Listing Approval

Typically, Social Security processes disability benefit applications very slowly, and the government shutdown has made the wait even longer.

We represented a 45-year-old Patent Examiner from Freeport, New York, who struggled with several severe mental health conditions. Over the past 20 years, she had been hospitalized more than eight times. Her difficult childhood contributed to diagnoses including severe PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorder, along with hallucinations and panic attacks.

After being denied benefits at both the initial and reconsideration stages, our client retained us when her case was sent to the hearing office. We collected all her medical records, including each hospitalization. We also secured detailed questionnaires and letters from her treating physicians, one of which confirmed that she met Social Security’s criteria for Listing12.03. To reinforce our case, we compiled a chart comparing her symptoms, as documented in her medical records, directly to the listing requirements, clearly demonstrating to the administrative law judge ("ALJ") that she was unable to work in any capacity.

Just three days after the hearing, the ALJ who rarely approves mental health cases, issued a favorable decision.  The strength of the evidence we submitted convincingly established our client’s inability to work, and the medical expert had no choice but to concur with the opinions of the treating specialists.