Highland Village Social Security Disability Lawyers

Attorneys for Social Security Disability Applications in Highland Village, Texas

There are a variety of disabling health conditions that can affect people's ability to work, and if you suffer from serious injuries or illnesses, you may qualify for disability benefits through Social Security. However, applying for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits can be challenging. You will need to go through a meticulous evaluation process, meet strict eligibility standards, and provide extensive documentation. Mistakes during the application process can affect your ability to receive financial assistance.

At The Law Offices of Coats & Todd, our attorneys can provide you with knowledgeable guidance as you apply for Social Security disability benefits. We can help you prepare a thorough application and submit comprehensive evidence to improve your chances of approval. If your claim is denied, we will help you understand how to proceed, and we will work to ensure that you will have sufficient financial resources so that you can meet your ongoing needs.

The Process for Evaluating Social Security Disability Applications

The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a detailed, multi-step evaluation process for all SSD applications. With our understanding of each phase of this evaluation process, we can help you submit a strong, accurate application, reducing the risk of denial due to insufficient information. The steps that are followed during evaluations include:

• Determination of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): The first step in the evaluation process is to determine whether the applicant is currently able to engage in substantial gainful activity, or SGA. This standard assesses whether you can earn a minimum amount through employment, taking your current monthly earnings into account. If you are still able to work and earn above the SGA limit, you may be disqualified from receiving benefits.
• Severity of the Medical Condition: If an applicant’s work activity does not exceed the SGA threshold, the SSA will then review the severity of their medical condition. To qualify for benefits, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from performing basic work tasks, such as standing, lifting, or concentrating. In addition, your condition must have affected you for at least 12 months, or your diagnosis must indicate that a disabling condition will last for at least that long. You will also qualify if you have received a terminal diagnosis.
• Alignment With the SSA’s Listing of Impairments: The SSA maintains an official listing that specifies qualifying medical conditions and the symptoms that accompany them. If your disability is included in this list, you will qualify for disability benefits, as long as you can demonstrate that the specific limitations associated with your condition are present in your case. You may also be considered disabled if your condition is functionally equivalent to a listed impairment.
• Assessment of Past Work Ability: If an applicant's condition is not explicitly listed in the Listing of Impairments, the SSA will consider whether they can still perform work they have done in the past. This stage will assess your functional limitations and your residual functional capacity (RFC) to determine whether you should be able to maintain employment based on your previous work experience and your current health status.
• Consideration of Other Employment Options: The final step in the evaluation process involves an assessment of whether the applicant could perform other work that is available within the national economy, considering their age, education, and work experience. If your condition prevents you from performing any substantial work, you may qualify for SSD benefits.

Essential Documents and Evidence to Demonstrate a Disability

When applying for Social Security disability benefits, you will be required to submit comprehensive documentation that provides a clear, detailed picture of your health and the limitations that apply to you. At The Law Offices of Coats & Todd, we will work with you to gather relevant evidence and ensure that the documents you submit accurately represent the nature of your disability. Here are some essential types of documentation that the SSA may consider during the evaluation process:

• Medical Records and Diagnostic Test Results: Medical records are foundational in any SSD application. You may need to provide documentation from physicians, hospital records, results from diagnostic tests (such as MRIs, X-rays, or blood tests), and detailed treatment histories. We will work with healthcare providers to ensure that all relevant records are obtained and submitted correctly.
• Physician Statements and Medical Opinions: Statements from doctors who have treated you can be influential in the SSA’s decision-making process. We can obtain opinions from medical professionals regarding your diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and limitations due to your condition. By providing statements that address the requirements for Social Security disability benefits, we can demonstrate that your condition limits your ability to work.
• Work History and Employment Records: The SSA will evaluate your work history. Employment records and descriptions of your past job duties can provide insight into how your disability has affected your ability to carry out work-related tasks. We can gather the necessary employment documentation and demonstrate your eligibility for disability benefits.
• Functional Capacity Assessments: These assessments evaluate your physical and mental capabilities in specific areas, such as walking, standing, concentration, memory, and social interactions. We can ensure that the assessments you receive illustrate how your condition has restricted various aspects of your daily life, showing that you meet the criteria for disability benefits.
• Personal Statements and Third-Party Testimonies: You can provide statements detailing how your condition has affected your daily life, and written testimonials from family members, friends, or colleagues can also help demonstrate the real-world impact of your disability.
• Medications and Treatment Plans: The SSA will review your treatment history, including prescribed medications, therapies, surgeries, and other treatments, to determine whether you have followed recommended medical advice. We can help ensure that this information is accurately documented while showing that you are committed to receiving effective treatment.

Contact Our Highland Village, TX Social Security Disability Attorneys

The Law Offices of Coats & Todd provides effective, experienced assistance with Social Security disability applications and appeals. Our team understands the importance of these benefits and the impact they can have on your life. Reach out to us at 972-671-9922 today to schedule a free consultation and get the legal help you need as you address concerns related to Social Security disability benefits.