Are my Social Security Disability benefits taxable?

According to the Social Security website, your benefits are taxable if:

• You file a federal tax return as an individual and your total income is more than $25,000
• You file a joint federal tax return and you and your spose have a total income that is more than $32,000

If you need further information, you should seek and rely on tax advice from a professional accountant or tax preparer concerning any tax matters.

Copyright (c) 2010 by John V. Tucker and Tucker & Ludin, P.A. All rights reserved. For assistance with your Long Term Disability claim, ERISA Disability benefit claim, Social Security Disability claim, or Veterans Disability compensation or pension claim, call Disability Lawyer John Tucker at (866) 282-5260.

FDA Announces Pfizer recall of Metronidazole, Ciprofloxacin and Ondansetron IV Products.

Pfizer has voluntarily recalled these drugs due to sterility issues. Metronidazole and Ciprofloxacin injections are intravenous antibiotics used to treat infections. Ondanstetron is an I.V. product used to treat nauseau and vomiting related to chemotherapy and surgery. This recall applies only to injection/intravenous products, and is particularly critical for those who are immunocompromised due to the risk of fatal infection.

You can view the full FDA announcement at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm214848.htm.

Copyright (c) 2010 by John V. Tucker and Tucker & Ludin, P.A. All rights reserved. For assistance with your Long Term Disability claim, ERISA Disability benefit claim, Social Security Disability claim, or Veterans Disability compensation or pension claim, call Disability Lawyer John Tucker at (866) 282-5260.

Should I attend a Social Security video hearing?

Should I attend a Social Security video hearing?

I was asked by a client this morning about video hearings in Social Security cases. I have found no problems in handling hearings by video. I have a video hearing later today, and in my experience, it has shortened the waiting times for a hearing. While you have the option to refuse a video hearing and demand a live hearing, I do not recommend that to my clients.

How do I apply for Veteran's Disability benefits with the V.A.?

The Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) uses an online application process to apply for VA Compensation (Disability Benefits). You can find that application on the VA website at https://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp

You are not allowed to hire an attorney at the initial application phase. However, you can use one of the many veterans service organizations to assist you, and we recommend that you contact one of them. There is a list of these organizations on the VA website at http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view

If you are denied VA compensation benefits, you can hire an attorney to file a Notice of Disagreement and handle your appeal. You should contact an attorney for an opinion about your rights to appeal and your likelihood of success.

Copyright (c) 2010 by John V. Tucker and Tucker & Ludin, P.A. All rights reserved. For assistance with your Long Term Disability claim, ERISA Disability benefit claim, Social Security Disability claim, or Veterans Disability compensation or pension claim, call Disability Lawyer John Tucker at (866) 282-5260.