Social Security Disability Attorney

Nationwide Representation. Regardless Of Where You Live, We Can Help.

John E. Dunlap has been helping those disabled get disability benefits for over 15 years. The office staff has the ability to help disabled individuals move through the difficult process of applying for benefits from the Social Security Administration.

If a disabled individual has applied for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income and been denied, then he or she may still be entitled to benefits. The office can review your case and appeal it to the proper level of review of the Social all while collecting your medical records, contacting the Social Security Administration, and representing the client in front of an Administrative Law Judge.

Mr. Dunlap’s Social Security services include:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  • Social Security Disability (SSD)
  • Potential Appeal to Federal Court
 

Overview of Disability Benefits

 

How Does One Qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance?

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need to be suffering from a severe disability as specified by the Social Security Administration (SSA). 

Your medical condition or impairment should keep you out of work for at least a year. Also, it’s very important to note that in order to qualify for SSDI, you need to have worked at a job covered by Social Security, and you must have made regular payments into the program for the last 5-10 years. 

The Social Security Administration bases the definition of disability on five questions: 

  1. Are you working? Individuals who are working and earning more than $1,350 per month ($2,260 if they’re blind) don’t qualify as of this writing. 
  2. What’s the severity of your condition? A long-term disability must limit your ability to do work-related activities, including lifting, standing, walking or sitting, for a minimum of 12 months.
  3. Is your disability on the official list of qualifying medical conditions? To qualify, disability applicants must have a condition on this list.
  4. Can you perform the same work you previously completed prior to the disability onset?
  5. Can you perform another type of work besides your previous occupation?


If you have a qualifying disability, are unable to work and have medical evidence to support your condition, we may be able to help. 

Contact John E. Dunlap, P.C., Attorney at Law for help with the appeals process or obtaining disability benefits in Memphis, TN. Our office provides Shelby County clients with service and guidance from an experienced attorney. We pride ourselves on empathy for people and their situations and fight to get them the benefits they need.

Do You Need a Disability Lawyer to File for Social Security Benefits?

Like any other legal matter in the United States, it’s not a must that you be represented by a Social Security Disability lawyer when filing for a disability claim. You can always represent yourself, fill out the application form on your own and attend the hearing without a lawyer present. 

Whether or not you decide to hire a Social Security disability lawyer depends entirely on your preference and individual circumstances. However, as much as it’s not a requirement to have a Social Security Disability lawyer when filing for the benefits, having one by your side can help boost your chances of getting SSDI. 

Why Hire a Disability Attorney to Help With Your Case?

Hiring a Social Security disability attorney to help with the application or appeals process can give your case a major boost. And since an average of 75% of disability applications are denied, it can sometimes make the difference between your claim for disability benefits being approved or not. 

The following are some ways in which Social Security Disability lawyers are likely to help with your disability claim case:

  • They can help you understand the SSDI Blue Book listings and figure out if you meet the criteria.
  • They can help you gather the medical records and other evidence you need and submit it on your behalf.
  • They can help you prepare adequately for your Social Security Disability claim hearing.
  • They know how to handle important evidence and medical records that might help you win the case.
  • They know and are capable of using the right arguments that might help you win the case in court.

Does Your Medical Condition Qualify for SSDI?

The following are some of the medical conditions that automatically qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits:

  • Respiratory illnesses, including asthma
  • Blood disorders, including hemophilia
  • Mental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, or depression
  • Immune system disorders, including HIV/AIDS
  • Cardiovascular illnesses, including chronic heart failure
  • Digestive tract issues such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 
  • Neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy
 

Filing a Social Security Disability application — or appealing a denied claim — can be a frustrating experience. However, having the right lawyer by your side during the claims process can help tip the scales in your favor so you get the disability benefits you need and deserve.

Mr. Dunlap is an experienced Social Security attorney who has won many cases for our clients. There is no fee charged for any part of the representation until benefits are won. You can call our Memphis law firm today at (901) 320-1603 for a free consultation.