Craig Jarvis, Member of Biggam, Fox & Skinner

My practice is largely focused on Social Security Disability law, and workers’ compensation. I am accredited to handle appeals of denials of Veteran’s Disability Benefits. I am a partner in the firm and I am the head of the Social Security Department at Biggam, Fox & Skinner. I have handled hundreds of Social Security cases including Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, children’s SSI and Social Security appeals to the Federal Court. I am familiar with most disabling conditions and I have helped many clients get disability benefits.

One Social Security case which gives me particular satisfaction is the claim of a woman with severe asthma. She had been hospitalized a number of times over the years, and needed to treat herself regularly in her home. The Administrative Law Judge initially found that the asthma did not significantly interfere with her ability to work, but he never mentioned the frequency or duration of her attacks and in-home treatment. I argued to that judge and to Social Security’s Appeals Council that they had to consider the frequency and duration of attacks and in-home treatment. Neither of them would accept my argument. However, when I took the claim to Federal Court, I was able to get the case sent back to Social Security for another hearing. This time the same judge called a doctor to testify about my client’s asthma. The doctor testified that my client in fact equaled Social Security’s medical criteria for disability, in part because of the hospitalizations and the need for in-home treatment. She was found disabled. It was gratifying that persisting with a strong argument eventually won the day.

I live in Montpelier with my wife, who is also an attorney, and our two young sons. I play classical guitar, and have played music at some local venues.