In this remastered Social Security Disability Q&A episode originally published on September 26, 2013, Tony Reeves discusses how retirement pay may affect Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

A viewer asks whether receiving a pension and service-connected VA disability benefits will interfere with filing for SSDI or reduce the amount received after approval. Tony breaks down the difference between VA disability benefits, private retirement pay, and government pensions, explaining why the source of the retirement income matters. 

This episode offers a practical overview for anyone trying to understand how pension income, government retirement benefits, and SSDI may interact. 

Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and does not replace legal advice for your individual situation.

In this remastered Social Security Disability Today Q&A episode, originally published on December 28, 2013, Tony Reeves revisits an important question for disability claimants and beneficiaries: Do you have the right to be your own payee?

Tony breaks down what a representative payee is, why Social Security may assign one, and what factors may raise concerns about a person’s ability to manage their own disability or SSI benefits. He also explains that needing a payee is not always permanent, and that individuals may have the opportunity to show Social Security they can manage their own financial affairs.

This episode is a practical, plain-language explanation for anyone trying to understand how Social Security views benefit management, financial independence, and representative payee decisions. 

Remastered from the original December 28, 2013 Q&A video.

In this remastered episode of Q&A Social Security Disability Today, originally published on November 4, 2012, Attorney Anthony Reeves answers a question about Continuing Disability Reviews and bipolar disorder.

The key point: Social Security is not focused only on the name of your condition. Whether the diagnosis is bipolar disorder or another medical or mental health condition, the main question during a Continuing Disability Review is whether your condition has improved enough for you to return to work.
Attorney Reeves explains why ongoing treatment matters, how Social Security compares your current medical condition to your condition at the time you were found disabled, and why mental health conditions can be especially complicated because symptoms may fluctuate over time.

This remastered Q&A is part of the Social Security Disability Today archive and is provided for educational purposes. 

Original publish date: November 4, 2012
Remastered release: May 24, 2026

In this remastered episode of Q&A Social Security Disability Today, originally published on March 20, 2013, Attorney Anthony Reeves answers a question that can catch disability claimants completely off guard:

Can the Appeals Council overturn a fully favorable Social Security disability decision?

Tony explains how the Appeals Council operates, why it may review an Administrative Law Judge’s favorable decision on its own, and what can happen if the case is sent back for further review. He also breaks down the risk of benefits being stopped, the possibility of repayment, and why it is important to understand the specific issue the Appeals Council identified. 

Remastered Date: May 18, 2026

This episode is part of the remastered Q&A Social Security Disability Today archive and is intended for educational and informational purposes. Because disability procedures can change over time, listeners should seek updated guidance for their individual situation.

Originally published on January 10, 2013, this remastered episode of Q&A Social Security Disability Today addresses an important question that continues to concern many disability claimants:

Is there a bias against individuals with mental health conditions in the Social Security Disability process?

In this episode, Attorney Anthony Reeves explains why Social Security does not evaluate disability claims based on appearances or public opinion. Instead, the agency focuses on medical evidence, treatment history, medications, hospitalizations, and testimony from the claimant and others who know them.

Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric illnesses can be just as disabling as physical impairments—even when the symptoms are not immediately visible to others.

Topics discussed include:
- How Social Security evaluates mental health claims
- Why medical treatment records are critical
- The role of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists
- Substance use and its impact on disability cases
- Why invisible illnesses should be taken seriously

If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits based on a mental health condition, this remastered archival episode provides timeless guidance and reassurance.
Originally Published: January 10, 2013
Remastered and Re-Released: May 10, 2026
Attorney Anthony Reeves
Q&A Social Security Disability Today


#SocialSecurityDisability #MentalHealthDisability #SSDI #SSI #Depression #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #Schizophrenia #InvisibleDisabilities #AttorneyAnthonyReeves #DisabilityLaw

This is a remastered version of a classic Q&A from Q&A Social Security Disability Today, originally published on June 16, 2012, featuring Attorney Anthony Reeves. One of the most common questions in the disability process is:

👉 “How long will my appeal take before I receive a decision?” In this video, I break down the real truth behind Social Security Disability appeal timelines—something many claimants struggle to understand.

⚖️ Key Insights Covered:

• Why there is NO required timeline for Social Security to issue a decision  
• What your representative really means when they say “we have to wait”  
• Typical wait times at each level:
  • Initial / Local Office: ~2–6 months  
  • Hearing Level: ~1 year or more  
  • Appeals Council: ~1–2 years  
• Why switching representatives won’t speed up your case
• How case volume and system structure impact delays
• What happens when your case becomes significantly delayed

💡 If you’ve ever felt like your case is taking too long or that no one is giving you a straight answer—this video explains why that is the reality of the system.

This is a remastered edition of a classic Q&A from Q&A: Social Security Disability Today, originally published on June 1, 2012. In this episode, Attorney Anthony Reeves breaks down a common and important question:

👉 Will going back to school affect your Social Security Disability benefits? The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no—it depends on your circumstances. In this discussion, you’ll learn:

• How Social Security evaluates daily activities when determining disability
• Why going to school does NOT automatically disqualify you
• The key factors that can impact your case, including:
  • Full-time vs. part-time enrollment
  • Academic performance (A’s, B’s, etc.)
  • Use of accommodations, tutors, or extended time
  • Online vs. in-person learning
  • Consistency with your claimed limitations

⚖️ The critical takeaway:
Social Security doesn’t just look at what you’re doing—they look at how and under what conditions you’re doing it. If you’re applying for benefits or already receiving them, understanding how to explain your circumstances clearly can make a significant difference in your case.

This is a REMASTERED episode originally released on June 17, 2023.

In this discussion, we unpack two important Social Security Disability topics:
• Does moving to another state affect your benefits?
• Why does a judge sometimes say your testimony isn’t credible?

While Social Security is a federal system, SSI cases require close attention to changes in living arrangements and financial support. Even small differences can impact your benefits. 

We also take a deeper look at credibility determinations — one of the most misunderstood parts of a disability hearing. A judge questioning your credibility does not automatically mean they think you’re lying. Often, it comes down to how your statements align (or don’t) with medical records and prior reports.  

If you’ve ever felt like your story wasn’t fully understood, this episode provides critical perspective.

REMASTERED EPISODE (Originally released August 5, 2013) 

One of the most frustrating things you can hear in a Social Security Disability case is that you’re “not credible.” But what does that actually mean—and why does it happen?

In this remastered episode, I break down how judges evaluate credibility and why your daily activities, statements, and level of detail can make or break your case. 
You’ll learn:

• How judges compare what you say with what you do
• Why vague answers can work against you
• How everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, or grocery shopping are interpreted
• Why being specific about your limitations is critical

Many claimants unintentionally hurt their case by oversimplifying their answers. This episode walks you through how to better explain your reality so it aligns with the legal standards used in disability hearings.
This is a remastered version of a Q&A originally published on August 5, 2013, updated for clarity while preserving the original insights.

Originally published on December 27, 2013, this remastered episode of Q&A: Social Security Disability Today breaks down a question that catches many claimants off guard:
Why would a judge get upset over handwritten notes on medical records?
In this episode, I explain what’s really happening from the judge’s perspective—and why something that seems helpful can actually hurt your case.
We discuss:

• Why judges expect clean, unaltered medical evidence
• How handwritten notes can create confusion or credibility issues
• What representatives and claimants should do instead
• Real-world insight from inside the hearing process

As highlighted in the original discussion, adding notes—even with good intentions—can interfere with how evidence is interpreted and may frustrate the decision-maker. 



💡  Key Insight

Your medical records should speak for themselves. Let your argument be made through proper legal presentation—not handwritten commentary.



🔗  Next Steps

If you found this episode helpful:

• Follow the podcast for more Social Security Disability insights
• Visit my store for guides that break down the disability process
• Share this episode with someone preparing for a hearing