Connor, Kimmet & Hafenstein LLP has been representing applicants for Social Security Disability for over two decades. Today, a claim for Social Security Disability (SSD/SSI) benefits can be a confusing, complicated process that can be very difficult to navigate without experienced and competent legal counsel.

Connor, Kimmet & Hafenstein LLP has worked with our clients to fight for the Social Security benefits they deserve after The Social Security Administration has denied their initial application. Over the course of handling hundreds of appeals, the firm has developed an effective approach for managing Social Security claims through the appeals process until they are finally heard at a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge.

In order to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, an individual with a documented work history must submit medical evidence (i.e., reports, tests, imaging, etc.) to prove that the individual is suffering from a severe disabling condition that prevents that individual from earning $1470.00 or more performing past jobs or any other job available in the national economy. The period of disability must last for 12 months or more to receive benefits.

The most critical component of a disability claim is the medical record. Social Security collects records after a claimant’s initial application but additional records must be gathered and submitted   by the claimant and his attorney/representative to make sure the record is complete as the claim continues through the appeals process.  Medical records and documentation are vital because disabling conditions/injuries must be proven with medical evidence such as doctor reports, x-rays, MRI’s, CT scans, and EMGs etc. Operative reports, progress notes, and records of inpatient hospital stays are also extremely important. For those claimants suffering from brain injuries or mental conditions such as PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, or Depression, treatment notes and test results from a licensed mental health care provider such as a neurologist, psychologist or a psychiatrist are invaluable.

Doctors can also fill out questionnaires that are geared towards helping Social Security administrators and Administrative Law Judges understand how an individual’s work-related abilities are impacted by their severe physical and/or mental conditions.

We work closely with clients, doctors and medical providers to make sure the medical record is complete when a claim is first appealed at the Reconsideration level and, especially, when the claim is heard by an Administrative Law Judge at a hearing.

At Connor, Kimmet and Hafenstein LLP, Chris Connor manages each Social Security case from the first appeal until the final hearing to make sure all of the evidence is entered into the record so that Social Security has a full understanding of each client’s disability and the challenges they face when trying to perform work.

If you feel you are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, please contact Chris Connor at (614) 779-0667 and he will work with you to answer any questions you have and guide you through the process of pursuing Social Security benefits.