If you can’t work because of a medical condition and you were denied by Social Security, our team is here to help. Most people who apply for Social Security disability benefits on their own get denied the first time. That doesn’t mean you don’t qualify. It often means the application lacked the right medical evidence or didn’t clearly explain how your condition prevents you from working.
Our Greeneville, TN Social Security disability lawyer has been handling SSDI and SSI claims for over 30 years. We know why claims get denied in this region, and we know how to fix those problems at every stage of the process.
P. Heith Reynolds has primarily focused on workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and personal injury law throughout his career. A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Heith has spent over 30 years building the kind of knowledge that only comes from handling these cases day after day. Outside of his legal work, Heith is active in his church, participating in initiatives to combat addiction, support re-entry, and address homelessness.
Mingkwan Emme Collins has devoted her career to representing injured workers and disabled claimants. She earned her B.A. and M.Ed. from East Tennessee State University and her J.D. through the Virginia Law Readers Program. She is admitted to the Virginia State Bar.
Together, our SSD attorneys in Greeneville bring a depth of disability law knowledge that makes a real difference in outcomes.
Our firm has helped clients across Tennessee and Virginia recover millions of dollars in benefits and settlements. In disability cases specifically, we’ve taken claims that were denied at every level and won them at hearing. We’ve helped clients who were told they didn’t qualify walk out of ALJ hearings with approved claims and back payments.
The Social Security disability process rewards preparation. We prepare every case as though it’s going to hearing, because a substantial number of them do. When the administrative law judge asks your attorney whether additional medical evidence supports the claim, we have an answer ready.
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“Highly recommend going with Mark Hurt Law firm as they did a great job with my original application and appeal for SSD ( Social Security Disability ) Their staff is amazing . Jessica Boatwright was wonderful and started the initial communication and process . Jackie Wagner did an amazing job fielding all my questions and concerns and keeping on top of making sure documents that needed to be submitted were complete . She answered my emails and calls in a timely manner . Dana , although newest to my team , was kind and courteous . In all , my experience was great !!They were very helpful and took so much of the stress off the process . I originally had applied for disability and was turned down and discouraged in 2016 then with their help I decided to go through the process again in 2022 instead of doing it alone as I had in 2016. Mark Hurts office gave me a team of professional and supportive individuals that made the process seamless as they explained each step , communicated , and put my mind at ease . I officially was approved and the worry is now lifted off my shoulders with their help .” — Robin Bailey
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Workers across Greene County hold jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and service industries. The physical and mental demands of these occupations lead to a wide range of disabling conditions. We represent clients with the following types of claims.
Social Security disability is governed entirely by federal law and administered by the Social Security Administration. The program exists because Congress recognized that workers who pay into the system through payroll taxes deserve a safety net when a medical condition prevents them from earning a living.
To qualify for SSDI, you need sufficient work credits. Most applicants need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before the disability began. You earn credits based on your annual income, and you can earn up to four credits per year.
The SSA defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity because of a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. In 2026, SGA means earning more than $1,690 per month.
When you file an application, the SSA sends your medical evidence to the state’s Disability Determination Services office. If denied at the initial stage, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. After a second denial, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. The ALJ hearing is the stage where the majority of successful claims are won, and it is where having a disability attorney makes the most difference.
If you are denied at hearing, further appeals go to the Appeals Council and potentially to federal court. Each step has strict time limits that cannot be extended without good cause.
Your monthly SSDI benefit depends on your earnings history. The SSA uses your average indexed monthly earnings to calculate the payment amount. Benefits vary widely, but the average monthly SSDI payment is roughly $1,500 as of recent years.
Medicare eligibility begins 24 months after your disability onset date. For applicants with ALS, Medicare coverage begins immediately. Medicare provides coverage for hospital care, physician visits, prescription drugs, and preventive services.
Back payments are often a significant part of an SSDI award. If you were disabled before your application date, the SSA can pay up to 12 months of retroactive benefits. For many clients, especially those whose claims took years to resolve through denials and appeals, back payments can amount to tens of thousands of dollars.
SSI may be available in addition to or instead of SSDI for individuals with limited income and resources. SSI provides a monthly cash benefit and automatic Medicaid eligibility in most states. The income and resource limits for SSI are strict, so not everyone qualifies.
Auxiliary benefits for dependents can supplement your SSDI payments. Minor children, certain spouses, and adult children who became disabled before age 22 may receive benefits based on your work record. These additional payments can be critical for families trying to make ends meet on disability income alone.
There is a five-month waiting period for SSDI benefits. This means your first check arrives in the sixth full month after your disability onset date. Planning for this gap is important, and our disability attorneys in Greeneville can help you understand the timeline and what to expect at each stage.
If you need a Social Security disability attorney in Greeneville, TN, we are here to help. Whether you are filing for the first time, appealing a denial, or preparing for a hearing, our team has the experience to guide you through each step.
Consultations are free. We work on contingency. And we believe that people who’ve worked hard and paid into the system deserve to have someone in their corner when they can no longer work.
Contact us today to schedule your free case review.
“We hired Mr. Hurt to help settle a worker’s comp injury case for my husband. Mark, Bart, and Mary worked tirelessly to resolve his case and reach a settlement we were pleased with. They were always available to answer questions and returned calls in a timely manner.“
