Experienced Legal Guidance for Your Social Security Disability Claim

Since 1983, Attorney Douglas W. Hutson has been a tireless advocate for East Tennessee residents seeking the disability benefits they’ve earned. We know the SSA process is daunting, which is why Douglas provides the dedicated, one-on-one guidance your case requires. From gathering critical medical records to presenting clear, objective proof of your disability, our firm ensures your case is built on the strongest possible evidence.

What Types Of Disabilities Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits?

Some of the common disabling conditions recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) include:

• Cardiovascular conditions, including chest pain, heart failure, heart transplants, recurrent arrhythmias, high blood pressure (hypertension) and congenital heart disease
• Digestive problems, including bowel incontinence, colitis, Crohn’s disease, colon cancer, leaky gut syndrome, liver disease and hepatitis
• Immune system disorders, such as Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, autism, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks and depression

Other covered health issues include:

• Chronic back and neck conditions
• Lung conditions
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Vision and hearing loss
• Various cancers and other serious diseases
• Diabetes and associated conditions such as neuropathy and edema

The Social Security Administration has a compassionate allowances program for disabled workers who have specific, severe medical conditions. If you have a condition that is listed as part of this program, we will work to help get your application or appeal on a fast track for approval.

Do You Meet the Eligibility Requirements for SSDI?

You may qualify for SSDI benefits if:

• You have a sufficient work history, which means you have paid enough payroll taxes into the Social Security Disability Insurance program.
• You are unable to work at your current job and unable to adapt to different work due to a physical and/or mental ailment listed in the Social Security Administration’s impairment listing manual.
• Your disability has either lasted one year or is expected to last one year or until death.

If you have a qualifying disability but do not have a sufficient work history, we can work to help you obtain SSDI or SSI benefits. We serve clients throughout eastern Tennessee from our office in Athens.

What Medical Evidence Does Social Security Generally Require?

A successful SSDI benefits claim requires comprehensive medical evidence showing the severity of your condition, not just your diagnosis. Medical documentation is the key to a successful claim. The records you may need to gather include: 

• Diagnostic reports 
• Imaging test results 
• Laboratory test results 
• Treatment notes from your primary care physician or a specialist 
• Any relevant hospital records 
• A physician’s written notes regarding your functional limitations

Certain types of evidence are especially helpful for proving a disability. Objective medical evidence, such as test results from the doctors providing you with treatment, is among the most helpful evidence, but notes from your office visits and evaluations of your functional limitations by physical therapists or other professionals are also important. 

Documentation that outlines the specific symptoms you experience, how those symptoms affect your ability to work and what treatment medical professionals have offered to address your condition can help show your condition meets the SSA’s strict standards. 

Understanding Residual Functional Capacity Assessments

A residual functional capacity assessment is used to determine what work functions you may be able to perform for eight hours a day, five days a week, given your current symptoms and limitations. The residual functional capacity form is meant to be completed by a physician. Sometimes, that will be a doctor paid by SSA to perform a consultative examination, while other times it will be your own treating physician. 

The physician will be asked to evaluate your mental and physical capabilities. They will document your ability to sit, stand, lift, walk, push and pull. They also assess your ability to recall information, carry out an employer’s instructions, adapt to changes, keep pace with others, concentrate and cope with work-related stress. Separate assessments are not necessary if you have multiple comorbidities. The assessment focuses on your overall residual ability to work based on the totality of your impairments. 

Securing disability benefits shouldn’t be a guessing game. At Douglas W. Hutson, Attorney at Law, you gain decades of SSDI experience to manage every complex detail of your application. Our legal team meticulously audits your medical records for the common “red flags” that lead to denials, providing clear, actionable steps to strengthen your case before it ever reaches the SSA.

Call Us For A Free Consultation (No Fee Unless We Win)

Douglas W. Hutson, Attorney at Law, provides free initial consultations to those who need help with their Social Security Disability claims. We charge no legal fees until we win. Call 423-453-3021 or fill out this form to schedule your free consultation at our law office in Athens.