Fingolimod approved as first oral medication to treat Multiple Sclerosis ("MS") relapses

On September 21, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") approved Fingolimod capsules (Gilenya, Novartis International AG) for reducing the frequency of relapses and delaying the accumulation of disabling symptoms in relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis ("MS"). This is the first oral disease-modifying therapy for the treatment of MS. According to Novartis, the drug will be available for prescription in the coming weeks.

Thanks to the National MS Society website for releasing this information.

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.

Disabled Veterans Can Get Up to a Total Property Tax Exemption on Homestead Property in Florida

If a Veteran is disabled at least 10% by service connected misfortune, they may be entitled to a $5,000 exemption on any property owned by the ex-service member.

A 100% disabled Veteran can receive a total property tax exemption.

An honorably discharged veteran with service connected total and permanent disability may qualify for total exemption of homesteaded real estate used and owned as a homestead, less any portion used for commercial purposes. An existing exemption can be transferred to a new qualifying residence. Under certain circumstances the benefit of this exemption can carry over to the surviving spouse. If filing for the first time, the Veteran should bring proof of your service connected disability: such as, a letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

For more information and directions on how to apply for these homestead exemptions, visit the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs website.

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.

What is a 'Free Disability Insurance Review' by an attorney? Do you need one?

Yes, we offer free consultations to review your disability insurance policy or policies? Many of our clients have no idea what kind of disability insurance coverage they have when they come to us for help making a claim or appealing a claim denial. Some have Individual Disability Insurance (what some call 'DI'). Others have policies they bought through work (usually known as 'ERISA' coverage, named after the federal law that covers employee benefits). Still others have many policies, and they do not know how they work or when each policy will pay benefits.

Tucker & Ludin, P.A. provides free insurance reviews for anyone who wants to have their disability insurance coverage analyzed. We can help you understand how you are covered. Your insurance agent should have explained this, but in our experience, agents often do not even understand the policies they sold you.

Under what conditions does your disability policy pay? When does it not pay benefits? What are the exclusions? Are your benefits reduced by "other income?" What is "other income?" Do you have to apply for Social Security Disability? What is the "elimination period?" We can help you understand the answers to these and other questions....all at no cost to you.

If you want a free opinion about the terms of your insurance policy (not the amount, but the actual language), from someone who is not an insurance agent, feel free to call us. As attorneys that represent people in disability insurance claims and lawsuits, we will provide you with an unbiased opinion about what coverage you purchased. We are disability attorneys. Tucker & Ludin is one of the few law firms in the country that represents people like you in ALL types of disability insurance claims and cases, as well as Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability benefits claims.

The time to understand your disability insurance and know what you bought is BEFORE you become disabled. Call us at toll free at (866) 282-5260 or email John Tucker at tucker@tuckerludin.com to schedule your free insurance review. Although we are based in Florida, we handle cases all over the United States, and would be happy to assist you.


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.
Copyright (c) 2010 by John V. Tucker and Tucker & Ludin, P.A. All r

Social Security Proposes New Regulations for How It Will Evaluate Mental Disabilities

Social Security is proposing to change the way it evaluates mental disabilities. In proposed regulations published in the Federal Register on August 19, 2010, the Social Security Administration stated that it intends to change its process for Social Security Disability and SSI benefits by amending its Listing of Impairments as they apply to mental disorders like depression, anxiety, organic and cognitive mental disorders, mental retardation, schizophrenia, autism, and personality disorders.

Social Security is seeking comments on the proposed regulations. The deadline for comments isNovember 17, 2010. You can find out how to submit comments by clicking on the link above to read the Federal Register preface to the proposed regs.

I have not had the chance to read these in depth yet. Obviously, the proposed version may not be what Social Security issues as final regulations in November (or later), so stay tuned for more news as it develops.

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.

Did you know you can apply for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits online?

If you had to stop working because of a sickness or injury and expect to be out of work for at least 12 months, the Social Security Administration has made it very easy to apply for Social Security Disability. Simply go to the Social Security website at http://ssa.gov/applyfordisability/ and fill out the forms online. There are 2 main forms: The Disability Application and the Disability Report.

You will need the following information for each of the forms to complete your application for Social Security Disability or SSI:

DISABILITY APPLICATION

• Military Service discharge information (Form DD 214) for all periods of active duty.

• W-2 Form (or your IRS 1040 and Schedules C and SE if self-employed) from last year.

• Social Security Number(s) for your spouse and minor children.

• Checking or savings account number and bank routing number, if you want Direct Deposit for your benefit checks.

DISABILITY REPORT

• Name, address and phone number of someone we can contact who knows about your medical conditions and can help with your claim.

• Names, addresses, phone numbers, patient ID numbers, and dates of treatment for all doctors, hospitals, and clinics.
  NOTE: You may want to refer to any Medical Records you have.

• Names of medicines you are taking and who prescribed them.
  NOTE: You may want to have your medicine bottles available.

• Names and dates of medical tests you have had and who sent you for them.

• Types of jobs and dates you worked for your last 5 jobs.

• Information about any insurance or workers' compensation claims you filed, such as claim number and name, address and phone number of insurance company.

You can also apply by phone or in person at a Social Security office, but the online application is the way we recommend people apply these days.

Although you do not need a disability benefit attorney to file your application, having a consultation before you apply can be very helpful. Speak to a Social Security disability attorney that will give you a free consultation to get some tips on how to help your claim for Social Security Disability and SSI.

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.