Lynchburg Social Security Disability Lawyers
If you have been diagnosed with a physical or mental condition that does not allow you to work and is expected to last one year or more, do not despair. You may prove eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits(SSDI). While the denial rate for SSDI applications is high, candidates are more likely to receive benefits with an attorney filing the appeal.
The Virginia Social Security lawyers at Rutter Mills will file your application and help you navigate this complicated process. For more than 50 years, our dedicated attorneys have helped people receive the SSDI benefits they deserve.
The SSDI Process in Lynchburg Virginia
Workers must earn a sufficient number of credits during their years on the job to qualify for SSDI. In most cases, anyone working full-time for five out of the prior 10 years will have enough. Keep in mind that only those considered completely and permanently disabled may apply for SSDI. Partial or short-term disability does not count.
The initial application may take a considerable time– perhaps a year or more– to decide, and, as noted above, it will probably be denied. Denials generally occur because of paperwork errors or because medical information is missing– such as laboratory tests. A Social Security lawyer will make sure that all of the material submitted to the SSA is complete and relevant. Counsel also works with the client’s healthcare providers to establish proof of the disability and that it meets SSA requirements.
After an initial denial, the candidate may file an appeal of the decision within 60 days. If the appeal is denied, the next step is taking the claim to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. During the hearing the judge questions the applicant, and vocational and medical experts may also testify regarding employment factors and medical conditions. We prepare clients carefully for the hearing and can also present new evidence to support the claim. The attorney can cross-examine witnesses, including those presented by the SSA.
On appeal, the odds of an SSDI approval rise dramatically when the applicant has legal counsel.
Maximizing Benefits
The Virginia lawyers for Social Security disability can also help clients maximize benefits from other sources, such as the Virginia Retirement System Disability, worker’s compensation, or an employer’s long-term disability benefits. This is also true of Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. We explore every avenue.
Contact Lynchburg Social Security Lawyers
If you are totally disabled and unable to work, you need the services of an experienced disability benefits attorney. First, the Lynchburg SSDI lawyers at Rutter Mills will evaluate your case and determine whether you qualify for SSDI. If yes– we can get the application process started. We offer free consultations, so call us today to schedule an appointment or fill out our online contact form. We work on contingency, so clients do not pay a fee unless they receive benefits.
“Nothing makes you feel more vulnerable than being hurt or ill. And nobody likes to ask for help. But when you need it most, we’re at our best. We give our clients the confidence and support they need to know they’ll be taken care of – that they’ll get the best outcome possible, even in the face of a very bad situation.”
– Brother Rutter