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The Disability DIGEST
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October 2024
EXPEDITING YOUR CASE Strategies and Tactics to Beat the Waitlist
Call Your Congressional Representative One tactic we use to help expedite our clients’ cases is congressional inquiry. A congressional inquiry can be overwhelming for the SSA, and rather than face the ramifications of it, they will often yield and expedite your case. While this seems like an impossible tool to wield on your own behalf, with professional legal representation, it is an effective solution to your problem. Your elected officials have a vested interest in keeping their constituents happy — that’s what gets them reelected — and employ staff specifically to hear out and resolve issues the people they represent bring to them. These staffers are known as Constituent Services and are a key resource for getting your Social Security case heard. After all, Social Security is a key issue for many constituents, and they will happily intervene on your behalf if you know how to ask for it. The Shifting Landscape While this tactic has been especially effective lately, there is no guarantee it will work in the future. The SSA constantly adapts to different strategies that legal counsel employs on their client’s behalf. So, we are always looking for new strategies, approaches, and resources in our fight to secure the best possible legal outcomes for our clients. I will never stop seeking new remedies for my clients because many cannot afford to wait years for their Social Security benefits. This is a cause worth fighting for, and while I cannot guarantee I can expedite your case, what I can do is promise you I’ll do everything in my power to achieve that aim. If you want to learn more about how I can help you with your Social Security case, call 404-618-4816 for a free consultation.
No one enjoys being forced to endure a long wait, especially when what you are waiting for is critically important. Unfortunately, Social Security disability cases have a massive backlog, with many having to wait over a year just to have their case assigned to an adjudicator. However, having professional legal representation can help expedite the process in your favor. I can employ strategies and tactics that help bring your case in front of an adjudicator much more quickly than otherwise. Reason for the Backlog An adjudication officer, more commonly known as an adjudicator, can approve or disapprove Social Security benefits applications. In other words, if they don’t step in, these decisions do not get made. However, especially during COVID-19, many people left their roles as adjudicators, seeking employment elsewhere, creating a critical shortage of adjudicators and a long waitlist for Social Security benefits. While the SSA says they have hired new adjudicators to replace them, by their own admission, it takes up to two years to train them. It is up to attorneys like me to do whatever they can to expedite their clients’ cases to secure the benefits they deserve.
–Joel Thrift
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NEUROSCIENCE-BACKED TIPS FOR A SHARPER MIND Supercharge Your Memory
In today’s fast-paced world, having a sharp and reliable memory has become more critical than ever. Fortunately, recent advancements in neuroscience have revealed new techniques to help us improve our cognitive abilities and retain information more effectively. Here are four scientifically backed tips to transform your memory and unlock your full potential. Exercise your brain and body. Numerous studies have shown that regular physical exercise can profoundly impact cognitive function. When you engage in aerobic activities such as running, cycling, or swimming, you improve your cardiovascular health and stimulate the growth of the hippocampus — the area of the
brain responsible for learning and memory formation. Meditate for a sharper mind. Did you know mindfulness and meditation can improve your memory? Researchers have discovered that individuals who practice meditation regularly, even just a few minutes a day, exhibit increased brain volume in the hippocampus, resulting in enhanced memory performance. Nourish your brain with the right fuel. The saying “you are what you eat” is true for brain health. A diet rich in low-sugar, low-refined carbs and healthy protein and fat sources can support optimal cognitive function. These foods provide the building
blocks your brain needs to keep your memory sharp and thinking clear. Practice improves memory. Practicing regularly is one of the most effective ways to improve your memory. Whether memorizing song lyrics, reciting poetry, or even just trying to recall your daily tasks, the more you challenge your brain to store and retrieve information, the better it will become. So, what are you waiting for? Start exercising, meditating, fueling your brain, and practicing today — your future self will thank you.
Playing Cards and the Calendar
AN UNEXPECTED SYNCHRONICITY
The humble deck of playing cards has remained relevant in a world filled with digital screens and instant gratification. Beyond card games, however, these pocket-sized wonders have a captivating history. The Calendrical Connections As we explore the history of playing
deck’s components and the modern calendar. From the two primary colors representing day and night to the four suits corresponding to the four seasons, the parallels are uncannily precise. The Rhythmic Resonance of the Cards Dive deeper, and you’ll find the 13 card values, from Ace to King, align seamlessly with the 13 weeks in a quarter and the 13 lunar cycles. When you add the numeric values of all the cards, the total is 365 — the exact number of days in a year, with the addition of the Joker card representing the leap year. Behind the Mysteries of the Court Cards But the synchronicity doesn’t stop there. The 12 court cards, comprising the Kings,
Queens, and Jacks, mirror the 12 months of the calendar year, adding another layer of intrigue to the connection. Embracing the Timeless Allure of Playing Cards Whether this remarkable alignment is a coincidence or deliberate, the relationship between playing cards and the calendar is a fascinating and thought-provoking revelation. For ardent card enthusiasts, this knowledge adds another dimension to their hobby. Rediscovering playing cards can be a refreshing and enlightening experience in a world that often prioritizes the digital and the instant. So, the next time you find yourself shuffling a deck, take a moment to ponder the hidden secrets that lie within.
cards, we uncover the intricate relationship between a standard
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TAKE A BREAK
The Supreme Court Shakes Up the Administrative State
AUTUMN BOO CANDY COFFEE FOLIAGE
A Seismic Shift in the Balance of Power
In a landmark decision sure to reverberate across the nation, the Supreme Court has struck down the longstanding Chevron doctrine, a ruling that significantly curtails the power of federal agencies. This monumental shift in the legal landscape promises to have far-reaching implications, from environmental regulations to health care policies. The Chevron Doctrine Toppled For over four decades, the Chevron doctrine has been the bedrock of federal administrative law, granting agencies the authority to interpret ambiguous statutes they are tasked with enforcing. However, in a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court overturned this precedent, calling the doctrine “fundamentally misguided.” This decision marks a dramatic departure from the previous deference afforded to federal agencies, empowering the courts to rely on their own interpretation of the law. Implications Across the Spectrum Environmental regulations, health care costs, and economic policies are just a few domains that will face increased judicial scrutiny, as courts now have the authority to second-guess agency decisions. This shift could lead to more challenges to federal actions, potentially slowing the pace of regulatory changes and altering the balance of power between the branches of government. A Call for Vigilance and Engagement Citizens, businesses, and policymakers must closely monitor the implications of this landmark decision. Staying informed and engaged will be key as the courts grapple with the boundaries of federal agency authority. Only by remaining vigilant and actively participating in the process can we ensure the delicate balance of power is maintained and that people’s needs are effectively addressed. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and its companion case, Relentless, Inc. v. Department of Commerce , has sent shockwaves through the administrative state, fundamentally reshaping the relationship between federal agencies and the courts. This seismic shift will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences, and it is up to all of us to stay informed, engaged, and ready to navigate the evolving legal landscape.
GHOST GOURD MOON SPOOKY SOUP TAILGATE TOUCHDOWN
Ultimate Baked Ziti
Loaded with rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this is a family favorite perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
• 1 (16 oz) package of dried ziti pasta • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14 oz) can
diced tomatoes • 1 cup ricotta cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. Cook ziti according to package instructions. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onion and garlic until softened. 4. Add marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. 5. Stir in the cooked ziti and season with salt and pepper. 6. Transfer mixture to baking dish. 7. Top with ricotta and mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
How I Fight to Expedite Your Case
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Neuroscience-Inspired Strategies for a Sharper Mind
The Secrets of the Deck
Ultimate Baked Ziti
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Supreme Court Upends Federal Agency Power
4 Tracing the Court Jester’s Origins Medieval Mischief-Makers THE ANTICS OF COURT JESTERS
Jesters: Entertainers and Advisors While the jester’s primary role was to entertain royalty through stories, music, acrobatics, and flatulence, they were also often highly intelligent advisors. Jesters could critique political decisions and social norms under the guise of humor, providing valuable feedback to the nobility. They even accompanied soldiers to the battlefield, distracting the enemy and delivering dangerous messages. The Evolving Jester By the 17th century, as live theater was booming, jesters began transitioning from court entertainers to professional actors and comedians. Figures like Richard Tarlton, the beloved jester of Queen Elizabeth I, became renowned performers in their own right. As jesters found fame outside the court, they paved
When we think of court jesters, we often picture colorfully clad figures in pointed hats dancing and jesting for the entertainment of royalty. However, these medieval performers’ roles and responsibilities were far more complex than today’s caricatures. The Origins of Court Jesters We can trace the court jester’s roots to the comedic actors of ancient Rome. As the Roman Empire cracked down on these outspoken performers, many became traveling entertainers, sowing the seeds for the Middle Ages and Renaissance court jesters. Historical references to these “fools” became more common between the 12th and 15th centuries, with the term “jester” gaining popularity in 15th and 16th centuries.
the way for generations of comedians, satirists, and performance artists. Though the court jester institution largely died out by the 18th century, the legacy of these multifaceted performers lives on. From Shakespearean fools to modern stand-up comedians, the spirit of the court jester continues to entertain, provoke, and enlighten audiences. So, the next time you see a fool in a pointy hat, remember the rich history and complexity behind this enduring archetype.
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