Mistakes often made by pain patients applying for private disability benefits. Blindly attending an Independent Medical Exam Failing to consult with a disability insurance lawyer Misunderstanding the definitions of “disability” and “occupation” Inadequate...

Chronic pain sufferers might be required to undergo “residual functional capacity,” or “RFC,” assessment. In an RFC assessment, disability claims examiners assess your physical and mental limitations to determine whether your disability limits you so much that you...

Questions about social security disability. Many of our patient’s have suffered significant injuries which lead to chronic pain, which may preclude them from gainful employment, and I am often asked questions regarding the process of applying for disability.  This...

I am being told that my pain is subjective, that it is unprovable, and therefore I cannot be compensated. If this is so subjective and mild, why can’t I function? I have been asked the above question hundreds of times, in one form or another, by patients, attorneys,...

An electromyelogram (EMG) is a test that is used to record the electrical activity of muscles. When muscles are active, they produce an electrical current. Typically, an EMG is given at the same time as a nerve conduction study (NCS). These tests are used to diagnose...

Following a car accident, your nagging neck pain may not be just “soft tissue.” Neck pain is one of the most common chronic pain conditions in modern medicine and can lead to depression, sleep disturbance, and inability to work.  Even though there may be minimal...

My insurance said a procedure is investigational, but my doctor says its standard of care? As a physician, I am frequently asked by my patient why a procedure that is considered standard medical treatment might be denied as investigational. Even more intriguing is why...