Veteran Approved for SSD

When a veteran applies for disability through the Veteran's Affairs ("VA") Department, when they are approved, they get a disability rating based on the severity of their medical condition.

We represent a 50 year old former electrician from Manhasset, NY, who suffers from severe PTSD, major depressive disorder, acute stress disorder, and back problems.  The VA gave him a rating of 100% disability based on the severity of his conditions.

It would seem obvious that Social Security would find him disabled based on the VA's rating.  However, the State agency denied him both at the initial application and at the reconsideration level, even though he had strong support from his doctors, and we provided them with his VA disability approval.

Today, administrative law judge ("ALJ") Michelle Allen issued a Fully Favorable decision, finding all the evidence we submitted from his doctors and the VA supported finding him disabled.

Even though to many people applying for disability, it seems obvious that they qualify for Social Security Disability ("SSD") benefits and should be approved, their outcome is not always favorable.  It is imperative to retain an experienced, knowledgeable disability attorney who knows what medical evidence is needed for a favorable outcome.  Medical records alone are not enough to win an approval for SSD benefits.

Our Melville, NY office offers free phone consultations for anyone considering applying for SSD benefits.  We will discuss our strategy to provide you with what information you would need to have a strong, successful claim to win your case.

  

Rare OTR

It has become increasingly rare for an Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") to approve an on the record ("OTR") request, and when they do, it typically is for individuals over 50 years of age.  Social Security recognizes that people over 50 may have difficulty adapting to new job requirements, and possess fewer transferable skills, which is why approval of OTRs are more likely if the claimant is older than 50.

We represent a 48-year-old claimant from Williston Park, NY, who suffers from Long Covid. Her symptoms include severe migraines, brain fog, chronic joint pain, and pulmonary problems. The claimant's physicians provided detailed medical records and impairment questionnaires to support her claim. Although her case was very strong, it was denied at the initial application and reconsideration levels by the State agency.

We appealed her claim, and a hearing was eventually scheduled with ALJ Linda Stagno at the Long Island hearing office. Despite the claimant being 46 years old at her onset date, we submitted an OTR due to the substantial medical evidence from her doctors.

ALJ Stagno approved the OTR, and issued a Fully Favorable decision. Our client was overwhelmed with gratitude. The favorable outcome of this claim underscores the importance of retaining an experienced disability attorney if you are planning on applying for Social Security Disability (“SSD”) benefits. Our office in Melville, NY offers free phone consultations. Our primary goal is obtaining approvals for our clients while also alleviating the stress associated with applying for SSD benefits independently.