An Experienced Cook County Disability Claim Attorney

What Is Evidence Of Total Disability?

Chicago Total Disability Attorney

The Social Security Administration is not easily persuaded that a person should receive disability benefits. The SSA demands that an applicant show evidence of total, permanent disability. Total disability is difficult to prove in many cases, and the SSA routinely denies SSD applications because the applicant failed to prove it. That is why it is critical to work with an experienced SSD lawyer who understands what is necessary.

My name is Timothy R. White, and I am a Chicago Social Security Disability lawyer with more than 18 years of experience helping people obtain much-needed SSD and SSI benefits. I am committed to helping my Chicago-area clients secure the benefits they need when they can no longer work due to a disabling injury, illness or chronic condition. I help people at all stages of the process, from helping with initial disability applications to appealing denied SSD claims.

How Do You Prove You Are Totally Disabled?

To be successful in obtaining SSD benefits in Illinois, there are three things the SSA must see:

  • You can no longer do the work you did before becoming ill or injured
  • You cannot perform other work due to your medical condition
  • The medical condition has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or be fatal

In order to help my clients obtain benefits, I help them demonstrate total disability in two main ways:

  • By showing that you suffer from a listed impairment — The SSA recognizes 14 categories of illness that qualify people for SSD. These categories include cardiovascular disorders like heart disease, neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, and respiratory disorders like cystic fibrosis. There are many more listed impairments as well. Once these conditions reach a certain stage, they are considered totally disabling.
  • By showing that you are functionally limited and cannot work Many people do not have a listed impairment but are still totally disabled. For example, if you cannot lift X amount of weight or have extremely limited concentration you might not be able to function on the job. If I am able to show that your functional limitations are severe enough to keep you from working, the SSA will consider you totally disabled.

A Thorough Approach To Every Disability Claim

Typically, I collect evidence that supports my client’s claim under both the listed impairment theory and the functional limitation theory. I am always ready to advance both arguments to the SSA. That helps to avoid delays in the SSD process.

Contact A Chicago-Area Permanent Disability Lawyer — Free Consultation

To schedule a free phone or in-person consultation with an Illinois Social Security lawyer, call the Law Offices of Timothy R. White, P.C., at 773-295-2179 or toll free at 877-851-4243. You can also contact my Chicago disability law firm online. Messages are returned within 24 hours.