Washington County Social Security Disability Lawyer

The SSA maintains a listing of impairments that are considered severe enough to prevent a person from performing gainful activity. These include conditions affecting the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and mental health systems. Common qualifying impairments include severe back injuries, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

You do not need to meet the exact criteria listed if it can be shown that the condition results in functional limitations equivalent to one or more of the listed impairments. This requires detailed medical records, treatment history, test results, and documentation from treating physicians. The duration of the condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. 

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a benefit for individuals who have a qualifying work history and are no longer able to work due to a physical or mental condition. Eligibility depends on the number of work credits earned over a specific period, usually the 10 years preceding the disability. Benefits may also be available to certain dependents of the disabled individual.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI), in contrast, is a needs-based program. It provides financial assistance to disabled individuals with limited income and assets, regardless of work history. SSI recipients often qualify for additional support through Medicaid and other public assistance programs. Each program requires separate documentation and follows distinct eligibility guidelines. 

Many claims are initially denied due to missing documentation, inconsistent statements, or failure to meet the medical criteria for disability. In other cases, the SSA may determine that the applicant can perform other types of work or that their condition is not expected to last long enough. Technical denials may occur when applications are incomplete or when the claimant has not accumulated enough work credits for SSDI.

Claimants often overlook the need for detailed medical narratives or fail to follow up with treatment, which can lead to the conclusion that the condition is not as limiting as claimed. Objective findings, such as imaging studies or psychological evaluations, can play a significant role. A Washington County Social Security Disability lawyer can identify weak points in applications and recommend ways to improve your chances of approval.

If your claim is denied, you have the right to request reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and further appeals to the Appeals Council and federal court. Each stage has deadlines and specific requirements for submission. Missing a deadline may result in the loss of the right to appeal, requiring you to start the process again.

The hearing stage is particularly important; this is when we present testimony, call witnesses, and introduce updated medical evidence for clients. Judges may ask questions about your daily activities, prior work experience, and treatment history.  

A Washington County Social Security Disability lawyer can help you even after benefits are awarded. In some cases, the SSA conducts periodic reviews to determine whether a recipient still qualifies. A person receiving SSDI or SSI may also face issues related to overpayments, eligibility for additional programs, or changes in living arrangements that affect benefit levels. Any notice from the SSA should be reviewed carefully.

If benefits are terminated after a review, you may appeal and request continued payments during the process. Deadlines apply in these situations as well. We can review the SSA’s findings and present medical or financial evidence to support continued eligibility.

That varies, depending on the backlog of claims, the quality of submitted documentation, and whether appeals are required. Some applicants receive decisions within three to five months, while others wait over a year, particularly if the case goes to a hearing. Terminal illness and other special conditions may qualify for expedited review. Delays may be reduced by submitting a well-documented application and responding quickly to requests for additional information. 

Medical evidence is the foundation of any Social Security Disability case. The SSA reviews clinical records, treatment summaries, test results, and physician opinions when determining whether a condition meets the criteria for benefits. The consistency of this evidence with the claimant’s reported symptoms and limitations can have a significant impact on the decision.

Statements from treating physicians that include functional limitations and prognosis can be particularly influential. However, they must be specific and supported by clinical findings. Medical records that reflect ongoing treatment, failed attempts at returning to work, and side effects from medication may also strengthen a case. A Washington County Social Security Disability lawyer can obtain and present this documentation in a structured, persuasive format.