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Omaha disability attorney assists Social Security claimants in eastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa
In my many years of experience as an Omaha disability attorney, I have represented thousands of clients in connection with SSI and Social Security disability claims. I understand that you are under a lot of stress because working has become difficult or impossible. The prospect of dealing with a huge government bureaucracy like the Social Security Administration while you are sick or injured may seem overwhelming. You doubtlessly have many questions about how to proceed and whether you will be approved for Social Security disability benefits.
I created this 100-page website to answer your most pressing questions and ease some of your stress. I hope this website provides you with the information you need to take the next steps with your disability claim. I encourage you to contact me if you have further questions or if you would like my assistance with your claim.
Are you applying for Nebraska Social Security disability benefits in Omaha or surrounding areas?
One question I am frequently asked is, “Will I be approved for disability benefits?” You may be eligible for Nebraska Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if you are unable to work due to a physical or mental condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months.
According to the Social Security rules and regulations, an individual is disabled if he or she cannot “engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” For a more detailed explanation of eligibility requirements, see the video Are You Likely to Qualify for Disability Benefits? at the top of this page.
You can begin your application for Social Security disability benefits by calling 1-800-772-1213. When you call, you can make an appointment to complete your application at your local Social Security office or over the telephone. You can also apply online for Social Security disability benefits at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/adult.htm.
However, applying for disability involves more than completing an application, and it is helpful to have someone who will work for you from the beginning. I accept claims at the initial application stage and would be happy to evaluate your case, answer your questions, and file your application in my office. Although you can complete your application without an attorney’s assistance, consulting an Omaha disability attorney early in the process, before you apply or shortly after, can be extremely beneficial. An experienced disability attorney can help put your claim on the best footing from the outset. Social Security staff deal with many applications, often under considerable time pressure. I take the time to develop a theory to help you win and to properly document your case from the beginning.
Has your application for disability benefits been denied?
If your initial application has been denied, you may feel discouraged and inclined to give up. Please do not! Two-thirds of all applications for Social Security disability benefits in Iowa, Nebraska, and nationwide are denied. But if you appeal, you can improve your chances of success significantly.Over half of Social Security disability claimants who appeal to the administrative hearing level are ultimately awarded disability benefits.
To get to the hearing level, you will first have to make a request for reconsideration, which will probably also be denied. The next step after reconsideration is to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. For information and tips about requesting reconsideration or an administrative hearing, see Advice for appealing, and download my e-booklet Helpful suggestions for appealing a denial of benefits.
Why are your chances of success better at a hearing? Here’s one reason: A Nebraska Social Security disability hearing is the only step in the disability evaluation process at which you can meet with the decision maker in person. The hearing gives you the opportunity to tell the judge about your disability, and it gives the judge the opportunity to see the effects of your disability with his or her own eyes.
To learn more about disability hearings, review the articles in Your Disability Hearing in our Library and watch the videos How a judge determines disability.
What you can do to help with your Iowa or Nebraska Social Security disability claim
Here are a few things you can do to work with your Omaha disability attorney in building the best possible case.
- See a doctor to have your medical condition evaluated and documented. Medical records showing you have a medically determinable impairment are essential. See Evidence you need to prove your Omaha Social Security disability claim.
- Get contact information for all treating health care professionals. Your disability attorney may need to contact them to obtain your records or written reports. See Your doctor’s role in proving your Social Security disability claim.
- Follow through with prescribed medical treatment. Failure to follow treatment can hurt your case or even lead to a denial of benefits.
- Be honest with your doctor and with the Social Security Administration when you describe your symptoms and limitations. Inconsistent, contradictory statements can damage your case. See Evidence you need to prove your Omaha Social Security disability claim.
- Keep track of dates of all medical treatment so your disability attorney can verify that Social Security has all your medical records.
- Keep a daily record of your symptoms. A symptom diary can be powerful evidence at your disability hearing.
- Think about people you know who might be good witnesses at your hearing. See Testimony from witnesses can support your Omaha disability claim.
How my Omaha disability law firm can help you
If you retain my firm to represent you, my staff and I will do everything possible to put together a strong case for you. We will help you to complete all the paperwork Social Security requires. We will work with your doctors to obtain opinions from them that support your claim. We will make sure that your Social Security file contains all your medical records and other documentation necessary to support your claim.
If your application is denied, we will see that your appeals are filed on time so that you don’t have to start over with a new claim. If your case requires an administrative hearing, as most do, we will organize your case and present it to the judge. I will determine the best arguments to make in support of your case. Before the hearing, I will meet with you to prepare you to testify and explain what you can expect. I will select the best witnesses and prepare them to testify on your behalf. I will be with you at the hearing to cross-examine medical and vocational experts and to argue your case to the judge.
Get help with your Iowa or Nebraska disability case
At my Omaha disability law firm, I help clients from western Iowa and eastern Nebraska file their applications for disability benefits and appeal their denials. I will put my 35-plus years of experience as a lawyer and the knowledge I have gained from attending and speaking at National Disability Conferences to work in your case.
We know how important your case is to you. We know that it is not just about your benefits–it is about your life.
If you have questions about applying for Social Security disability benefits or appealing the denial of your application, please provide a brief description of your claim using the form to the right, and I will respond promptly. Or you may contact me at:
Omaha disability attorney
