Virginia Social Security Disability Legal Questions

I would strongly suggest that you call our office first thing Monday morning.  Ask for Intake Manager Adam Jeffery.  We can be reached at TOLL FREE 855-254-7841.   We'll do whatever we can to help.   **** We also STOP UNLAWFUL COLLECTION AGENCY CALLS AS well!  Sincerely,   Scott F. Bocchio President Legal Rights Advocates www.yourlegalrightsadvocates.com     ... Read More

I would suggest that you start the process now. It can sometimes take up to 2 years for approval.  Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.    Sincerely,   Attorney Bocchio, Esq President Legal Rights Advocates P 855-254-7841 www.yourlegalrightsadvocates.com     ... Read More

You had asked if there is any "free lawyer" who does Social Security overpayment issues. I have done claimant's Social Security Disability for over 35 years and I can tell you I don't know of any private lawyer who will work for free on these issues. In addition, I have checked with Legal Aid and it is my understanding they will not handle these issues but you can check. ... Read More

You indicate you cannot stand and you have diabetes. You also indicate you were denied Social Security Disability. First, does the medical evidence support  your contention you cannot stand. Does the medical evidence provide a reason why you cannot stand. Second, even if you cannot stand, can you do sit down work? If you are over 55 and have never done sit down work before, then not being able to stand could get you disability. Third, many people continue to work with diabetes. Just having diabetes does not mean you are disabled. You need to have your situation reviewed by a lawyer who specializes in Social Security Disability. ... Read More

In a hearing the ALJ asks the vocational expert a series of hypothetical questions. Some are favorable to you. Some are not. It appears the ALJ decided the medical evidence did not support the questions that were favorable to you. Instead, the ALJ decided the medical evidence supported his/her conclusion you could do some form of work and were not totally disabled. You are correct in saying on an appeal the Appeals Council does not reverse the ALJ unless the ALJ ignored medical evidence that was overwhelmingly in your favor. Although you stated what the ALJ said at the hearing, you did not state what the ALJ said his finding was in the actual decision. Apparently, he/she found you could do some form of work. You needed to say specifically what the ALJ said. ... Read More

SSA should have mailed you an SSI cutoff letter. They could have cut you off because your other countable income increased, they reviewed your claim and found you no longer disabled, etc. You have the right to appeal within 10 days of receiving the letter to keep your benefits going through the appeal process. If you missed the 10-day deadline, your benefits will stop but you should still appeal within 60 days of receiving the letter to dispute the cutoff and try to get your benefits reinstated. I do not handle cutoff cases.... Read More

If you can appeal within 10 days of the written decision, you can request a waiver of the implementation, and have your benefits continue during the appeal process. You should appeal the written decision within 60 days.  If it has been more than 60 days, an appeal with a justification for why there was a delay may be allowed.  Appearing in person at your local office would be the best thing in my opinion.  To find your local office, use this link https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp ... Read More