Law Offices of Bruce Jackson

08/13/2026

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month

Because Gastroparesis is an "invisible illness," securing disability benefits can feel like an uphill battle. If severe digestive issues prevent you from working, here is how federal disability programs apply:

1.) SSDI & SSI Eligibility: Gastroparesis isn't a listed condition in the SSA's "Blue Book," but you can still qualify by proving your severe symptoms (chronic nausea, malnutrition, extreme fatigue) prevent you from doing any substantial gainful work.

2.) Medical Documentation Is Key: To build a strong claim for SSDI or SSI, you need consistent medical records—including gastric emptying studies, weight tracking, emergency room visits, and detailed doctor statements on your daily physical limits.

3.) Don't Give Up on Denials: A high percentage of initial claims are denied. Appealing through a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is often where claims are successfully won.

Struggling to get approved for SSDI or SSI for a chronic illness? Send us a direct message or call our office today for a free, confidential case evaluation.

08/13/2026

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

If your employer mandates vaccines, it's important to know your legal rights regarding religious exemptions under federal law (Title VII):

1.) Right to Request Accommodation: If a mandatory vaccine conflicts with your sincerely held religious beliefs, you have the right to request a reasonable alternative (e.g., remote work, masking, or regular testing).

2.) What Counts: Title VII covers both traditional and non-traditional religious beliefs. It does not protect personal political views, general medical preferences, or philosophical objections.

3.) Protection Against Retaliation: Employers can ask limited questions to verify your request, but it is illegal to demote, penalize, or fire you simply for asking for a religious accommodation in good faith.

Questions about workplace accommodations or your employment rights? Reach out to our team today to schedule a confidential consultation!

07/10/2026

07/10/2026

Many people with hemochromatosis need regular phlebotomy; sometimes weekly for months, then intermittently afterwards.

This could qualify as intermittent leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Remember: a legal right is useless if you don’t even know you have it.

07/01/2026

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month.

Sarcomas are rare cancers of bone or soft tissue that can strike children, teens, and adults. Because they are uncommon, diagnosis is sometimes delayed, and treatment is often aggressive — involving surgery (sometimes amputation or complex limb salvage), chemotherapy, and radiation.

The physical and functional toll can be significant and long-lasting: mobility limitations, chronic pain, severe fatigue, neuropathy, cognitive changes, and other treatment-related effects. These limitations can qualify individuals for Social Security Disability benefits (SSI for children; SSI or SSDI for adults) under the SSA’s cancer listings or through evaluation of residual functional capacity.

Children undergoing treatment frequently need educational supports under IDEA or Section 504 plans — homebound instruction, modified schedules, or counseling — to keep them on track academically.

If you or a loved one is facing a sarcoma diagnosis and wondering about disability benefits, school rights, workplace accommodations, or insurance advocacy during this challenging time, a consultation can help clarify available options. Every case is unique.

This is general information, not legal advice.

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07/01/2026

July is Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month.

Cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial conditions are among the most common birth differences, but their impact goes far beyond appearance. When these conditions significantly affect feeding, speech, hearing, breathing, or development, they can create qualifying disabilities for children.

Many families are surprised to learn that severe cases may qualify a child for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits through the Social Security Administration, which can also bring Medicaid in many states. The SSA looks at functional limitations — such as difficulty being understood due to structural speech issues (velopharyngeal insufficiency), chronic hearing problems from ear infections, feeding challenges, or developmental impacts — often evaluated through functional equivalence rather than a single listing.

Educational supports under IDEA or Section 504 (speech therapy, hearing accommodations, modified school activities, or homebound services during recovery) are also commonly needed.
If your family is navigating the medical journey and wondering about benefits, school rights, insurance appeals, or long-term planning, a consultation can help clarify options. Every situation is unique.

This is general information, not legal advice.

07/01/2026

July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month.

For many families, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is more than joint pain — it’s a chronic condition that can disrupt school, sleep, play, and daily life in profound ways. When JIA is severe, it may qualify a child for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits through the Social Security Administration, along with Medicaid in many states.

The SSA evaluates these cases under inflammatory arthritis criteria or through functional equivalence — looking at how the condition limits a child’s ability to function age-appropriately. School records showing frequent absences, difficulty participating in PE or recess, or the need for accommodations often play a key role.

If your child has JIA and you’re facing challenges with school, medical costs, or daily functioning, you don’t have to navigate this alone. A consultation can help clarify whether disability benefits or educational protections might be available.

Every child’s situation is unique. This is general information, not legal advice.

06/27/2026

Although advances have been made in treating HIV infection, it remains a serious problem and continues to disable hundreds of thousands of Americans.