Skip to Content
Put Our Team in Your Corner 919-583-6414
Top
When Your Back Is Against The Wall

Raleigh SSDI Attorneys

Ready to Secure Your Entitled SSDI Benefits in Raleigh, NC

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is a crucial safety net provided by the federal government for individuals who are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a qualifying disability. Navigating the SSDI application process, however, can be an intricate and time-consuming task. This is where our team at Lanier Law Group, P.A. excels – we are committed to making the process as seamless as possible for our clients.

If you're facing physical or mental health challenges that hinder your ability to work, our Raleigh SSDI lawyers are here to be your steadfast advocate. We are dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complex process of securing the benefits they deserve.

Contact us today at (919) 583-6414 to schedule a free case evaluation with our knowledgeable and skilled team.

Understanding Social Security Disability Income

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. Administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSDI is a critical safety net that offers financial support to those facing long-term disabilities.

To be eligible for SSDI, individuals must have earned sufficient work credits through their employment. Work credits are earned based on the amount of income subject to Social Security taxes.

Applicants must have a qualifying disability that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA uses a strict definition of disability, considering both physical and mental impairments.

Here are common examples of disabilities that may qualify for SSDI benefits:

Musculoskeletal Disorders:

  • Arthritis
  • Back injuries
  • Joint disorders
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Neurological Disorders:

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Epilepsy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Traumatic brain injuries

Cardiovascular Conditions:

  • Chronic heart failure
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
  • Heart transplant recipients
  • Severe heart valve disorders

Respiratory Disorders:

  • Asthma
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Interstitial lung disease
  • Sleep apnea
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Immune System Disorders:

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Lupus
  • Multiple autoimmune disorders
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sjögren's syndrome

Mental Health Disorders:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • Schizophrenia
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Sensory Impairments:

  • Blindness or severe visual impairments
  • Deafness or significant hearing loss

Blood Disorders:

  • Hemophilia
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Thrombosis or blood clotting disorders

Cancer: 

  • Many types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and solid organ cancers

Digestive System Disorders:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Crohn's disease
  • Liver disease

Endocrine Disorders:

  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Thyroid disorders

Genitourinary Disorders:

  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Nephrotic syndrome

 Skin Disorders:

  • Dermatitis
  • Psoriasis
  • Severe burns

Congenital Disorders:

  • Down syndrome
  • Spina bifida

Applicants must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, and they must have earned a specified number of work credits within a certain timeframe leading up to the onset of their disability. The exact number of required work credits depends on the age of the individual at the time of disability.

Individuals applying for SSDI must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to their disability. SGA is a measure of the ability to perform work that earns a certain income threshold set by the SSA.

Comprehensive medical evidence is required to support a disability claim. This may include medical records, laboratory results, physician statements, and other relevant documentation that establishes the severity of the disability.

The SSDI application process involves a thorough review by the SSA. The initial application may be followed by a reconsideration stage if the claim is denied. If necessary, applicants can request an administrative hearing before an administrative law judge.

Common Reasons for SSDI Claim Denials

The SSDI application process can be complex, and unfortunately, not all applications are approved on the first attempt. There are several common reasons why SSDI claims may be denied. Understanding these reasons can help applicants address potential issues and increase their chances of a successful application. 

Here are some common reasons for SSDI denials:

  • Insufficient Medical Evidence: One of the primary reasons for denial is a lack of comprehensive and convincing medical evidence. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires detailed documentation that clearly establishes the severity and duration of the disability. Incomplete or vague medical records may lead to a denial.
  • Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment: If an applicant fails to follow prescribed medical treatments without a justifiable reason, the SSA may deny the claim. This is because the SSA expects applicants to take all reasonable measures to improve their condition.
  • Income and Resource Limits: SSDI is a need-based program, and there are income and resource limits that applicants must meet. If the SSA determines that an applicant's income or resources exceed the allowable limits, the claim may be denied.
  • Failure to Cooperate: Applicants are required to cooperate with the SSA throughout the application process. This includes providing requested information, attending medical exams, and participating in the disability determination process. Failure to cooperate may result in a denial.
  • Non-Medical Reasons: The SSA considers both medical and non-medical factors when evaluating disability claims. Non-medical factors may include an applicant's ability to perform other types of work, education, work history, and age. If the SSA determines that an applicant can perform other work, the claim may be denied.
  • Disability Duration: To qualify for SSDI, the disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. If the SSA believes that the disability is not expected to meet this duration requirement, they may deny the claim.
  • Failure to Meet Technical Eligibility Criteria: SSDI has specific technical eligibility criteria, including work credit requirements and recent work history. If an applicant does not meet these criteria, the claim may be denied.
  • Substance Abuse: If substance abuse is a contributing factor to the disability, the SSA may deny the claim. However, individuals with substance abuse issues can still qualify for SSDI if they would be disabled even if they stopped using drugs or alcohol.
  • Prior Denials and Appeals: If an applicant has been denied SSDI benefits in the past and the same or similar medical conditions are presented in a subsequent application without significant new evidence, the SSA may deny the claim.
  • Technical Errors in the Application: Simple mistakes or technical errors in the application, such as incomplete forms, missing information, or errors in the work history section, can lead to denials. It's crucial to thoroughly review and accurately complete all application materials.

If an SSDI claim is denied, applicants have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process involves several stages, including reconsideration, administrative hearing, and, if necessary, further appeals. Seeking the assistance of our Raleigh team at Lanier Law Group, P.A.. during the appeal process can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome. We can help gather additional evidence, prepare a strong case, and represent the applicant at hearings before administrative law judges.

Call (919) 583-6414 or contact us online today to let us review your claim.

We Fight for Our Clients

*Featured Case Results, Settlements, & Trial Wins From Our Attorneys
  • $5.95 Million Permanent Brain Failure

    Our client had a brick fly off of a utility trailer and go through their windshield and hit her on the face.

  • $4.8 Million Settlement

    A case with multiple plaintiffs who were potentially exposed to a deadly disease while in the hospital.

  • $4.3 Million Head-On Collision

    Personal injury litigation settlement for a client who was involved in a head-on collision with a commercial tractor-trailer.

  • $3.1 Million Birth Injury/Hypoxic Brain Injury

    The OB doctor’s negligence caused a delay in the baby’s birth which resulted in the baby suffering of a severe hypoxic brain injury.

  • $1.8 Million Litigation Settlement

    Our client was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a meat truck.

  • $1.375 Million Medication Overdose/Hospital Negligence

    Our client died following an overdose of medication that occurred as a result of the negligence of the nursery staff while they were in the hospital.

We Never Back Down From a Fight

Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results
    "20 out of 10 stars."
    There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it's interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don't have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.
    - Diane W.
    "Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"
    I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!
    - Phillip J.
    "So thankful for your expertise and professionalism"
    Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.
    - Mario H.
    "Always ready to answer any questions I may have"
    The staff kept me well informed in a more than timely manner and was always ready to answer any questions I may have.
    - Timothy M.
    "The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service!"
    The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service! My main contact was Denise.
    - Malinda P.
    "Great experience"
    Great experience. Tish was very helpful as my case progressed and explained all of the steps to me, leaving me with very few questions. Shea was also very helpful during the negotiation process.
    - Nyesha B.

Don't Hire Just Any Firm

Take Control of Your Case Today With the Help of Lanier Law Group
  • We Never Back Down
    Our attorneys are confident taking cases to trial and will always seek to maximize your compensation.
  • We're Here For You 24/7
    Regardless of when you contact our firm, we're here to make sure that you get the answers you need. We also offer weekend appointments and consultations.
  • We're In Your Corner
    Every case we take on has a team of dedicated professionals assigned to make sure that we're delivering the best possible service and results.
  • We Come Prepared

    After an injury, every second counts. We are available to meet with you in person, virtually, or at your location to provide the highest quality legal counsel.