06 January

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A Look Back at an OBL Wedding!

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One of the things that is fun to do here at OBL is to reminisce about the "big days" in our history. So, for instance, Karl starting the firm in 2002, Lindsay joining as an associate attorney in 2007, and then becoming partner in 2009, and Erik joining as a partner in 2017 are definitely on that list. Hannalore joining the firm in 2016, and then becoming Partner and Managing Partner in 2021, is also obviously on the list. But what could top a wedding?!? Lindsay reminded Karl that he had been in touch with a local marketing firm back in...

23 November

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Medicare Premiums Are Increasing in 2022!

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If you are receiving Social Security Disability, or are 65 or older, you are probably paying for Medicare. Unfortunately, it looks like you'll be paying more in 2022! The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced significant increases to the 2022 premiums, deductibles and coinsurance amounts for Medicare Parts A and B. The Part A deductible that applies to hospitalization will be $1556, an increase of $72. The Part B premium will be $170.10, an increase of $21.60 per month. The Part B premium is typically deducted automatically from a disability check, so if you are on Medicare, you...

11 November

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Social Security Disability for Veterans

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Today, Osterhout Berger Disability Law honors our friends, coworkers, and clients who have risked their lives to protect our country. Did you know that the Social Security disability program is part of our nation's obligation to wounded warriors and their families? Social Security is an important resource for military members who return home with injuries. If you know a wounded veteran, please let them know about the SSA Wounded Warriors webpage. Even if a veteran receives benefits through the VA, they could still be eligible for additional benefits through Social Security. Active duty military service members who continue to receive pay while...

08 November

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Medicare Annual Enrollment: What Disability Recipients Should Know

Posted by OBL

in Blog, Timely Issues

Disability beneficiaries receiving Medicare should be asking the following questions right now: Do I have proper prescription drug coverage? Should I enroll in a Part C Medicare Advantage plan? Am I on the plan that covers my doctors and medications? Can I save money? This time of year, it’s hard to turn on the tv without being bombarded by insurance company commercials advertising their Medicare products. Each year, the Medicare annual enrollment period is between October 15th – December 7th. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries have the option to add, change or remove coverage. Many assume that the commercials are targeted...

27 September

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What If My Insurance Company Wants To Represent Me In My Social Security Disability Claim?

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Based on our extensive experience handling long-term disability (LTD) claims, we know that about one third of Social Security disability clients are also either receiving or applying for LTD benefits. Indeed, we have helped many of our Social Security disability clients get their LTD! Many insurance policies require that an LTD claimant also apply for Social Security disability (almost always when the LTD insurance is part of a benefit received from your employer; private LTD policies usually do not include this requirement). Please understand: The only reason they want this is that most LTD policies allow the insurance company to...

30 July

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Introducing Our Newest Attorney, Bobby Parker!

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[caption id="attachment_4978" align="alignleft" width="208"] Attorney Bobby Parker[/caption] OBL is very pleased to announce the addition of Bobby Parker of Hendersonville, Tennessee as a new attorney in the federal court appeals department. Following his graduation from Nashville School of Law, he worked for 12 years at a prominent Nashville law firm representing Social Security claimants. He has extensive experience representing Social Security disability claimants both in thousands of administrative hearings as well as presenting hundreds of Federal Court appeals on behalf of his disabled clients. Managing Partner, Hannalore Merritt, says of Bobby: "We are very fortunate to have met Bobby and for...

13 July

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Disability Benefits for Borderline Personality Disorder

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For some people, borderline personality disorder (BPD) can leave them incapacitated and unable to hold a job. Anyone who has this diagnosis should know what kinds of options might be available to them through the Social Security Administration, which uses the Blue Book to determine who is eligible for disability benefits according to the certain criteria for their disability. The listing in the Blue Book for borderline personality disorder is actually the same one that’s used for all personality disorders, including intermittent explosive disorder, avoidant personality disorder, and schizoid personality disorder. To qualify for disability benefits, the applicant must have a diagnosis...

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...

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