Restoring hope, one client at a time. As an Iowa disability lawyer, I am driven by that one goal; it has been my personal and professional mission since I first began representing disabled Iowans in 1996. Prior to that, I worked for the Social Security Administration, as one of their attorneys, I have seen first-hand how a large government bureaucracy can frustrate and confuse even the most determined claimant.
Whether you live in a large city like Des Moines, a mid-sized city like Ames, or a smaller community like Pella, most people seeking Social Security disability benefits in Iowa have questions. I created this website to help provide you answers. I hope you find the information to be helpful. How does the Social Security Administration decide if I am "disabled" and entitled to receive Iowa disability benefits?.
The Social Security regulations provide that an individual is "under a disability" if his "physical or mental impairment or impairments are of such severity that he is not only unable to do his previous work but cannot, considering his age, education and work experience, engage in any other kind of substantial gainful work which exists in the national economy."
Whether you live in a large city like Des Moines, a mid-sized city like Ames, or a smaller community like Pella, most people seeking Social Security disability benefits in Iowa have questions. I created this website to help provide you answers. I hope you find the information to be helpful. How does the Social Security Administration decide if I am "disabled" and entitled to receive Iowa disability benefits?.
The Social Security regulations provide that an individual is "under a disability" if his "physical or mental impairment or impairments are of such severity that he is not only unable to do his previous work but cannot, considering his age, education and work experience, engage in any other kind of substantial gainful work which exists in the national economy."
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After graduating law school in 1989, I began my career as a lawyer working for the Social Security Administration in its Office of the General Counsel.
I did my job well and learned volumes about the workings of Social Security Administration, however, I went to law school to help people who could not help themselves - the poor, the disadvantaged, those at the end of their rope.
I left the Social Security Administration and moved to Iowa, where I have been representing disability claimants since 1996.
I did my job well and learned volumes about the workings of Social Security Administration, however, I went to law school to help people who could not help themselves - the poor, the disadvantaged, those at the end of their rope.
I left the Social Security Administration and moved to Iowa, where I have been representing disability claimants since 1996.
Candor is important.
Explain exactly what the problem is.
Is it insufficient communication?
Lack of progress on your claim?
A personality conflict?
Give your attorney the opportunity to explain and offer a remedy before deciding to discontinue representation.
Before you contact a new Social Security disability attorney, you should obtain in writing an end to the representation agreement you signed earlier.
You should not contract with a new attorney until you have formally dissolved your agreement with your current lawyer.
Explain exactly what the problem is.
Is it insufficient communication?
Lack of progress on your claim?
A personality conflict?
Give your attorney the opportunity to explain and offer a remedy before deciding to discontinue representation.
Before you contact a new Social Security disability attorney, you should obtain in writing an end to the representation agreement you signed earlier.
You should not contract with a new attorney until you have formally dissolved your agreement with your current lawyer.
Likelihood of success.
If (a) your physical or mental disability is severe, (b) your condition limits your activities of daily living, (c) your medical impairment will last or has lasted longer than 12 months, and (d) your doctor agrees with this assessment, you should apply for Social Security disability.
Irrelevant evaluation factors.
SSA has a strict definition of disability that ignores many real-life aspects of the job market.
Difficulty finding a job, thinking that no one will hire you with your condition, believing you could not pass a job-required physical, or even knowing that the pay you would receive for the work you can do is too little to live on.
If (a) your physical or mental disability is severe, (b) your condition limits your activities of daily living, (c) your medical impairment will last or has lasted longer than 12 months, and (d) your doctor agrees with this assessment, you should apply for Social Security disability.
Irrelevant evaluation factors.
SSA has a strict definition of disability that ignores many real-life aspects of the job market.
Difficulty finding a job, thinking that no one will hire you with your condition, believing you could not pass a job-required physical, or even knowing that the pay you would receive for the work you can do is too little to live on.
We regularly talk to Social Security disability claimants who are discouraged by the denial of their applications.
They should not feel bad, for 65% of initial applications are denied.
However, the majority of claimants who appeal will ultimately be found disabled, so if you feel you cannot work you should appeal.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides several ways to appeal.
Whichever way you choose to appeal, it is a good idea to obtain proof that you appealed on time (so that if SSA loses your paperwork, which happens from time to time, you won't have to start over with your claim).
They should not feel bad, for 65% of initial applications are denied.
However, the majority of claimants who appeal will ultimately be found disabled, so if you feel you cannot work you should appeal.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides several ways to appeal.
Whichever way you choose to appeal, it is a good idea to obtain proof that you appealed on time (so that if SSA loses your paperwork, which happens from time to time, you won't have to start over with your claim).
An Iowa Disability Lawyer's Advice for Testifying at Your Social Security Disability Benefits Hearing.
Whether you live in Ames, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Waterloo or any point in between, most applicants for Iowa disability benefits will have to testify at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
While the idea of a legal hearing before a judge may be intimidating, there is no need to worry.
In fact, I tell my Iowa disability clients to think of the Social Security disability benefits hearing as an opportunity.
Whether you live in Ames, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Waterloo or any point in between, most applicants for Iowa disability benefits will have to testify at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
While the idea of a legal hearing before a judge may be intimidating, there is no need to worry.
In fact, I tell my Iowa disability clients to think of the Social Security disability benefits hearing as an opportunity.
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