When an illness or injury robs you of your ability to work and earn a living, the financial impacts can be devastating. For many, Social Security Disability benefits are a crucial lifeline – but actually getting approved can be an uphill battle.
Having a Woodlands Social Security Disability lawyer in your corner from the start gives you a powerful advantage. A Woodlands disability attorney knows what medical evidence is required, how to comply with rules and regulations, and what it takes to build a strong claim file positioning you for approval.
Don’t go it alone when your financial security is at stake. With over 30 years of experience, Marc Whitehead & Associates can get you the benefits you’ve worked so hard for and rightfully deserve.
How We Can Help if Your Disability Claim Was Wrongfully Denied
Getting denied Social Security Disability benefits is extremely frustrating, but it is important that you don’t give up because you have options. Our experienced legal team can:
- Request a reconsideration of the initial denial
- Represent you at a Social Security Disability appeal hearing before an administrative law judge
- Build a strong medical and vocational case proving you meet the criteria
- Handle all paperwork and tedious administration
- Prepare you to make a compelling in-person statement if needed
Many times, claimants simply fail to provide the comprehensive evidence and documentation that the Social Security Administration requires. Our Social Security Disability lawyers in the Woodlands know exactly what to submit, including:
- Complete medical records and clinical test results
- Statements from treating physicians
- Records showing inability to meet job demands
- Vocational analysis detailing inability to work
This helps overcome a common Catch-22 where financially-struggling claimants can’t afford medical treatment, which then gets held against them as a lack of evidence. Our experienced disability lawyers can advise you on getting low-cost care to properly support your claim.
What Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a strict definition of what qualifies as a disability entitling someone to benefits. In general, you must have a severe physical or mental condition that:
- Has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, or result in death
- Precludes you from being able to perform work in a substantial gainful activity ( SGA)
The SSA maintains a comprehensive “Listing of Medical Impairments” that covers a wide range of qualifying conditions like:
- Physical Impairments
- Musculoskeletal issues (back injuries, loss of limbs, etc.)
- Special senses issues (vision/hearing loss)
- Respiratory illnesses (COPD, cystic fibrosis)
- Cardiovascular conditions (heart disease)
- Neurological disorders (MS, Parkinson’s, seizures)
- Mental Impairments
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
- Depression and bipolar disorder
Meeting or equaling the criteria for a listed impairment can help substantiate your claim. However, the SSA also evaluates limitations in functioning due to unlisted but still disabling conditions.
Why Are Social Security Disability Claims Denied?
There are many potential reasons the SSA may have rejected your initial disability application:
- You didn’t follow the proper process and procedures
- There are inconsistencies or holes in your medical evidence
- You haven’t received appropriate treatment for your condition
- You’re still potentially capable of doing some type of work
- SSA applied an improper legal standard or criteria
The appeals process gives us a chance to expand your documentation, shore up deficiencies in your original claim file, and push back against wrongful denials. If you’ve received a denial letter, reach out to our Woodlands Social Security Disability lawyers to find out how we can help.
We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis – Get Help Without Added Financial Stress
When you’re unable to work due to disability, the last thing you need is hefty legal costs. Our disability law firm takes cases on a contingency basis, meaning:
- You pay no upfront fees to get started
- We only get paid if we win your case and you receive owed benefits
- Our fees come from a portion of any back pay awarded (by federal law)
- There are absolutely no financial risks involved in seeking our help
Getting approved and securing Social Security Disability benefits can easily impact hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. With so much at stake, having our experienced legal representation gives you a major advantage without added monetary worries.
Contact Our Woodlands Disability Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Dealing with a disability can already feel overwhelming. Let the experienced Woodlands Social Security Disability lawyers of Marc Whitehead & Associates take the legal burden off your shoulders and fight for the benefits you deserve, including:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Long Term private disability insurance claims
Get started with a free, no-obligation consultation by calling our Woodlands office directly or connecting with us online. The team at Marc Whitehead & Associates will review your unique situation and honestly assess your best path forward – all at no upfront cost to you. Contact us today to get started.
