Having practiced Social Security disability law throughout Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire over the course of the last 35 years, I can say that one of the most frequently discussed issues that arise when speaking with potential claimants and existing clients is whether they are in the right type of…
Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog
Maine Social Security Disability Hearings during COVID-19
As a Social Security disability lawyer practicing 35 years, I’m used to speaking with those seriously disabled from long-term illnesses or injuries: in some cases, wondering if they will survive long enough for benefits to be awarded. Learning of my clients’ severe medical conditions over the years of my practice…
The Social Security Disability Reconsideration Appeal Process Returns to New Hampshire
As a practicing Social Security disability lawyer handling claims throughout New England for the last 35 years, I have seen a number of changes to the Social Security disability program. For the majority of that time, from October, 1999 up through 2018, New Hampshire has been anomaly in terms of…
Your Social Security Lawyer’s Ethical Obligations under the New Rules of Professional Conduct
The Social Security Administration has promulgated a set of rules of professional conduct that your Social Security representative must follow during the course of their representation. While one might think these rules are meant simply to protect the public and disability claimants from unscrupulous rules, in fact the rules are…
Understanding Why Your Social Security Disability Claim was Denied
All too often our office is contacted by individuals who have been attempting to file for Social Security disability benefits, only to get denied (and repeatedly). A hardworking gentleman, we’ll call Mark, contacted our office just the other day in just such a circumstance. Providing his story will, I hope,…
Establishing a Social Security Disability Claim for early onset dementia
While it is not uncommon to see the signs of dementia (or what may ultimately be diagnosed as Alzheimer’s) in those who have reached retirement age already (and, thus, may be entitled to collect, or may be collecting early retirement benefits), we do receive calls from those who are suffering…
The Importance of Maine Medicaid Expansion for the Disabled
On November 7, 2017, the State of Maine citizenry went to the ballot box and passed the Question 2 ballot initiative calling for expansion of Medicaid. The ballot initiative called for the state “to provide Medicaid through Mainecare for persons under the age of 65 and with incomes equal to…
Pursuing a Social Security Disability Claim for Headaches
Our office quite commonly represents individuals suffering from headache issues that have become severe, persistent and disabling such that they remain unable to work. Pursuing such a Social Security disability claim can prove to be a very difficult proposition. Every claim requires that an individual begin by showing that they…
Whether to Appeal Your Social Security Disability Denial to Federal District Court
The Social Security rules and regulations provide a disability claimant with a number of opportunities to appeal should one be denied. Following an initial denial, a Maine or Massachusetts Social Security disability claimant would appeal the decision by way of filing a Request for Reconsideration and then, upon further denial,…
Considerations When Applying for Social Security Disability for PTSD
We frequently represent individuals in Social Security disability claims who are suffering from the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), in circumstances that many times involve military Veterans who have served our country. This may result from involvement in armed conflict or as a result of military sexual assault. …