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
Social Security Disability: Four Levels of Appeal
To appeal a denial of Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, you'll need to follow these instructions.
Social Security Disability: How SSDI and SSI Claims Are Decided
The five steps in the disability determination for SSDI or SSI benefit claims.
Social Security Disability: 8 Reasons You May Be Denied Benefits
Will your claim for SSDI or SSI disability benefits be denied?
Social Security Disability: Appealing Denied Claims
You may want to file a disability appeal if your application for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits has been denied.
Compassionate Allowances Get Expedited Disability Determinations
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides expedited processing for medical conditions that are listed in the "Compassionate Allowances List" (CAL).
Social Security Disability: Deciding Whether to Appeal a Denied Claim
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
Can You Get Social Security Disability Benefits if You Have Drug Addiction or Alcoholism?
A disability applicant recently asked "Why did Social Security deny me for using drugs/alcohol – I have relatives who got disability benefits for drug addiction/alcoholism." This question shows a misunderstanding of Social Security's stance on drug addiction and alcoholism on two counts. How Social
How to Get Your Doctor to Help With Your Social Security Disability Case
If you believe you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you need your doctor to support your claim for disability.
How Does an Addiction to Prescribed Narcotics Affect Disability Benefits?
Dependency on prescribed narcotics won't keep you from getting disability, assuming you have a severe medical impairment other than drug addiction.
How Drug or Alcohol Abuse Will Affect a Mental Disability Claim
Can disability applicants with mental disorders who abuse medication, drugs, or alcohol still get disability benefits? It depends.