant capable doctors, I’m far closer to that five year point where I can be considered...

07 May

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Don’t Get Scammed!

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Unfortunately, scammers are getting savvier by the day and Social Security is a huge area of concern. You probably have received a call where an automated message announces that there is an issue with your social security number and you need to call right away to correct it. The fraudsters are even using live callers now! Unfortunately, many people get taken advantage of because they really think there is an issue and they end up offering payment or giving their information to a stranger who uses it to hack into other accounts. You should know that if there is ever a...

22 April

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Spinal Stenosis and Social Security Disability

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An impinged nerve can cause a lot of pain and muscle weakness. There are a lot of reasons that a nerve could be irritated or even pinched, including spinal stenosis. If it gets bad enough, some people might even find it difficult to work. This condition can make it difficult or painful to walk, stand, sit, and do other everyday activities. Anyone who thinks that they might have spinal stenosis or another related condition should make an appointment with their doctor. But they should also look into what they’ll need to take care of their bills until they’re able to...

05 April

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Hannalore Merritt Named Partner and President of Osterhout Berger Disability Law!

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Congratulations to Hannalore Merritt! As of April 1, Hannalore has been named a Partner and our new President at OBL! Her new duties can be best understood as what is usually called "Managing Partner," and will be responsible not only for her own department (the Appellate Department), but also for typical managing partner duties including setting the vision for OBL going forward outwardly in terms of marketing, outreach, etc., as well, as inwardly in terms of improving our internal systems and office environment. We are very excited to have her as a Partner, colleague, and friend. As Karl remembers: "My employee search game...

31 March

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We Appreciate Social Workers and Case Managers!

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As we close out National Professional Social Work Month, we wanted to take a minute to say thank you to the social workers and case managers that give so much of their time making our world a better place. Lindsay Osterhout regularly works with local social workers and had the following to say: I am so grateful that this month is set aside to highlight the essential work these professionals perform for our community. We work with case managers from service providers in Western Pennsylvania and the Jacksonville, Florida. These individuals display patience and dedication to what is a lot of...

26 March

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OBL Featured at NADR’s 2021 Conference

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We are just back from the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR) 2021 Annual Conference and had a great time talking to other representatives! It was a hybrid conference so we were able to connect with attendees in-person and virtually. Not only did Osterhout Berger sponsor the conference, but our own Lindsay Osterhout was also a presenter! Lindsay's highly reviewed presentation instructed attendees on how to make convincing prehearing briefs that clearly outline the theory of the case so that the judge can better understand the argument. We are so glad NADR holds events that allow disability representatives and attorneys from...

12 March

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Karl Osterhout Offers Regular Training to OBL FDC Partners!

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We have the benefit of reviewing hundreds of cases and hearing audio a month and Karl Osterhout has been at this for decades. Karl knows what works in ALJ hearings and what doesn't, especially when it comes to vocational expert cross-examination and he shares this insight with representatives who use OBL for federal court appeals of disability claims. Recently, Karl offered a complimentary zoom training titled "Vocational Potpourri" where he reviewed several vocational issues that regularly come up in hearings. If you would like to become an FDC referral partner and receive regular zoom training from Karl, contact us today! The...

08 March

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Colon Cancer Awareness Month – Get Your Colonoscopy!

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[embed]https://youtu.be/Se6oEJuyVLQ[/embed] Months of recovery from surgery. Months of chemo. Just avoided an ileostomy (this is where you have a permanent device that you wear on your body because your colon doesn’t work anymore, to collect you know what). Incredible wear and tear on my family, and my business. I could write 5000 words on any one of the sentences, but I’ll spare you that. Probably all of it (or most of it anyway) could have been avoided if I had just gotten the colonoscopy… Schedule yours as soon as you can! Here are some basic facts: A colonoscopy is painless. Yes, the...

19 February

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OBL in the Community: KNEAD Community Cafe

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There's more to OBL than disability benefits; we are truly passionate about giving back! The last year has been so hard for so many. We recognize that we are in a position that allows us to help in small ways and enjoy doing so! Thanks to the wonderful people at Knead Community Cafe, we were able to help a little by sponsoring a Grab N' Go dinner yesterday evening that fed over 250 people! Our very own Amy DeSanto was on site to help pass out meals. Knead Community Café located in downtown New Kensington, Pa, is committed to serving healthy...

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