David A. Morton has degrees in psychology (B.A.) and medicine (M.D.). For 14 years, he was a disability determination consultant for the Social Security Administration, serving as Chief Medical Consultant for eight years. In his capacity as Chief Medical Consultant, Dr. Morton hired, trained, supervised, and evaluated the work of medical doctors and clinical psychologists, and made thousands of disability determinations for both adults and children.
Since 1983, Dr. Morton has authored several books on Social Security disability for attorneys and judges, including Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability.
Articles By David A. Morton III
Learn how to ask your doctor for help in a way that will support your claim.
How to tell whether your claim for SSDI or SSI disability benefits will be denied or approved.
You may want to file a disability appeal if your application for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits has been denied.
To appeal a denial of Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, you'll need to follow these instructions.
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) decides that you are not eligible for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, that your current benefits will end, or that the amount of your payment
You can't get disability for substance use disorder alone, but Social Security can't penalize you by denying you disability benefits for abusing drugs or alcohol.
The five steps in the disability determination for SSDI or SSI benefit claims.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides expedited processing for medical conditions that are listed in the "Compassionate Allowances List" (CAL).
Can disability applicants with mental disorders who abuse medication, drugs, or alcohol still get disability benefits? It depends.