Social Security Disability Appeals

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), studies show that a 20-year-old worker has a three-in-10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age. A sobering statistic and a good reason to explore how Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits may protect you and your family. 

The SSA pays disability benefits to people who have worked in jobs covered by Social Security who have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability.  The condition must be expected to last at least one year (or has lasted that long) or will result in death.  But, the process is complex.

Once you have applied for SSD benefits, your application is reviewed to make sure you meet certain basic requirements involving your “recent work” and the “duration” of that work. California’s Disability Determination Services (including physicians and disability specialists) gathers medical evidence from your doctors as well as any hospitals, clinics, etc. where you have received treatment.

According to the SSA, the answers to the following five questions are used to determine if you are disabled under their rules:

1. Are you working?
2. Is your medical condition “severe”?
3. Is your medical condition on the List of Impairments?
4. Can you perform the same job you did before?
5. Can you do any other kind of work?

Because an estimated 80 to 90 percent of initial SSD applications are denied, it is imperative that you have an experienced attorney on your side who will provide you with personal, professional representation throughout the process.

The attorneys at Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP have the knowledge and experience to effectively guide you through SSD proceedings, from case analysis and evidence gathering to successful representation during the hearing process. 

Contact us for an appointment so we can meet you in-person and evaluate your case.