By William Powell of Powell & Denny | Published February 28, 2026 | Posted in Social Security Disability | Tagged Tags: social security disability, substantial gainful activity |
What Does “Substantial Gainful Activity” Mean in a Social Security Disability Claim?
What Does “Substantial Gainful Activity” Mean in a Social Security Disability Claim? One of the first questions the Social Security Administration asks when evaluating a claim for Social Security Disability benefits is whether the applicant is able to perform “substantial gainful activity.” This phrase is used frequently in disability law, but many people applying for Read More
Read MoreWhat Is an “Unsuccessful Work Attempt” in a Social Security Disability Claim?
What Is an “Unsuccessful Work Attempt” in a Social Security Disability Claim? One concern we often hear from people applying for Social Security Disability benefits is this: “I tried to go back to work, but it didn’t last. Did I hurt my disability claim?” The answer is often no. In fact, it can actually help Read More
Read MoreSpinal Cord and Disc Injuries
Spinal Cord and Disc Injuries: What Alabama Workers Should Know If you do physical work in Alabama—construction, manufacturing, warehouse labor, healthcare, transportation—there is a good chance you will deal with back or neck pain at some point in your career. Most of the time it is a strain that improves with rest. Sometimes, however, it Read More
Read MoreCan I Receive Social Security Disability Benefits for Epilepsy or Other Seizure Disorders?
Can I Receive Social Security Disability Benefits for Epilepsy or Other Seizure Disorders? Epilepsy—commonly referred to as a seizure disorder—is a neurological condition affecting the brain and nervous system. It is typically diagnosed after a person experiences two or more unprovoked seizures, meaning the seizures were not caused by temporary factors such as extremely low Read More
Read MoreBipolar Disorder and Social Security Disability Claims in Alabama
Bipolar Disorder and Social Security Disability Claims in Alabama Bipolar disorder—sometimes referred to as manic depression—is a serious mental health condition that can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to maintain full-time employment. The disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, including episodes of major depression and periods of mania or hypomania. These fluctuations are Read More
Read MoreTBIs and Social Security Disability Claims
TBIs and Social Security Disability Claims Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most misunderstood conditions in Social Security Disability cases. Because the effects of a brain injury are often invisible, claimants are frequently met with skepticism—even when their symptoms are life-altering. A traumatic brain injury occurs when a blow or jolt to the head Read More
Read MoreMultiple Sclerosis (MS) and Social Security Disability
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Social Security Disability Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that affects the central nervous system—the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. MS can cause inflammation and damage to myelin (the protective covering around nerves) and, over time, may lead to significant physical, visual, and cognitive limitations. The exact cause Read More
Read MoreSSDI vs. SSI: Am I Eligible for Disability Benefits?
SSDI vs. SSI: Am I Eligible for Disability Benefits? Many people who contact our office have the same basic question:q “Do I qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?” The answer depends on which program you are applying for. There are two main federal disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) While Read More
Read MoreAlzheimer’s Disease and Social Security Disability
Alzheimer’s Disease and Social Security Disability Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that gradually destroys memory, reasoning, and the ability to function independently. It is the most common cause of dementia and, over time, often prevents a person from maintaining full-time employment or managing daily life without assistance. In Alzheimer’s disease, brain cells and Read More
Read MoreSocial Security Disability and Mental Illness
Social Security Disability and Mental Illness Mental illness should never be viewed as a moral failing, a crime, or a personal weakness. Psychological conditions affect people across every age group, profession, and socioeconomic level. When left untreated, however, serious mental illness can have devastating consequences—not only for the individual, but for society as a whole. Read More
Read More
We Wrote the Book
My Alabama Disability Claim by William Powell & Gregory Denny Click Here to Get Your Free Copy
-
5.0/5.0A++++++ got results and staff is friendly
-
5.0/5.0
A++++++ got results and staff is friendly
-
5.0/5.0
Persevering for 2-3 years to get my disability. Thank You.
-
5.0/5.0
Persevering for 2-3 years to get my disability. Thank You.
-
5.0/5.0William Powell is an excellent attorney and a leader in our local bar.
