ALJ Reverses DDS's Denials

Obtaining Social Security Disability (“SSD”) benefits can be a long and frustrating process, especially for claimants whose disabilities are not always visible. A recent fully favorable decision for one of our clients illustrates how thorough medical documentation and effective legal representation can make a difference.

We represented a 52 year old client from West Babylon who suffered from post-concussion syndrome, cognitive disorder, chronic migraine headaches, and anxiety and depressive disorders.  These impairments caused persistent symptoms such as severe headaches, brain fog, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and emotional distress. Despite ongoing treatment, her condition showed little improvement.

From the outset, extensive and consistent medical evidence supported this case. Multiple treating providers documented her symptoms, limitations, and lack of meaningful improvement over several years.  Detailed records showed near-daily migraines, cognitive deficits, difficulty using computer screens, and significant mental health struggles.  Despite the strong medical support, a Social Security disability analyst from the State agency denied our client’s application at the initial and reconsideration levels.  Unfortunately, these early denials are common and often occur even when substantial evidence is present in the file. 

We requested a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”).  At this stage, the case finally received the individualized attention it deserved. The ALJ carefully reviewed the medical evidence, hearing testimony, and medical opinions.  The ALJ determined our client was limited to less than a full range of light work, to only simple, routine tasks, to being off-task 15% of the workday, and to missing work two days of work each month.  Based on those limitations, the ALJissued a fully favorable decision.

This case highlights several important realities about the SSD review process.  Strong medical evidence alone is not always enough at the early stages as many valid claims are denied by the State agency analyst. Frequently, a hearing provides the best opportunity for a full and fair evaluation.

Navigating this process without guidance can be overwhelming. With our knowledgeable representation, our clients are better positioned to obtain the benefits they deserve.

Mental Health Approval

Social Security Disability (“SSD”) benefits are not only for older individuals or those with physical impairments. Serious mental health conditions can be just as disabling. Unfortunately, younger applicants often face greater challenges because Social Security frequently believes they can adjust to other types of work even if they cannot perform their past work. Our client’s case shows how proper legal representation can make a critical difference when seeking SSD benefits.

We represent a 36-year-old woman from Huntington with a long history of mental health conditions, including PTSD, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, chronic depression, PMS disorder, and ADHD. After she applied for SSD benefits on her own and was denied, she contacted our office to take over her case. We strengthened the medical and vocational evidence, and secured confirmation from her doctors that she was significantly limited in her ability to function in a work setting, which became a key part of her case.

Ultimately, we requested a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”). At the hearing, a vocational expert evaluated whether jobs existed in the national economy that our client could perform. Based on the mental health limitations, the expert testified that there were no jobs our client could perform on a sustained, full-time basis. After reviewing the evidence and testimony, the ALJ approved her application for SSD benefits. This case exemplified the difficulty that younger individuals with mental health conditions face with the disability process. With our experienced representation, recognizing the type of medical support needed, and careful preparation, our client was able to secure the SSD benefits she deserved.