Livingston Reporting - page 335

Emergency Restoration Services To The Rescue

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The last thing needed after a fire has ravaged a homeowner’s dwelling is to enter into negotiations with the insurance company.  However that is what every homeowner in this situation faces.  When making an insurance claim, in order to begin the fire restoration procedure, individuals enter into contract negotiations with their insurance company.

It is up to the homeowner to represent the value of the dwelling and personal property involved in the fire.  It is up to the insurance company to negotiate a damage claim on the home and personal property without overvaluing the loss.  Is it possible that a homeowner going through this personal strife can handle this on their own or is it wise to have a professional in to negotiate on their behalf?

It is obvious; the homeowner should seek out advice for a professional restoration service company.  With the help and guidance of a company that handles situations such as fire damage, water damage and storm damage a homeowners rights and best interest will be represented.   Every piece of damage to the structure and personal property is examined and gone through to determine if it can be repaired or if it will need to be replaced.

Problems arise all of the time when belongings are only part damaged or the damage is not visible to the naked eye.  In these situations insurance agents often want to repair the good rather than replace it to try and save some money in the contract negotiation.   The problem with this is instances when the repair turns out not to be sufficient enough to fix to the issue.  An example of this is when a fire has left smoke damage and such on rafter beams.

If an insurance agent tries to save money by repairing the issue with an odor sealant, such as Kilz, and the problem is merely masked the problem is still there for the homeowner to deal with at a later date.  Professional restoration companies will negotiate with insurance companies to offer up a better solution to issues within the home rather than masking them for later headaches to the homeowner.

Another issue that is seen a lot in restoration is hardwood floors damaged by water and smoke.  Often the insurer recommends that the floor be sanded and resealed.  This however is a mask to the underlying future issue which is buckling caused by the water used to put out a fire.  Emergency restoration services know that really a floor expert needs to come in and evaluate the extent of the flooring damage.  In some instances sanding and resealing will be fine but others will find out that in sanding the floor thickness will be compromised and therefore it is better for the floor to be redone.   Without a professional to represent a homeowner many insurance companies will look to prevail by offering up any excuse to why a repair is fine even in situations where it is clear replacement is a better option for the homeowner.

Another area that is in constant debate is the need for new air ducts after a fire.  Many companies claim that cleaning the residue is good enough.  This is however untrue and air quality will forever be compromised.  Smoke from a fire is full of harmful toxins that will cause damage to a respiratory system.  Is this a risk as a homeowner that should be taken for an insurance company to save a few bucks?

Emergency professional restoration companies can offer advice to homeowners going through crisis situations such as fire restoration and water removal.  These are the same people that will guide you towards professional representation be it through a lawyer or restoration company to help a homeowner fight to have their home back in like kind and quality.

Go Maher

Carpet Cleaning Methods Old And New

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When you go to a home improvement store, grocery store or any old regular hardware store what is the first thing you see sitting next to the cash registers?  It may come to you as a shock but the truth is you see carpet shampooers.  As hard as this may be to believe some rental stores actually think that the equipment and supplies they sell will clean your carpets without damage.  However, the truth is that there are many ways to clean carpet but only one way that insures your individualized carpets needs are being met and that is by hiring a professional carpet cleaner.

When carpet cleaning is needed there are many things that go into deciding what method is the best to use on your carpet.  A professional will evaluate the carpet based on criteria such as; the condition of the carpet, the level of staining and dirt within the carpet, how big the area that needs to be cleaned, time constraints and how quickly the carpet needs to be dried and back in working order for the homeowner.

When looking at the method of carpet cleaning needed for you flooring remember also that different methods involve a greater skill set than others.  This is an important piece of information when hiring an individual or company to come out and clean your carpets.  Shampooing and bonnet cleaning require extra care and should only be done by a professional with proven results.  This is why it is so important to determine the method in which your carpets need to be cleaned and finding a professional, with references, to do it.

Reduced moisture carpet cleaning methods are prevalent throughout the business.  As with any cleaning service needed within your home there are pros and cons.  Below are some of methods that involve low moisture methods of carpet cleaning along with conditions in which they are used and the benefits and drawbacks involved with each of them.

The driest method of carpet cleaning is the absorbent dry compound method.  This involves absolutely no moisture.  Dry cleaning solvents and detergents are sprinkled on the carpet.  After about thirty minutes the cleaning agents will start to dissolve the oils within the carpet fibers which will free the soil allowing it to be vacuumed up along with the excess detergents and solvents.   This method comes in handy with school and business carpeting where dry time is limited.   Results vary with this method however the benefit of no water use allows dry time to be nil.

Foam is also a technique that involves very little moisture as well.  Over-wetting is unlikely to happen with this method.  Foam is produced and distributed onto the carpet through a machine that combines the solution and air.  The equipment brushes it into the carpet and then is extracted out along with the built up dirt and grime.  The only issue that arises from this method is that occasionally the machine produces such little moisture that some of the foam may not come out.  This causes issues with cleaning later on down the road.

Bonnet cleaning is done with an absorbent pad attached to a rotating machine. The detergent solution is sprayed onto the carpet or the rotating pad is saturated with the solution and then moved throughout the floor.  The oils, dirt and filth are removed by adhering to the pad.  The carpet cleaning is finished by thoroughly vacuuming.

Another method used is shampoo and extraction.  This method can cause the big issues so needs to be done by a professional specifically trained in the technique.  The shampoo solution is released into the carpet and the rotary brush on the equipment moves it deep into the carpet to remove stains and then is extracted with high powered suction equipment.  This method leaves the carpet deodorized, clean and bright.

Hot water extraction is the most common cleaning method for carpet used today.  This involves pre-spraying the carpet which loosens the soil with how water and solution the extracting it through a high powered piece of suction equipment.  This method involves releasing water into the carpet which can also lead to problems.  Make sure that thorough drying happens with this process so that you can avoid carpet shrinkage or delaminating carpet.  Both problems are only resolved with the purchase new carpet which we all know is out of the budget for most people.

Cleaning carpet should be left to the professionals.  The carpet cleaners at stores are not as high powered as the ones professional carpet cleaners use.  Your carpet will be cleaner and in better shape, without water and soap residue, if someone who knows what they are doing cleans your carpet. Your carpet will thank you by lasting for years to come.

Saniglow

Common Issues Arising In Bathroom Remodels

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Bathroom remodels are more work than just some paint and a little bit of tile.  If considering a bathroom remodel put the extra time and money into doing a thorough job and completely gutting the bathroom back to square one.  This will allow you to uncover issues that have been hidden and deal with them head on.  The stuff that has been hidden surprises most homeowners. Thankfully professional bathroom remodeling companies are familiar with what can be uncovered.  A complete, flawless bathroom that functions with zero problems will add not only ascetic value to your home but monetary value as well.

Many common issues with bathroom remodeling are due to two causes; one being incompetent workers and two being moisture.  If a homeowner is choosing to move forth with bathroom remodeling on their own there are some things to watch for and correct before a project should be continued.  Some issues are obvious while others are inconspicuous.

The first issue that can happen is with the framing of the floor.  Unfortunately it is common to find floor joists in bathrooms that have been notched by plumbers.  This will leave the floor weak.  If the subfloor is not strong eventually the new floor will crack under the pressure.

Another issue that can occur is plumbing becomes old and corroded.  If this is seen it should be taken care of immediately during the renovation.  This will make it easier in the long run.  Updating cast iron, galvanized drain lines and copper supply lines can easily be updated when the walls and flooring are torn up.

It seems that those tub surround and bathroom tiles only recently became required to have a waterproof installation.  What many bathroom remodeling companies find when tearing apart older bathrooms is that regular dry wall has been put in place behind tub surrounds.   If proper waterproofing techniques are not used in bathroom remodeling water vapors will occur causing leaks and deterioration.

With any type of moisture build up comes the nuisance mold.  Very few bathrooms are remodeled without the presences of mold.  Many reasons can cause this from lack of waterproof material used behind tub surrounds to inefficient ventilation.  Daily moisture build up makes bathroom a likely place for mold issue to develop.  It is pertinent that proper ventilation is installed in the bathroom remodel.

Another common issue is vents that are hooked up and running yet not properly vented.  Vents that are run without proper duct work leading to the outside cause’s huge issues involving mold in attics and/or basement areas.  When an inspection is done on a new home or a home that is being purchased this is something all inspectors know to look for.  When the bathroom remodel is under way this is usually simple to fix with proper duct work.

The same applies to plumbing fixtures.  It is important that homeowners to take the time to determine where the plumbing is all vented and to make sure that it is up to code and properly working.  Doing a major bathroom renovation will help homeowner’s spot issues to be resolved and will stop small issues from accumulating into something larger down the road.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Automatic Gates Helping To Create A Safer Society

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Homeowners are choosing to purchase automatic gates more frequently than ever before.  This is because of the security and extra protection for their families and because they have become an affordable, convenient option in home security.  The variety of automatic fences available makes it easy for all homeowners to find a style that works with their landscape and homes style.

Options start right out of gate with an automatic gate purchase.  The first decision to be made is whether a swing gate or a slide gate is best for the driveway and space provided.  Both options offer the security of an access controlled system which restricts entry and exit to the premises.  One great feature with automatic gates is that strangers don’t get in and little kid and pets don’t get out.  Both also offer options in regards to power also.  Homeowner’s can choose solar panels, batteries and hard wiring options.

Automatic gates offer up three major home advantages; seclusion, safety and convenience.

1)      Seclusion:  This is such an important piece to an automatic gate.  Controlling who is able to gain access into your home space.  Fences and gate systems keep undesirable people out.  Another piece of the puzzle is the importance of the intercom system.  This allows the homeowner to identify visitors before entry is granted.

2)      Safety:  As mentioned before automatic gates allow homeowners to control entry and exit.  This is so important in helping children and pets learn boundaries without the severe consequences surrounding traffic and other elements of danger that can create beyond repairable harm.  Another great thing about fencing and gate systems is the variety of options.  This being said the taller the fence the less likely someone is to climb over it to gain access to the home.

3)      Convenience:  Automatic gates offer the solution to who will be the responsible person to open the gate in a rain storm.  Electric gates use a variety of methods to allow entrance.  Some of the many are access control systems such as key pads, card readers, remote control and sensors that read sensors placed within vehicles that send signals for entry.

Another feature that is great is the ability to keep unauthorized vehicles from using the driveway as a turn around.  As well as the advantage of keeping out pesky critters that live in the wild or those right in the neighborhood.  It sure would help with that neighbor dog that is never watched and allowed to roam around the neighborhood without guidance or a watchful eye.  That dog inevitably is the one to spew the trash from one end of the sub to the other.

Another thing many homeowners don’t think about is the decrease in insurance rates that a home fence and gate system allow for.  That’s an extra bonus.  The fence may eventually pay for itself.  Although truth be told it will pay for itself from the very beginning with extra piece of mind, increased value to the property and the convenience the automatic gate offers.

SAC Fence

Evolving Yard Space To Accommodate Handicapped Ramps

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Handicapped ramps need some for thought when it comes to placement and how it will affect the surrounding use of space.  Not only is landscaping affected, the aesthetics of the home but also the use of space within the yard.  It is optimal to build a handicapped ramp in a location that will have the least impact on the usable space within a yard.  Kids and adults alike use the yard space for recreation and for this reason it is best to build the ramp with these thoughts in mind.

When planning space within the entrance area of the home it is important to think about a design that encompasses the current style and landscape of the home.  If a home is very modern and has a contemporary flair you might be able to blend a metal ramp into the porch design and landscape.  However, if the home is classic or country in style a metal handicapped ramp will look out of place and a wooden one would prove to be a better option.  The nicest feature about wooden ramps is that they are stainable and will easily match or blend into décor that is in place already.

The landing of a ramp is also important and should be designed as a square or rectangle.  The ramp way should intersect with the landing head-on.  It is important for the wheelchair user to have an approach, landing, that is head on and perpendicular so that the intersection is flat.  If a wheelchair hits the landing without both wheels entering the ramps at the same time the person using the wheelchair’s safety could be compromised.  Both wheels need to pass over the landing at the same time to promote the safest entrance and exit possible.  If the exit/entrance is angles this will cause an imbalance and could potentially cause the chair to tip.

Joints within a wheelchair ramp should also be constructed with the utmost care. When joining to areas of a ramp it is important to also make the union balanced.  Never should the landing be angled.  This could be incredibly tricky if the ramp that is being built is on more than a ninety degree angle.  The landing for the ramp at the union will need to be big enough for the wheelchair user to position them to take the intersecting landing straight on.  The turning direction of a wheelchair is forty eight inches and should be considered when building the ramp and landings.

The process of putting in a handicap ramp is not one that should be taken lightly.  There are many factors to consider when looking into the materials, size and style ramp that would best suit the home and need.  Figuring out the space accommodations is only one piece of the puzzle to figure in before the installation process begins.  It is best to consider a professional handicap ramp installer for structures that are to be a permanent fixture to the home.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

It Is Time For The Carpet Cleaner To Visit

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When is the best time for your carpets to be cleaned?  This question is hard to give a precise answer to because it depends on a number of factors.  How soiled is the carpet? Do you have a household of four or a household of eight? Do you allow shoes to be worn in the house?  Is the carpet light in color or dark?  The main objective in having a carpet cleaner in to do your carpets is to get them clean before any irreversible damage has been done. It will be a much better job and easier too if carpet is cleaned before becoming overly soiled.  This would be about twelve to eighteen months for family of four with normal activities going on in the house.

Many budget conscience families are worried about the extra expense that professional carpet cleaners add on to already tight budgets.  This leads them into trying to clean the carpet themselves with a rented machine and chemical solutions from a local home improvement store.  This option is not a viable one and should be reconsidered.  What ends up happening when homeowners attack this job on their own is carpet can become damaged because the homeowner is not familiar with proper techniques and the equipment is not appropriate for the job.

Problems such as fading, change in color, saturation of chemicals and water, shrinkage and fiber damage are all issues that carpets can faced if improperly cleaned.  A professional carpet cleaner will come out to the home before the job is to be done.  Upon this initial contact with the carpet they will inspect it, find out the homeowners expectations, give an estimate on the carpet cleaning technique they recommend and schedule a time to come out and clean the carpet.  It is unwise to have a company come out and clean the carpeting without a detailed review of the type of carpet, the homeowners’ expectations and a quote stating what is involved along with papers of insurance.

Different methods of carpet cleaning work better on different types of carpet.  For instance the absorbent pad method is ideal for short Berber carpet or carpet used within offices and schools.  This is true because dry time is not involved and the carpet can be used again immediately but also the type of carpet is shallow so the dirt does not have as far to settle in.

Frieze and plush carpets however are better cleaned through the hot water extraction method which gives carpet a deep cleaning.  Carpet cleaners come into the house and pre-treat existing stains on the carpet.  Then for a deep cleaning a fine spray of hot water is applied to the carpet.  This forces the dirt out of the carpet which is then sucked into the machine and a spray of cleaning solution and water is applied and immediately sucked up into the equipments holding tank. Carpet cleaners use various types of equipment so one may use a hand held all in one machine while another has long hoses attached to holding tanks inside the vehicle.  The high temperature water also helps to decrease the amount of drying time necessary.  With this method homeowners will want to place fans for maximum air flow until the carpets are thoroughly dried.

The answer to when a homeowners carpets need to be cleaned is actually simple…when it needs it. Carpet kept clean and free of dirt build up will last well beyond the manufactures warranty.  After the holidays and the traffic has cleared right before spring cleaning is an ideal time however many people have their homes open to family during the holiday season so maybe after the kids go back to school carpet cleaning is something to look into.

Saniglow

Hiring Professional Carpet Cleaners

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Hiring a professional carpet cleaner is a monumental task.  At some point this is a job homeowners with carpet flooring will have to tackle.  At what point does this become important?  If a homeowner finds themselves fighting daily with dingy carpet it is time to call in the professionals. A deep cleaning is recommended every twelve to eighteen months.  Many homeowners try to tackle it themselves with very little success.  Carpet cleaning is an issue that should be dealt with by a professional to ensure a quality job is done each and every time.

How does a homeowner go about finding a professional carpet cleaner in their area that is highly qualified and budget reasonable?  There are a few tips to live by when letting any “professional” into your home. As with anyone care should be taken to make sure a licensed, trained, qualified technician cleans the carpet.  The first thing to watch for is a technician who calls the house without any advanced contact from you.  Any company that contacts you and adversities a one price fits all service.  Professional, trained, licensed and insured carpet cleaners will charge based on total area clean and the method used.

Also just because a professional carpet cleaner comes out and claims to use name brand products remember the credibility does not stand from the product used but by the services rendered.  More importantly than the name brand products and chemicals used is the certifications help by the professional carpet cleaner.

When interviewing potential professional carpet cleaners it is best to invite them out.  Most cleaners offer a free quote.  During this time is the perfect time to pick him for information.  One thing to ask would be how long that the business has been in service.  This will give an idea if a reputation, good or bad, has been built within the community.  This is easily scoped out by calling references and talking with the chamber of commerce in your area.

Another thing that you will want to find out is if the technician that is at the house to do the quote will also be the one servicing the carpet.  Find out what type of training the technicians are sent through.  It is important to ask if they will vacuum the carpet.  All professional carpet cleaning service companies that provide reputable service will provide a thorough vacuuming job on the carpet before cleaning is started.

The lowest quote is not always the best quote.  It is important that research is done, qualifications are looked at and the credentials examined before service is performed.   It is important that homeowners make sure to show the professional carpet cleaner areas, spots and pet stains that need extra attention.  It is important that homeowners wait for the carpet to dry completely before walking on it or putting furniture back on to avoid staining.

Saniglow

Basics On Computer Repairs

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Computer repair is tricky.  Sometimes hardware failure within a computer can happen and the computer can still run.  When this happens it is still very important to fix the issue promptly.  If hardware repairs go undone the unfixed issue is most likely going to cause further issues down the road.   There are many hardware issues that a computer can have diagnosis them is something that will take a bit of detective work.

What happens if all of a sudden the mouse and/or keyboard to your computer stop working?  The first thing that should be tried is unplugging the units and plugging them back in to the machine and then reboot the computer.  If the keyboard or mouse is wireless try to reinstall fresh batteries and make sure to reconnect to the central unit via pressing the reset button on the mouse and keyboard.

The same thing can happen with your monitor.  If the screen is blank and nothing is coming up check to make sure the connections are plugged in.  It is more common to have a connection wiggle loose than one would think.  That is why it is very important before getting upset and running to the computer repair shop that all the connections are looked at.  However, on your screen if it is just blank in spots what is happening is that the pixels are dying.  In this case you can either repair the monitor or replace it.

What happens if the computer has decided it needs a day off and does not turn on all together?  This is tricky.  First look to make sure that the modem is on and what colors that the modem is flashing.  For instance an orangey-reddish light is blinking this means that there is a battery issue.  With a blinking light that is greenish-yellow the computer is on standby and is waiting for direction.  However if the light is solid not blinking and the orangey-reddish color the data on the computer is not being processed and there could be an issue with the central processing unit or the mother board could be having issues.  In this case the wisest thing to do is unplug the tower and take it in to a computer repair shop.

If you notice a loud noise coming from the fan it could be that is has a build-up of dust or that it is not properly functioning.  This is actually an incredibly important part of the computer as it cools off the inside workings.  If the computer is allowed to overheat it can possibly ruin other parts of the computer.  The best option is to take the computer in to a local computer repair shop and ask for the computer to be tuned up.  This process allows the technician to go through and thoroughly clean out the inside of the computer case.  A tune up usually offers an update to the computers security and goes through and cleans up unused programs that have found their way on to the desktop of the computer.   As with a car a tune up is one of the best things to be done to your computer to keep it running well and error free.

Creative Programs and Systems

Lessing The Home Maintenance Load

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Who can help with the overwhelming amount of home repairs that need to be done around the house?  Sure isn’t a spouse who is working full time, coaching kid’s activities, involved in the PTO or one that would like to put a hot meal on the table at night.  Homes need a great deal of maintaining and often times there is  a shortage when it comes to the time involved in doing the little things that need to be done.  This is when the help of a handyman service company comes in handy.

Believe it or not there are many other benefits to hiring a handyman other than extra time spent with the family.  That may be the most important but certainly not the only.  It is important when looking for handyman services in the local area that you call upon friends and family members for a referral.   It will bring more comfort trusting your home maintenance to a handyman that comes from within a trusted circle.

Professional handymen are experienced in many different fields of home improvement. The first major benefit of a handyman is that no matter the size of the list they are prepared for it.  They are also prepared for the many different hats they will wear when working throughout the home.  If there is something that they don’t feel is within their realm they will know a professional specialist such as a plumber or electrician to recommend for the job.

The biggest benefit to hiring handyman services is that no job is too big or too small for them to handle.  Most of the time if a professional contractor is called upon they will not take the job unless it is bigger and worth more of a financial gain to them.  Where as a professional handyman will come out to install the privacy fence or caulk the tub.  The size of the job does not matter to them as they are able to charge per job or by the hour depending on the handyman hired.

When you do hire a handyman to come out it will be amazing how much money that is saved in comparison to hiring a larger contractor.  The savings from the multiple trips to the store if the homeowner chooses to attempt the repair on their own will be seen in just one visit from a handyman.

Whether a spouse is in the service, gone on business, working a lot or would like to spend time at home doing quality activities with the kids hiring someone to deal with routine maintenance of the home is well worth the expense.  It may cost a bit but soon the savings will be realized by the small jobs not turning into major situations.  It is funny that way.  When you fix a leak in the showerhead when it first begins rather than letting it fester money is saved.  That small leak can turn into mold growth behind the tiles and then a homeowner is looking at a bathroom remodel.  Putting out a small amount of money on handyman services will save the household money in the long run.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Persistence Pays In Social Security Disability

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Everyone thinks their future is secure because they have a good chunk of change in the bank and the pension they have been promised is wonderful.  However, one event can totally change the course of the future.  What happens if all of a sudden one day you can no longer work?  What do you do is one day a sudden impairment causes you to no longer do what you want to and your whole day is ran by managing the pain you are living with.  Things happen that enable us from continue on working.  Then what?  The answer is social security disability benefits.

The social security disability program offers the permanently disabled to receive cash  payments from a social security fund in which every working person adds to with prior income deductions.  It also gives them the ability to get benefits for medical care and even supplemental security income.

In order to apply for social security disability a process is followed to make sure the candidates qualify for the aid.  First, you will meet with a representative that will talk with you to determine your disability.  With this they will look into your medical history including doctors, surgeries, treatments and medicine that you have taken. You will also need to provide previous employment history for at least the last fifteen years.

Along with this proof of citizenship is required as well as documentation of personal information and benefit programs you are involved in.  You are also required to be insured in the work program as it will be considered in computing your monthly payment.

Getting started is simple.  That’s the only part that is.  Within the application process you will obtain a kit containing everything you need to start processing your social security disability claim.   This kit contains three important items a factsheet, a checklist and a worksheet.  Each sheet serves a different purpose.  The fact sheet is basically the frequently asked questions of the program.  The checklist allows you to prepare for the interview with a list of exactly what is needed for a complete interview. The worksheet shows examples of questions that will be asked so that you are prepared in your interview with appropriate answers.

Be prepared to be denied.  A larger percentage of initial claims are denied.  It is important to be prepared and look into hiring a lawyer for an appeal.  A lawyer will know exactly what proof, information and requirements that social security requires one to show to prove they are disabled.  They also represent you in court.

The next step is scheduling the to meet with the disability representative.  They go through your case as mentioned above. And then pass the case onto a caseworker from the administration.  Usually within three months they will admit receipt and in six months you should have a response to your case.

If the case is denied there are several places to turn so don’t give up.  An attorney will help go through all of this with you also.  The first thing is to ask for reconsideration using another decision maker within the social security administration.  Most often the claim will still be denied but it is worth a shot.  Next request an administrative hearing. The proceedings are done inform of an administrative law judge.  More than half of recorded appeals that take this next step are decided in favor of the beneficiaries.   The U.S. Federal District Court also has a high approval rate.

It is possible to get social security disability.  It may take some time and effort but persistence will pay off.  If you are unable to work all you have is time to maneuver through the system.  Previous track records show that persistence pays off.

Wutz Seifert