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Ortiz Law Firm | National Disability Law Firm
Ortiz Law Firm is dedicated to helping people recover the disability benefits they deserve. We handle group Long Term Disability (LTD) claims, individual disability insurance policy claims, ERISA disability claims, and Social Security Disability claims.
Far too many people give up when denied Social Security disability benefits after a hearing because they feel like they have no further appeal rights. We have helped claimants get approved on a new claim even after receiving an unfavorable decision from a judge in a prior claim. If you’ve been denied by an Administrative …
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that pays benefits to people who cannot work due to a disability. If you have a disability and are unable to work, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits. However, getting approved for SSDI can be a long and complicated process. Here are some things that …
Today, I’d like to delve into a crucial aspect of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims: the “Grid Rules,” formally known as the “Medical-Vocational Guidelines.” These may be found in Appendix 2 to Subpart P of Part 404 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Note: They are called “Grid Rules” because …
When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, one term that often comes up is the On-The-Record (OTR) decision. This article will discuss an OTR decision and how it can affect your claim. What Is an On-The-Record (OTR) with SSA? An OTR decision is a fully favorable decision given without having to attend a …
Will a personal injury settlement affect my Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits? Should I apply for disability benefits with a personal injury lawsuit pending? Does a lump sum payment for my injury impact my disability claim? The short answer is personal injury claims do not affect SSDI benefits, but they generally do affect SSI …
My name is Nick Ortiz, and I am a Social Security disability attorney. I recently interacted with one of our clients, who received a favorable decision two years after starting his initial application. He was happy and relieved to finally get this good news. This made me think of a question we get from many …
The Listing of Impairments describes impairments for each of the major body systems that Social Security considers severe enough to prevent a claimant from doing any gainful activity, regardless of his or her age, education, or work experience (you can find these impairments on our website in our articles on the disabilities that may …
Social Security recognizes that it has an obligation to provide benefits quickly to applicants whose medical conditions are so serious that their conditions obviously meet disability standards. The Compassionate Allowances (CAL) initiative is a way of quickly identifying diseases and other medical conditions that invariably qualify under the …
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a lifeline that many rely on when the unexpected strikes. SSDI is a federal program that provides financial support and other benefits to people who cannot work due to a disability. To qualify for SSDI, you must have a disability that has lasted (or is expected to last) 12 …
If you’re currently receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, it’s important to understand that your benefits may not be permanent. The Social Security Administration (SSA) regularly conducts Continuing Disability Reviews to determine whether people are still entitled to receive benefits. The review performed by the SSA …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has added 12 new conditions to its list of Compassionate Allowances conditions. What Conditions Have Been Added to the List? Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, has announced the addition of 12 new Compassionate Allowances conditions: 1p36 Deletion Syndrome, Anaplastic Ependymoma, …
Social Security disability hearing offices are officially known as Offices of Hearings Operations (OHO). Previously, they were known as Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). Statistically, this is where most Social Security disability claims will be approved. A Request for Hearing is the third step in the process and the second …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is revising criteria in the Listing of Impairments used to evaluate claims. These changes will affect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims for adults and children involving digestive disorders and skin disorders. Why Is the SSA Revising the Listing? This …
A question we often hear is “Can I file for disability if I have a pending Jones Act Maritime Injury Case?” The short answer is – yes, you can apply for disability benefits while your Jones Act case is ongoing. Offshore workers can apply for disability benefits while a Jones Act claim is pending. Applying …
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) back pay or retroactive benefits are lump sum payments that cover the benefits you were entitled to but did not receive while waiting for your application to be approved. It can be a significant amount of money and is a welcome relief for many struggling to make ends meet while …
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a daunting process. You must present your case to the Social Security Administration in the best possible light. What you do not say to the SSA is just as important, if not more so, than what you do. In this article, we discuss what not to say during …
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government program that provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling condition. However, applying for and receiving SSDI benefits can be a complicated and challenging process, which is why many individuals turn to Social Security disability advocates for help. …
If you’ve filed a Social Security disability claim and are headed to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), it’s essential to be prepared. Knowing what to say and what not to say can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. In this article, we’ll explore some common mistakes claimants make …
You may be here because either your Administrative Law Judge or the Department of Disability Services (DDS) arm of the Social Security Administration (SSA) has scheduled an appointment for you to see one of their doctors, either a medical doctor or psychologist. These are commonly called Medical Examinations (ME) or Consultative Examinations (CE). …
If you’re applying for long-term disability insurance, you may be required to apply for Social Security disability benefits along with your LTD claim. You may even be offered the services of companies like Allsup and Advantage 2000 to assist with your claim. However, as a knowledgeable ERISA long-term disability and Social Security disability …
The Social Security Administration maintains all Social Security disability claim files in an electronic format. The instructions below will walk you through the process of obtaining and opening an encrypted CD from the SSA. How Do I Get a Copy of My Social Security Disability File? A claimant and/or an authorized representative has the right …
If your impairment does not meet or equal an impairment listing, the Social Security Administration’s medical-vocational or Grid rules come into play. SSA Grid rules may help disability applicants who are 50 years old or older get approved for Social Security disability benefits if they do not have helpful job skills or the job skills …
Are you ready to rejoin the workforce? A trial work period allows you to test the waters. During a trial work period, a beneficiary receiving Social Security disability benefits may test his or her ability to work and still be considered disabled. Social Security does not consider services performed during the trial work period as …
When applying for disability insurance benefits, one crucial requirement is having medical evidence to support your claim. Your doctor may need to complete specific paperwork to support your claim, such as an Attending Physician’s Statement (APS) or Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form. These forms detail your diagnoses, treatment, and any …