Abingdon Disability Lawyer for SSD Benefits

Abingdon Disability Lawyer for SSD Benefits

Abingdon Disability Lawyer for SSD BenefitsThe Social Security Disability (SSD) application process is challenging, as on average, over 70% of initial applications are rejected.  Unfortunately, many rejected applicants have qualifying disabilities, meaning their claims were denied for minor clerical or documentation errors, not based upon need or disability.  However, with the help of an experienced Abingdon disability lawyer, claimants are over three times more likely to be approved for benefits after an initial application submission.

If you need to file for social security benefits, we can help by preparing and filing your claim so that it is in the best position possible to be approved based upon the initial filing.

If your claim has been denied, don’t get discouraged – most claims are ultimately approved.  We can help you in the appeals process and do everything possible in seeking to have your claim approved.

We invite you to contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.

We proudly represent residents of Abingdon and the surrounding communities, including Bristol, Damascus, Chilhowie, Kingsport, Lebanon, Johnson City, Boone, Marion, Lebanon, and throughout Southwestern Virginia.

Why Should I Hire an Abingdon Disability Lawyer for My SSD Claim?

With years of experience in helping disabled individuals recover SSD benefits, firm-founding attorney Mark Hurt knows how to navigate the SSD process.  He also knows what SSA examiners and Administrative Law Judges are looking for when they evaluate an application or appeal, including medical documentation, employment details, and other pertinent evidence.

When you hire our firm, you need not worry about tackling your initial application or appeal alone.  Instead, our dedicated social security disability team is here to request information, gather documentation, file forms, and tenaciously advocate for the full benefits to which you are rightfully entitled.

We represent disability clients on contingency, meaning we only charge a fee if we are successful in helping you obtain benefits.   In most cases, our fee will be limited to either 25% of the “backpay” amount or $6,000, whichever is less.  Therefore, you will be able to keep 100% of all future payments that are not yet due.  

Because the “backpay” amount will be less in the earlier stages of a claim, our fee typically will also be much less when we are hired early in the process (compared to being retained in an appeal).  Thus your best chance for receiving benefits and paying a small legal fee will be to hire us at the outset of your claim.  

What Types of Disability Cases Does The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt Take?

At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we are proud to represent disability claimants before the Social Security Administration (“SSA”), as well as before the United States District Court and the United States Court of Appeals.

We represent clients with all types of physical and mental impairments in cases involving the following types of Social Security benefits:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits – paid to workers and/or beneficiaries who qualify based on work credits.
  • Widow/Widower Disability Benefits. Widow/widower disability benefits are paid to a surviving spouse of an individual who paid into the SSA system. The surviving spouse must be 50 years of age and disabled.
  • Adult Child’s Disability Benefits. If an individual is disabled and one of his or her parents received social security benefits, the person may be entitled to collect SSD based on the parent’s earnings record.  However, the individual must be over the age of eighteen, cannot be married, and must have a disability that started before the age of twenty-two.

What Does the SSA Consider a Disability?

The SSA does not recognize partial or short-term disability.  Instead, to be considered disabled for purposes of receiving disability benefits, an individual must have a disability that has lasted twelve months, is expected to last for at least twelve months, or is likely to result in death; and the condition, or the treatment for the condition, must interfere with the ability to perform any substantial gainful activity.

How Do I Prove That I Have A Qualifying Disability?

There are a few ways claimants can demonstrate they have a qualifying disability (i.e., can’t perform substantial gainful activity), including:

  • Having a Listed Impairment. The SSA publishes a list of medical conditions and criteria that automatically qualify as a disability (referred to as the “Blue Book”). If an impairment is on the list (and the condition is severe), it means you will likely qualify as disabled for SSD purposes.
  • Having an Impairment Equal to a Listed Impairment. If an injury or illness is not in the Blue Book, or if the condition does not meet the criteria for the listed condition, it is still possible to be found disabled if a condition is considered equivalent to a listed impairment.
  • Having Limited Function. If an impairment is unlisted and does not medically equate to another condition on the list, the SSA will evaluate how much the condition reduces the ability to function to determine if other work can be performed. If an individual is unable to perform other work, he or she may qualify for benefits.

What Types of Conditions Qualify As a Disability for SSD Benefits?

The following are common conditions in the Blue Book that can justify the payment of disability benefits:

  • Mental Disorders (e.g., mood disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia, autism, depression, etc.)
  • Cardiovascular Conditions (e.g., angina, hypertension, heart disease, etc.)
  • Cancer
  • Nervous System Disorders (e.g., epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, etc.)
  • Musculoskeletal System Issues (e.g., arthritis, fibromyalgia, degenerative back disorder, etc.)
  • Other Conditions

Many other unlisted disabling conditions may entitle a person to receive SSD benefits.  Call our office to learn more about other qualifying disabilities.

Do I Have Enough Work Credits To Qualify for SSD Benefits?

In addition to having a qualifying disability, an applicant must show they worked long enough to qualify for SSD benefits (i.e., meaning a person is insured).  The SSA utilizes a system of work credits to track whether this requirement has been met.  Generally, forty lifetime credits (twenty of which must be earned within the ten years preceding a disability) are needed to obtain SSD benefits.

Work credits are based on yearly earnings. For example, one credit can be earned for every $1,410 in wages (up to four annual credits); however, this amount changes annually.  In some instances, younger individuals may collect disability payments if they have fewer credits.

Can I Appeal an SSD Benefits Denial?

Yes.  If your application was denied, it is crucial to not be discouraged, as most initial applications (over 70%) are denied, even when individuals have qualifying disabilities.  If you were recently denied SSD, you have the right to request an appeal at each of the following four levels:

  • Reconsideration;
  • Administrative Law Judge Hearing;
  • Appeals Council Review; and
  • Federal Court Appeal.

Over 75% of applicants who appeal denials are ultimately awarded benefits. As an experienced Abingdon SSD benefits attorney, Mark Hurt can help.  However, because there is a 60 day time limitation to file an appeal after a denial, it is important to contact an experienced social security disability appeals lawyer immediately.  Even if you have missed this timeframe, please contact us as there may be circumstances under which a late appeal may be permitted.

Call Today to Schedule A Free Consultation to Learn How We Can Help

The chances of securing an early approval increase by over 300% when an individual is assisted by an experienced Abingdon disability attorney.  At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we understand the requirements and the medical and other information that must be submitted, not only to substantiate a disability but also to comply with the SSA requirements.

Whether you need assistance preparing an initial application or appealing a denial, we invite you to call our office to schedule a free disability consultation.

What Our Clients Say

Mary, Bart, and Mark helped me tremendously with my workers compensation case. We navigated a long (over a year) road together and they helped me to not only win my case, but obtain a settlement of over $125k. I would recommend the Offices of Mark Hurt to anyone needing someone to stand with them in their corner! Thanks again Mary and Bart!! :-)
Charles Dutcher
Charles Dutcher
1685471585
Extremely pleased with the prompt support and guidance from Michael. He and the office staff were great to work with. They walked us through the process and were able to have my daughter's traffic violation dismissed with 0 points.
ga thomson
ga thomson
1684936164
Bart and Mary were very professional and helpful with my claim. I appreciate all that you did for me. You were great.Thanks forall that you've done.Clifford E Boyer
Clifford Boyer
Clifford Boyer
1683668004
I started receiving services through this law firm in 2017 for my workers compensation case. Over the years, this firm has been attentive, kind, patient and understanding to my needs. My calls were returned promptly, if the associate was unavailable at that time and I have had ample opportunity to speak with Mr Hurt directly concerning my case. With Mary Wilson, Bart Conway, Mr Hurt and others behind the scene, my case has progressed smoothly. I am very pleased with the services and attention I received at this firm and would recommend Mr Hurt, Mary and Bart for your needs.
Teresa Harris
Teresa Harris
1683569779
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.
K F
K F
1682489385
We were fortunate to find the Law Offices of Mark T. Hunt to help us set up our estate. Melanie was a joy to work with. She did a wonderful job putting together all of the documents needed to complete our estate planning.
Roxanne Mcfall
Roxanne Mcfall
1681766365
The office got right back to me and were compassionate about my sensitive situation
polly deal
polly deal
1680754180
Jessica was helpful in assisting me with my disability claim!
Amber Snapp
Amber Snapp
1680618358
Jessica was super helpful when I had questions about submitting my claim for disability. She also got me a case manager quickly!
Amber Petrovich
Amber Petrovich
1680618228
I have only praise for the Mark T Hurt firm and especially Michael Miles. Michael was very helpful in guiding me through the court process ans assuring a good outcome. I would recommend this firm and Michael in particular if you need representation in Virginia!
Dave Dalpiaz
Dave Dalpiaz
1680114987
I called and spoke with Jessica in the Disability Dept. after my Denial and she was right on top of getting me the paperwork to Hire them as my Representatives to Handle my claim from here on out
Allen Smith
Allen Smith
1679416063
Jessica was extremely helpful at assisting me with getting me in the process to file my disability case.
Jason Harris
Jason Harris
1678138281
Thank youJessica from the Social security DeptU were very Helpful
Christal Postema
Christal Postema
1678134153
Jessica in theSoccial Secuity Dept was great
Bryon Nimmo
Bryon Nimmo
1678130439
I spoke with Jessica and she was fantastic! She helped me get my social security disability application started and set up with a case manager.
Rebecca Hunt Ford
Rebecca Hunt Ford
1678128980
Jessica @ Social Security Department was very helpful and friendly with us today.
Winonia Blankenship
Winonia Blankenship
1678125271
I had a ticket and was upset. I did not want points on my license. Frankie was amazing and made sure all my bases were covered. The Law Office of Mark Hurt did a wonderful job and got my ticket completely dismissed!!!! I am so glad they helped me. They were so nice and answered all my questions. I never had to worry after I talked with them. I would highly recommend that anyone who needs help with a ticket to talk with this firm!! Thank you so much for everything!!!
Nichloas Wyatt
Nichloas Wyatt
1677981214
Jessica in Disability is awesome!! She replies quickly and gets things done. I’m very satisfied with my choice and feel great that it is in their hands!
laura dykes
laura dykes
1677875154
The individuals I spoke with were courteous, helpful, and thorough. Thank you Jessica.
RoseMarie Whisnant
RoseMarie Whisnant
1677785574
Jessica and the disability dept are very helpful and give excellent assistance with filling a claim very glad I contacted them
Jessie Hawks
Jessie Hawks
1677680471
Was very easy process. Jessica was very friendly and helpful while applying for Social Security Disability.
Darlene Robinson
Darlene Robinson
1677623644
Thank you so much Jessica for helping me with my social security disability case! You were kind, helpful, and understanding. I greatly appreciate you!
Kelly Bragg
Kelly Bragg
1677613932
Jessica and the group started helping me with my disability case the same day I called. 10/10 recommend
Brittany Poole
Brittany Poole
1677612031
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