Key members of Congress suggest using social media as a tool to detect bogus disability claims is a legitimate way to reduce fraud, reports Barrie Nielson of Matt Nielson Disability Law

Sandy, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/17/2014 -- On Tuesday, key members of Congress said that Social Security Disability judges have approved thousands of fraudulent disability claims without the Social Security Administration reviewing those claims to detect and stopping the ones that are bogus.

An oversight committee has been looking into the fraudulent claims issue for some time. Disability judges who have high claim approval send up red flags.

Two Administrative law judges, David B. Daugherty of West Virginia and Charles Bridges of Pennsylvania have been accused of making fraudulent determinations. Judge Daugherty approved 99.7 percent of cases presented to him. Judge Bridges, who decides more than 2,000 cases a year, often went beyond looking at the disability alone and made allowances for factors that are not considered valid reasons for approving claims.

Oklahoma Republican, Rep.James Lankford and California Democrat, Rep. Jackie Speier, are in head of the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee on health care. They suggest that SSA employees should be allowed to search social media profiles for those applying for disability. Information posted on social media sites can expose those who are able-bodied even thought their disability claim states otherwise.

"To increase efficiency and reduce the number of erroneous disability determinations, SSA personnel should be allowed to review each applicant's social media accounts prior to the decision to award benefits. Additionally, we suggest that SSA require that all CDRs incorporate a review of the beneficiary's social media accounts," Mr. Lankford and Ms. Speier said.

In New York City, hundreds of bogus disability claims by fire fighters and police officers, claimed disability from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, were exposed in part by online photographs. Using social media, individuals engaged in sport-fishing trips, riding personal watercraft and other recreation were found. This information conflicted with their approved applications that claimed their disability prevented them from participating in such activities.

Until now, the SSA has repeatedly refused to allow their investigators to use social media as a means of detecting fraud, suggesting that they are not trained to evaluate the information. Individual disabilities could be misjudged by a single photograph or casual information.

Spokes woman for the SSA, Kia Anderson said, "We recognize that one case of fraud is too many and work aggressively to detect and prevent abuses. We continue to enhance our program integrity efforts by adding tools like data analytics which enables us to identify patterns of suspicious behavior in disability applications."

Berrie Nielson, of Matt Nielson Disability Law states, "We seldom see claims that are not accurate. Our clients are hard working individuals who have paid into the system and are legitimately entitled to disability benefits. We do all we can to assist clients in filing their initial claims and appeals correctly so there is no suspicion of fraud because of some error in reporting their disability."

To learn more about Social Security disability benefits, contact Berrie Nielson at 801.566.1860 or read more at UtahSocialSecurityDisability.com.

About Utah Disability Advocate Barrie Nielson
Barrie Nielson has a Masters Degree of Liberal Studies with a focus on SSD insurance. He has been a vocational expert for the Social Security Administration's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, appearing as a witness in over 1700 cases. He has been a registered Social Security Disability advocate since 1992, successfully serving clients across the nation.

Media Contact

Matt Nielson Disability Law
Kathryn Griffiths, Communications
8473 Grambling Way
Sandy, Ut 84094
1-801-225-6475
kathy@webpressutah.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Thousands of people are waiting for their initial claim to be approved by the Social Security Administration. Delays in 2014 claims are expected to reach an all time high.

Sandy, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/07/2014 -- Sandy, UT - Matt Nielson Disability Law, a Social Security Disability law firm, reports that at the end of the fiscal year 2013, 698,000 people are waiting for their initial application to be approved by the Social Security Administration. Considering, that about 70% of first applications are denied, it means that thousands of applicants, even after the appeals process, could wait considerably longer to receive final SSD approval.

The Social Security Administration's Financial Report of 2013 projects that the number initial disability claims could reach 900,000 in 2014, an all time high. Due to the government shutdown last year and the reduction in Social Security Administration staff, the wait time could increase substantially this year.

"It is now more important than ever for initial applications to be submitted to the SSA correctly. Many claims are denied because of simple technical errors or missing information, such as incomplete medical records," states Barrie Nielson of Matt Nielson Disability Law.

Nielson offers several tips for applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits:

1. Eligibility: Before you begin your paperwork, make sure your disability could qualify you for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Know where you initially stand before submitting an application. Your age and work history, such as how long you have worked and if you have paid enough FICA taxes are basic considerations, in filing a SSDI claim. ?

2. Avoid Errors: Fill out the application accurately. You will lose credibility if there are discrepancies in the application paper work you submit. Simple errors can prevent your application from being approved. Make sure you have adequate paper work to prove your disability. Detailed work history and medical records are vital for approval.

3. Be Patient: It will take several months before your application will be reviewed by the SSA and then there is a good chance your claim will be denied. Be prepared to file an appeal in a timely manner.

4. Don't give up: It's easy for applicants to become discouraged if their initial claim is denied and fail to file an appeal. If you are patient and go through the appeals process, the chances of your claim being approved increase substantially.

Reach Out For Help: Don't feel you have to go it alone. The application and the entire process can be over-whelming to the layman. Experts can guide you though the entire process: Determining all possible qualifications, setting dates and meeting requirements, gathering the necessary paperwork, filing an appeal and help you understand the appeals process. These are just a few of the areas of expertise that a qualified lawyer or advocate can help you with. A disability expert on your side can eliminate frustration, confusion, and discouragement.

The experienced professionals at Matt Nielson Disability Law can help you determine your eligibility, help you prepare your initial application correctly and, if necessary, appeal your claim before a SSA judge.

"Our disability law team is unique in that we work with clients from the very beginning. We help clients prepare their initial application which goes a long way toward setting up a favorable decision from the start," says Nielson.

For a free evaluation and answers to all of your questions, contact Barrie Nielson at Matt Nielson Disability Law 801.566.1860. To learn more, visit http://UtahSocialSecurityDisability.com

About Utah Social Security Disability Advocate Barrie Nielson
Barrie Nielson has a Masters Degree of Liberal Studies with a focus on SSD insurance. He has been a vocational expert for the Social Security Administration's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, appearing as a witness in over 1700 cases. He has been a registered Social Security Disability advocate since 1992, successfully serving clients across the nation.

Media Contact
Matt Nielson Disability Law
Kathryn Griffiths, Communications
8473 Grambling Way
Sandy, Ut 84094
1-801-225-6475
kathy@webpressutah.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

A specialized group in New York will detect trends that will help the Social Security Administration identify potential disability fraud in cases across the United States.

Sandy, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/07/2014 -- A specialized unit of 20 experienced disability examiners has recently been formed. They will use their expertise to build data analytics to detect and prevent fraud at the earliest possible point of the decision-making process.

The announcement was made by Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. "Social Security strives to preserve the public's trust in our programs and we have no tolerance for fraud. We are aggressive in our efforts to detect and prevent fraud."

Social Security Disability benefits have increased from 10 percent of all Social security costs in 1990 to more than 18 percent today. New rules and new conditions that qualify for benefits have contributed to the increase.

More than half of the new Social Security Disability claims are based on mental or musculoskeletal disorders. Such claims are difficult to diagnose, hard to disprove and are easy to fake, which creates an opening for fraudulent applications to be submitted.

In January 2014, in New York City, a multimillion-dollar Social Security Disability fraud scheme was discovered. It involved some retired firefighters and policemen who claimed they suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Prosecutors said the defendants were meticulously instructed by four men, who are at the center of the case, on how to fail memory tests and how to behave. After receiving benefits, many went on to hold jobs they had claimed they were incapable of performing.

On April 1, 2014, David Disney, former owner of Disney & Associates was sentenced to nearly two years in federal prison for collecting more than $144,000 in Social Security Disability payments. He claimed he could not take care of himself or his finances, or concentrate for more than five minutes at a time, yet continued to do work that he claimed he could not.

Acting Commissioner Colvin added, "To those who would try to cheat us: We will find you; we will prosecute you; we will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law; and we will fight to recover any money you've stolen from the American people."

Attorney Matt Nielson, of Matt Nielson Disability Law states, "Filing for Social Security disability benefits can be confusing and frustrating because of the amount of documentation that is necessary to satisfy a valid application. Complete honesty is vital so there is no conflict in the information that is sent to the SSA.

However, in our experience, we seldom see claimants trying to get benefits they don't deserve. The system supports those who have worked hard, paid into the system and are unable to work because of a disability."

The Sandy, Utah based Social Security Disability law firm of Matt Nielson Disability Law helps individuals file for and get the Social Security Disability benefits they are eligible for. Attorney, Matt Nielson and advocate Barrie Nielson have thirty-eight years of combined experience working with SSDI and SSI clients.

The highest standards are observed.

To learn more about Social Security Disability benefits, contact Matt Nielson at 801.566.1860 or read more at: http://UtahSocialSecurityDisabilityLaw.com

About Matt Nielson
Attorney Matt Nielson graduated BYU with a Juris Doctorate in December 1999 and immediately opened his law office to serve disability claimants. He has served on advisory boards of the MS Society of Utah and Disability Determination Services. Matt is currently sits as chairman of the Advisory Group, Disability Determination Service, Utah State Office of Rehabilitation, Utah State Office of Education.

Media Contact
Matt Nielson Disability Law
Kathryn Griffiths, Communications
8473 Grambling Way
Sandy, UT 84094
1-801-225-6475
kathy@webpressutah.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Matt Nielson Disability Law, a Utah law firm, applauds new initiative to expedite disability benefits to some veterans, but says it falls short of helping the vast majority.

Sandy, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/24/2014 -- Matt Nielson Disability Law, a Utah Social Security Disability firm, confirms that the Social Security Administration will expedite the disability application process for those veterans who have a disability rating of 100 percent "permanent and total" by the Veterans Affairs Department.

"This step ensures a few applications will be processed quickly, however the fast-track application action should be a consideration for all veterans who have served this country," suggests advocate Barrie Nielson of Matt Nielson Disability law

The new ruling is a step in the right direction, however, it falls short in meeting the needs of thousands of veterans who are deemed 100 percent disabled by the VA but do not fall into the category of "permanent and total." Also, the initiative does not deem veterans a high priority status who are considered disabled because they hold a non-total 100 percent rating, or they are not employable, although they became disabled during their time of service, explains Nielson.

Whether a veteran qualifies for the new initiative or not, there are a couple areas that should be clarified concerning government benefits for veterans. If a veteran receives VA compensation, it will not affect Social Security Disability benefits if the application is approved. It is not considered out of order to receive both at the same time. Both programs can run concurrently. Social Security disability (SSD) benefits are based upon what the veteran has paid into the system. VA disability benefits compensate the veteran for impairment connected to the time of service. There is no reason to delay applying for both benefits simultaneously.

Although the new program will hasten the process for some veterans, it does not guarantee approval for Social Security Disability benefits. Veterans still must meet the strict requirements for a disability allowance.

To learn more about the new veterans initiative or Social Security Disability benefits, contact Barrie Nielson at 801.566.1860 or read more at http://UtahSocialSecurityDisability.com. "Our disability law team is unique in that we work with clients from the very beginning. We help clients prepare their initial application which goes a long way toward setting up a favorable decision from the start," says Nielson.

About Utah Social Security Disability Advocate Barrie Nielson
Barrie Nielson has a Masters Degree of Liberal Studies with a focus on SSD insurance. He has been a vocational expert for the Social Security Administration's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, appearing as a witness in over 1700 cases. He has been a registered Social Security Disability advocate since 1992, successfully serving clients across the nation.

Media Contact

Matt Nielson Disability Law
Kathryn Griffiths, Communications
8473 Grambling Way
Sandy, Ut 84094

1-801-225-6475
kathy@webpressutah.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orem, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/10/2014 -- Finding Utah disability assistance for Oneself or their loved one is as easy as finding the right group to help them get the services they need.

The American Disabilities Act gives civil right protection to those with disabilities. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation and state and local government services.

The Utah State and Federal governments have funded programs to help insure that all disabled have resources available to lead self-determined lives, get an education and actively participate in their communities. Resources in the areas of vocational rehabilitation, education, housing, medical treatment, assistive technology, community living are included in the Utah State and Federal government funded programs.

Utah State Office of Rehabilitation: The (USOR) assists eligible individuals with disabilities prepare for and obtain meaningful employment. Services can include counseling and guidance, medical services and treatment, assistive technology, training and education, job placement, and follow up services. usor.utah.gov

Utah Department of Human Services: The (DSPD) serves children and adults who have intellectual and physical disabilities. Support includes community living, day services and supported employment services. Each service is tailored to each person and family's needs.
uspd.utah.gov

Utah Affordable Housing: An easy searchable website is available to help the disabled find available and affordable apartments for rent. The site matches housing by specific needs, income, and location. All housing listed has received funding from the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund or others listed have chosen to participate. findhousing.utah.gov

Utah Assistive Technology Program: The (UATP) program is federally funded. It provides individuals with assistive technology devices, which include tools, devices and resources to help them improve their quality of life and increase their independence. uatpat.org

Social Security Disability: In addition to the 4 Utah State and Federal resources, professional help for filing for Social Security Disability Insurance is available. Individuals get expert help with no out-of-pocket costs. Services can include helping the disabled file a Social Security Disability claim as well as assisting them with an appeal if the first application is denied.

The Sandy, Utah based disability law firm of Matt Nielson Disability Law helps individuals file for and get Social Security Disability Insurance. Attorney, Matt Nielson and advocate Barrie Nielson have thirty-eight years of combined experience working with SSDI and SSI clients.

"I enjoy the personal relationships that I have as a Utah Social Security Disability advocate. There is rarely a day that goes by without a sincere "thank you" from someone I have helped. I have an unusually satisfying job at which I excel," says Barrie Nielson.

About Utah Disability Advocate Barrie Nielson
Barrie Nielson has a Masters Degree of Liberal Studies with a focus on SSD insurance. He has been a vocational expert for the Social Security Administration's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, appearing as a witness in over 1700 cases. He has been a registered Social Security Disability advocate since 1992, successfully serving clients across the nation.

For more information, contact him at 801.566.1860. Read more at http://UtahSocialSecurityDisability.com

Media Contact
Matt Nielson Disability Law
Kathryn Griffiths, Communications
8473 Grambling Way
Sandy, Ut 84094
1-801-225-6475
kathy@webpressutah.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Social Security Disability Advocate, Barrie Nielson, receives accreditation by the National Association of Disability Representatives.

Orem, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/10/2014 -- Barrie Nielson, of Matt Nielson Disability Law, has recently received accreditation by the National Association of Disability Representatives. The NADR offers the professional designation entitled Accredited Disability Representative or ADR, to those professional who have excelled in the field.

"The overriding philosophy for all Accredited Disability Representatives shall be that any action taken will be in the client's best interests and result in no harm coming to the client. The Representative shall hold the client in the highest regard, with the client's welfare the sole object of the Representative's efforts," quotes Nielson.

Stringent prerequisites are required to qualify for accreditation. A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualifications derived from training and work experience are necessary.

Besides a criminal background check, the NDAR requires professional liability insurance, the passage of a written examination administrated by the Social Security Administration and the completion of continuing education courses. Applicants must affirm that they will abide by ethical standards of the State Bar in the state where they reside.

Nielson received a Bachelor Degree of Science from Brigham Young University in Provo Utah, and a Master Degree of Liberal Studies from the University of Oklahoma. His field of study was Social Security Disability insurance. His master's thesis was a study on the success of the the work incentives program that is part of the Social Security Act.

For twenty-one years Nielson worked with the Utah Division of Rehabilitation Services, the state agency that serves the disabled community. At the time he left he was the Director of the Vocational Evaluation Unit, supervising three locations, Ogden, Salt Lake, and Provo. Concurrent with his employment with Utah State Government he was an approved vocational expert for the Social Security Administration's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. He appeared as a witness in more that 1700 cases.

"I really enjoy the personal relationships that I develop as a claimant's representative. There is rarely a day that goes by without a sincere "thank to everyone" from someone I have helped. I have an unusually satisfying job at which I excel," says Nielson.

About Barrie Nielson
Barrie Nielson has been a Social Security Disability claimant's advocate since 1992, successfully serving clients across the nation. He is presently a SSD advocate at the firm of Matt Nielson Disability Law in Sandy, Utah. He and his wife of forty two years live in Sandy, Utah and are the proud parents of five children and eight grandchildren.

For more information, contact him at 801.566.1860 or 801.302.3099. Read more at http://UtahSocialSecurityDisability.com

Media Contact

Matt Nielson Disability Law
Kathryn Griffiths, Communications
8473 Grambling Way
Sandy, Ut 84094
1-801-225-6475
kathy@webpressutah.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Matt Nielson Disability Law’s updated website makes it easier for individuals to understand the process and receive assistance in getting social security disability benefits.

Orem, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/27/2014 -- Matt Nielson Disability Law today announced the re-organization of their website, UtahSocialSecurityDisability.com, for the purpose of making it easier for individuals to read and understand the process for applying for disability benefits.

People often find the process of filing for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration to be perplexing. Matt Nielson Disability Law's new website design has become educationally based so individuals can learn and understand what it takes to file for disability benefits and be successful.

Statistics show that 70% of all initial applications are denied. Because the rules set by SSA can be very subjective, once they reach claimant review, it is important that the application be filled out correctly from the beginning.

For those who desire assistance in filing out their disability claim, Matt Nielson Disability Law has developed a systematic process from start to finish that walks applicants step-by-step through the Social Security Disability maze. This process includes assisting clients with the initial application forms and providing specialized forms for medical providers to fill out in order to build a complete record. If an appeal is necessary they will represent individuals before the Administrative Judge at the appeals hearing.

Advocate, Barrie Nielson said, "Our disability law team is unique in that we work with clients from the very beginning of the claim through its final resolution. Most lawyers will only become involved if a claim has already been denied. However, we help clients prepare their initial application, which goes a long way toward setting up a favorable decision from the start."

"We have a reputation of excellent services that shines from the moment we answer our phones, through our work with claimants, even at times, long past the decision they receive. We often appeal post hearing cases and have been successful in obtaining reversals and remands from the Appeals Council. We also help our clients find the resources they need to help them with medical expenses until they can get back on their way to work," said Nielson.

Even if one does not use a disability lawyer or advocate at any time during the initial disability claim process or during the application appeal, there is no doubt a representative for the appeal hearing before an administrative law judge is wise. The judge expects a person to understand all relevant issues concerning the case.

"Our team is proud of the friendly, personalized service we give each of our clients and the respect with which we treat them. With our wealth of knowledge regarding the SSD process, we have build an impressive network of contacts to assist clients at all of the various stages," said Matt Nielson.

About Matt Nielson Disability Law
Matt Nielson Disability Law team brings 38 years of combined experience to their business. They represent all of Utah and are unique because they travel to where ever their clients are instead of requiring them to convene in Salt Lake.

For more information, contact them at 801.566.1860 or 801.302.3099
Read more at http://utahsocialsecuritydisability.com

Media contact :
Kathryn Griffiths
846 East 950 South
Orem, Ut 84097
801-225-6475
WebPressUtah@gmail.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Matt Nielson Disability Law’s updated website makes it easier for individuals to understand the process and receive assistance in getting social security disability benefits.

Orem, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/17/2014 -- Matt Nielson Disability Law today announced the re-organization of their website, UtahSocialSecurityDisability.com, for the purpose of making it easier for individuals to read and understand the process for applying for disability benefits.

People often find the process of filing for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration to be perplexing. Matt Nielson Disability Law's new website design has become educationally based so individuals can learn and understand what it takes to file for disability benefits and be successful.

Statistics show that 70% of all initial applications are denied. Because the rules set by SSA can be very subjective, once they reach claimant review, it is important that the application be filled out correctly from the beginning.

For those who desire assistance in filing out their disability claim, Matt Nielson Disability Law has developed a systematic process from start to finish that walks applicants step-by-step through the Social Security Disability maze. This process includes assisting clients with the initial application forms and providing specialized forms for medical providers to fill out in order to build a complete record. If an appeal is necessary they will represent individuals before the Administrative Judge at the appeals hearing.

Advocate, Barrie Nielson said, "Our disability law team is unique in that we work with clients from the very beginning of the claim through its final resolution. Most lawyers will only become involved if a claim has already been denied. However, we help clients prepare their initial application, which goes a long way toward setting up a favorable decision from the start."

"We have a reputation of excellent services that shines from the moment we answer our phones, through our work with claimants, even at times, long past the decision they receive. We often appeal post hearing cases and have been successful in obtaining reversals and remands from the Appeals Council. We also help our clients find the resources they need to help them with medical expenses until they can get back on their way to work," said Nielson.

Even if one does not use a disability lawyer or advocate at any time during the initial disability claim process or during the application appeal, there is no doubt a representative for the appeal hearing before an administrative law judge is wise. The judge expects a person to understand all relevant issues concerning the case.

"Our team is proud of the friendly, personalized service we give each of our clients and the respect with which we treat them. With our wealth of knowledge regarding the SSD process, we have build an impressive network of contacts to assist clients at all of the various stages," said Matt Nielson.

About Matt Nielson Disability Law
Matt Nielson Disability Law team brings 38 years of combined experience to their business. They represent all of Utah and are unique because they travel to where ever their clients are instead of requiring them to convene in Salt Lake.

For more information, contact them at 801.566.1860 or 801.302.3099
Read more at http://utahsocialsecuritydisability.com

Media contact :
Kathryn Griffiths
846 East 950 South
Orem, Ut 84097
801-225-6475

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm