For individuals who are disabled and therefore unable to work and earn and income, the receipt of federal Social Security disability benefits can be critical. By filing a claim for Social Security disability benefits, you may be able to recover monthly compensation benefits to help you afford your cost of living expenses. The following reviews the primary three stages of the Social Security disability claims process – for more thorough information, please contact our attorneys at The Comerford Law Office, LLC for a consultation.
The first stage in the Social Security disability claim process is the initial application. This stage in itself is comprised of a number of smaller steps, including:
The initial application is characterized by filling out numerous forms and paperwork about you, your history, and your disability. It is essential that this information is filled out accurately and in full.
In some cases, your initial application will be approved and your benefits will begin. In many cases, however, an initial application is denied, oftentimes for medical reasons. If this is the case, you can file a request for reconsideration, which is a review of your case by someone who did not participate in the original decision to deny your claim. You can submit any new evidence to support your request for benefits during this process, something that is highly recommended.
The third – and almost always the final – stage in the Social Security disability claim process is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), which you may request if your request for reconsideration is not resolved in your favor. During the hearing, the ALJ will ask you questions about your disability and your inability to work may call on a variety of witnesses – including those whom you know personally and will give you an opportunity to present new evidence.
There are multiple stages in filing a Social Security disability claim, including a further appeals stage if a hearing before an ALJ is unsuccessful. Within each stage, there are important steps to take to improve the chances of a claim’s success. At The Comerford Law Office, LLC, our Chicago Social Security disability attorneys have handled dozens of disability claims, and know what the Social Security Administration is looking for and how to approach the claim process for the highest chance of success. We will guide you through each step in the Social Security disability claim process and can represent you if an appeal is necessary. Call us today for a free consultation.
Retroactive pay regarding the failure to account for all the veteran’s medical conditions.
Military Sexual Trauma case
Disability associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Retroactive pay regarding a PTSD misdiagnosis.
PTSD resulting in Unemployability
Traumatic brain injury case
Wrongfully denied SSA claim
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Non-presumptive cardiac impairment linked to Agent Orange
Agent Orange exposure case that led to Parkison’s disease.
ERISA long term disability benefits.
Comerford law puts 110% into getting what his VA clients sacrificed so much for and gets results. I give Comerford law a 5 star review.
From the start, Mr Comerford was prompt, matter of fact and yet empathetic. WHen we first spoke on the phone, Mr Comerford took the time to listen to my military history and then to help formulate a plan based on my circumstances. I had access to Mr Comerford by both email and phone. I was never denied time or a call. I am convinced that by using Mr Comerford's services, I received the best rating based on my circumstances. As…
Jim is very thorough. I have been getting the run around by the VA since I initially filed in 2014 and just had my BVA hearing so I have not yet received a decision from the judge. I previously had the American Legion and then the DAV as representatives and they truly dropped the ball. Jim was able to show and explain to me where mistakes had been made and he also helped me to retrieve documents I thought had…
My lawyer James Comerford did an awesome job for me and my wife for my disability case. And we did win my disability case after fighting the system. I would want him on my side. I would like to thank him he is a great guy.
My husband a Vietnam Vet filed a claim for an increased rating due to his PTSD, depression and other issues. in 2011. If the Veteran approved a claim it was one that stated we agree the claim condition exists but it is non-compensable. For many years we had someone else working with us and was disappointed with their ability to help us. Many times I filed the paperwork myself. It reached the point where I almost gave up hope. Then…
Mr. Comerford is a brilliant lawyer who assisted me with my VA disability case. I had been denied in the past, and he knew exactly what to do. Thankfully, he resolved my issue with the VA, getting me the rating I deserved. I am very happy and pleased with his service. I highly recommend Mr. Comerford for your disability needs if you are having problems. He is professional and responds very quickly whenever you may have questions or concerns.
Jim has been unbelievable in my VA disability case. He is down to earth, compassionate, realistic, and knowledgeable. Jim explains everything so you can understand and treats you with the utmost respect. I greatly appreciate is his rapid response to calls and emails. If he is unable to take your call he gets back to you very fast. Jim helped me get the rating I deserved and kept me informed along the way. He even found increased ratings where I…
I emailed Mr. Comerford concerning my son, a Gulf War era vet with a disability incurred during a deployment. My son was later denied VA disability benefits and I was inquiring with Mr. Comerford about an appeal. My son was and is currently treated by the VA’s medical professionals monthly. I have great respect and sincere appreciation for all that these folks have done, and will do, in order to help my boy live as normal of a life as…
More than a decade of fighting the VA for benefits and traveling through the delays and denials. I concluded that I was in need of someone who really who really cares in helping a veteran. After having various service officers I was still feeling left behind. I made the decision in retaining someone who new how to drive through the roads of delay and denials and that someone you should know is James Comerford.
I approached The Comerford Law Office because I had been working on my VA claim for over 5 years with little progress. Jim Comerford helped me by compiling the necessary documents and professional opinions needed for my claim. The result was that I finally received the hearing I had been waiting years for. Not only did I get my hearing, but Jim was there to represent me and give the correct, relevant information that was vital to my claim being…
He assisted me with my case and did an outstanding job. I am very thankful!
I was on full disability in 2005 i gave it up because i thout i could wor 3 yrs later i was back where i started, I found Mr. Comerford by accident, let me tell you he went to bat for me, he worked for a large law firm where everyone was just a file/number, he opened his own practice, small but knows everyone personally and by name, when I was down he didn't quit, when the judge denied me…
I contacted Jim after my first denial for SS Disability. He was referred to me by a good friend who had retained him for her Disability odyssey as well. My Disability case was somewhat difficult because I didn’t have a nice, large cache of medical documentation to back up my claim. Despite this and other complications Jim helped me get through my hearing and I received a fully favorable decision from the Judge and now I am just waiting to…
James is an absolutely great lawyer. He fully understands his area of expertise, he’s quick to answer any questions with clear, concise directions on how to proceed. His insight into understanding how to navigate with many case laws and government agencies helped me as his client better understand the case law and it’s ways. James is quick to answer emails and phone calls, and made me feel very comfortable. I highly, highly recommended James for his case law specialties. A…
Jim is absolutely one of the nicest, most compassionate, and intelligent lawyers out there. He is fast to answer any question with clear, concise direction. His insight into understanding how to navigate with many government agencies helps his clients in many ways. Jim is quick to answer emails and calls, and makes his clients feel very comfortable. Highly, highly recommended.
Jim is a good lawyer that helped us through a difficult purchase of our home(he also was the lawyer for the sale of our previous home). We had quite a few issues with the details of the purchase with both the bank and the seller that James made sure were resolved as quickly as possible. When the selling lawyer would not respond to phone calls/emails Jim physically went to the lawyer’s office and made sure that the final details were…
I had gone on disability before and got better so I went back to work again. When I got bad again and applied for disability, it was unbelievable. IT was hell. I got hooked up with Jim, and he was an incredible human being as well as a wonderful lawyer. I definitely recommend anyone who needs a disability lawyer to use Jim.
Jim has been representing me through my Social Security Disability adventure for 6 years. I knew my case would not be easy because of my disabilities. I contacted Jim after I initially applied for SSDI. My SSDI case was denied the first time through. Unfortunately, the Rheumatologist I had been seeing for 17 years kept horrible records, barely recording any medical history. After reviewing them, Jim knew this was going to be an uphill battle, but battle on he did.…
I was referred to Jim after my SSDI Request for Redetermination was denied. My original disability claim had been filed by a company claiming to specialize in disability---yet I was never allowed to speak with an actual attorney and I did everything except the original electronic submission of the claim---which was compiled by a low-level intake person. I dismissed them after my original claim was denied. I was immediately delighted to have found Jim. My first call was with Jim…
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