If you have worked for years and suddenly find yourself disabled due to injury, illness, or disease, then it may be time to consider filing for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Our Oakland SSD attorneys at JML Law are here to help. Even if you have been turned down for SSD benefits, our seasoned and experienced attorneys will work diligently to help you prove the existence of your condition to disability examiners or, if necessary, to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Are You Living With a Disability
If you are living with a disability, you may be able to collect monthly SSD benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The amount you collect is based on how much you have paid into the Social Security system over the years via payroll tax. SSA rules require that applicants for SSD have been disabled for a minimum of 12 months or expect to be disabled for 12 months or longer. Some of the most common conditions that result in successful SSD benefits claims include:
- Injuries to the back and neck, including herniated discs.
- Dislocated or broken bones and other orthopedic injuries.
- Diseases of the heart, lungs, or kidneys.
- Liver or kidney failure.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Diabetes and complications resulting from the disease.
- Inflammatory diseases, including arthritis.
- Panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other stress-related or anxiety disorders.
- Manic depressive disorder, depression, and other mental health disorders.
Denied SSD Benefits
Being disabled limits your ability to earn a decent living, but you are not alone. JML Law’s team of experienced Oakdale SSD attorneys can help you get the benefits that you deserve. Unfortunately, most people—around seven out of 10—are initially denied SSD benefits, and if that is true of your situation, then it is imperative that you contact an attorney for help right away. The SSA limits the amount of time that claimants have to file for reconsideration or appeal of the decision in their cases.
Some reasons that SSD claims are denied include:
- Lack of supporting medical evidence to back up the claim. Claimants must be able to show that their condition keeps them from performing gainful work.
- Not cooperating with the SSA. It is imperative that claimants respond timely to all correspondence from the SSA and submit all required documentation.
- Not keeping scheduled appointments. Sometimes the SSA asks claimants to submit to medical exams that it arranges on the claimants’ behalf. Failing to attend these appointments can result in a denial of SSD benefits.
Advocating for the Benefits You Deserve
You have dedicated a large part of your life to your work, and now you find yourself unable to continue working. JML Law understands the frustration you feel, and our Oakland SSD attorneys want to help. No matter where you are in the SSD application process or even if you have already been denied benefits, let us review your circumstances and determine your best steps forward. Contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling us at 818-610-8800.
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Every case is unique and needs to be evaluated by our experienced lawyers. If you are applying for social security disability benefits,
