Categorized: General Info

Determining the Onset of Disability

As mentioned in a previous post entitled “Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment,” medical evidence is a cornerstone in proving a Social Security disability claim. However, some individuals are sometimes not able to receive the necessary treatment due to various factors including lack of medical insurance or other economic barriers. In many cases, individuals experience symptoms… Read more »

SSDI Myth # 1: People on SSDI are Lazy

“Why don’t they just quit complaining and look for work like the rest of us?” As an attorney practicing exclusively in Social Security disability law, I hear these kind of misguided and misinformed assumptions about my clients all the time: “people on SSDI are lazy whiners trying to milk the system,” “drug-addicts,” “scam artists” …… Read more »

The Importance of Treating Sources

The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) rules require approved disability claims to be supported by evidence obtained by the SSA and provided by you, the claimant. Medical opinions are a common form of evidence and often form the basis of an approval or denial of a claim. Although the SSA might be able to determine whether… Read more »

Your Medical Records and the Social Security Administration

Medical records play a crucial part in showing whether someone is eligible for Disability Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income. Your records are the primary source used by the Social Security Administration, the state-level Disability Determination Services (DDS), and the SSA Administrative Law Judges to determine whether you are disabled under the SSA’s rules. The… Read more »

Why Hire an Attorney?

No one needs an attorney or a representative to apply for Social Security disability benefits. The process is described as “non adversarial,” which means that the Social Security Administration (SSA) tries to be accessible, and to help you through the process of applying and gathering medical evidence. However, most people find communications from the government… Read more »

What your Case Manager does

As a case manager, I conduct interviews with clients, complete initial applications, and file appeals. I also answer incoming calls from clients and make sure SSA is updated when necessary. One of the questions clients commonly ask is – when do I need to call my case manager? You should contact your case manager right… Read more »

Working at Greeman Toomey

I’ve done more in my weeks here thus far, than I’ve done in as many months at any other place. The people here are diligent, smart and always willing to answer questions. The people here also very much believe in what the firm does, and work hard to help everyone that needs us. It’s always… Read more »