Abbott Law Office

No matter where you live, there is hope

Do the following apply to you?

1. Are you over 50 years of age?

2. Have you been denied Social Security Disability or SSI benefits?

3. Will you let us come to you, instead of you coming to us?

4. Do you want the best representation possible in front of Social Security?

If so, contact us immediately.

We do NOT handle anything but Social Security Disability.

We've been helping claimants get approved for Social Security Disability benefits since 1996. No matter where you live, there is hope. Did you know that Social Security denies about 70% of all initial applications? You're not alone. Don't give up, and don't throw that denial away. Remember, you can't get if you don't ask. Call us NOW or contact us online. You can also call us, toll free: (855) 400-HOPE (4673). There is no need to wait. There is NO consultation fee, and we don't get paid unless you get paid.

We can start on your claim wihtout you having to leave home. We have clients across the country, and we will come to you when it is time for your hearing. Remember, you only have 60 days to appeal an unfavorable Social Security decision, so don't delay. It is our commitment to get back to you as soon as possible, usually within the first hour, but no more than 12 hours after you contact us.

Articles Written

Mistakes to Avoid in a Disability Claim

Created On: 02/23/2011

The application process for Social Security disability is a lengthy and involved one. Some things you can do to smooth the way to a positive result include the following...

What Will We Do for You?

Created On: 01/02/2011

First, and foremost, we won't let Social Security forget that you exist.  As you can imagine, SSA is a beauracracy.  Things fall through the cracks, but we won't let your case "fall through the cracks...

How Long will this Disability Application Process Take?

Created On: 03/24/2010

This is probably the number one question that we get at the Abbott Law Office.  It is also one of the most difficult to answer because, quite frankly, we don't know.  Some cases...

Can I Work and Receive Disability?

Created On: 03/14/2010

Some attorneys tell claimants that they cannot be "working" and receive Disability benefits. This is not completely accurate. You cannot be performing "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) and qualify...

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Case History

The Missing Client

Practice Area: Social Security Disability

Description: This claimant had a Social Security hearing; however, we couldn't find her. She had moved out of the area, and our investigator was having trouble finding her.

Outcome: We convinced the judge that she was disabled and to give her benefits EVEN THOUGH SHE WASN'T THERE. This claimant met a Listing, and the ALJ agreed. We did find her...after the hearing.

Listing 12.05C

Practice Area: Social Security Disability

Description: This claimant was found disabled by DDS, but as of a later date than we had requested. So, we appealed the onset date, arguing that he had actually been disabled a year before the DDS date. The claimant had a severe shoulder problem plus a learning disability. His full scal IQ score was 69. Listing 12.05C describes an individual with a valid verbal, performance, or full scale IQ of 60 through 70 and a physical or other mental impairment imposing an additional and significant work-related limitation of function. Here, the claimant's IQ score (69) in conjunction with his physical problem, the right shoulder, satisfied the criteria for the listed impairment.

Outcome: The ALJ agreed that the claimant met the requirements of Listing 12.05C and granted benefits as of the onset date that we requested. By appealing DDS' partially favorable decision, the claimant received an extra 12 months of Disability payments.

Diabetes is hell on your feet

Practice Area: Social Security Disability

Description: This claiment suffered from diabetes which had caused severe neuropathy and damage to her feet. Listing 9.08 describes "Diabetes mellitus with: A. Neuropathy demonstrated by significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in two extremities resulting in sustained disturbance of gross and dexterous movements, or gait and station (see 11.00C); or B. Acidosis occurring at least on the average of once every 2 months documented by appropriate blood chemical tests (pH or pC02 or bicarbonate levels); or C. Retinitis proliferans; evaluate the visual impairment under the criteria in 2.02, 2.03, or 2.04. This client had severe foot problems which had required surgery. Her recovery was traumatic, and she had a great deal of difficulty walking. Diabetes cases can sometimes be difficult to win because it is not the actual diabetes that is usually disabling, but rather the effects from the damage that diabetes does to the body over time.

Outcome: The ALJ agreed that she met the requirements of Listing 9.08A and granted her claim. She received back benefits of $15,444.

Don't Give Up

Practice Area: Social Security Disability

Description: This claimant wanted to give up on several occasions. Sometimes it feels as though you will never get approved. She is a younger individual, which does make it more difficult to get approved, but not impossible. She suffers from depression and back problems which cause severe pain.

Outcome: She hung in there, and the judge awarded her benefits. He found that her depression was so severe that it met Listing 12.04C.

Too Young?

Practice Area: Social Security Disability

Description: I almost didn't take this case because I was concerned that the claimant might be "too young" for SSI benefits. He is 22 years old and has cerebral palsy. He has obvrious problems with walking.

Outcome: The judge wanted to send the claimant out for additional medical testing after the hearing. I argued (sucessfully) that he didn't need additional testing. Listing 11.07 describes cerebral palsy. With: A. IQ of 70 or less; or B. Abnormal behavior patterns, such as destructiveness or emotional instability; or C. Significant interference in communication due to speech, hearing, or visual defect; or D. Disorganization of motor function as described in 11.04B. This claimant had obvious problems with walking. The judge observed him enter and leave the hearing room. He testified that walking is very painful. The judge found him to be credible and that he met Listing 11.07D. It just goes to show that knowing the listing, inside and out, is very important to winning these cases.

The Grid Rules Are Important Too

Practice Area: Social Security Disability

Description: This claimant was 58 years of a age at the time of her hearing and had worked in an office setting. She suffered from debilitating rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and degenerative disc disease of her lumbar spine. None of these conditions were severe enough to meet a listing, but in combination, they limited her to "sedentary" type work. She was fired from her last job due to excessive absences because of pain.

Outcome: The judge found her disabled based upon the "Medical-vocational Grid Rules." Rule 201.06 to be exact. The Grid Rules weigh a number of factors: age, education, work experience, and health problems. Based upon a claimant's various factors, she may be disabled based upon the rule or by relying on the rule as a "framework" for decision making. Sound confusing? It is a little, but what is important is to have an attorney that fully understands the various ways that a claimant may be disabled and the various rules that can help prove that disability. By the way, the claimant received back benefits of $12,881, and that's AFTER our fee!!

It Took Almost Three Years

Practice Area: Social Security Disability

Description: This case took almost three years to win. Now that is not the norm. We find that it takes about 12 to 18 months to complete a Social Security case, but we never know how long we'll be in the fight. The moral of the story is that you simply can't give up in these cases. This claimant was 58 years of age and suffered from back and neck problems.

Outcome: Based on her age, education, work history, and health problems, the judge found her disabled based upon Grid Rule 202.04. NEVER GIVE UP!

Lawyers

James Abbott

Free Case Review

Location : Amarillo, TX

Practice Areas: 

Titiana Dixon

Free Case Review

Locations : Amarillo, TX; Houston, TX

Practice Areas: