Our client, a 43-year-old from Rochester Hills, Michigan, faced a tough battle with leukemia, which is now in remission. Alongside this, she has been struggling with PTSD and depression. Despite relying on Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, her benefits were cut off once her leukemia went into remission. This is a situation many people in similar circumstances face. Yet, most people find it difficult to locate an attorney willing to rise to the challenge, and take on their case, especially since oftentimes there is no attorney fee involved.
Even when leukemia goes into remission, the residual effects can be significant. The American Cancer Society notes that leukemia survivors often deal with ongoing issues such as fatigue, neurological effects, and psychological stress. Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) sometimes overlooks these lingering effects during their reviews.
To complicate matters, our client’s previous oncologist retired during the process, which created a gap in essential medical records needed to support her case.
Our Approach:
With Erika Riggs, attorney and co-founder of the Disability Law Group (DLG), leading the charge, our dedicated team worked closely together to tackle these challenges:
Securing Essential Records: We acted quickly to obtain the missing records from the retired oncologist, ensuring that all critical documentation was submitted to the SSA.
Gathering Detailed Documentation: Our team collaborated with her psychiatrist to gather a comprehensive set of records, including an events log and a detailed mental health medical source statement, to fully capture the impact of her PTSD and depression.
Drafting Supporting Statements: We carefully drafted a thorough medical source statement and worked with her psychiatrist to ensure it accurately reflected her ongoing struggles.
Thanks to our team’s swift and comprehensive efforts, we were able to restore her SSD benefits without the need for a hearing. This outcome not only provided her with crucial financial support but also ensured her continued insurance coverage. While the process can often be lengthy and complex, our proactive approach helped expedite a positive resolution.
This case highlights the importance of addressing the full impact of chronic conditions, even after remission. It also demonstrates the value of working with a dedicated team that understands the intricacies of the SSD benefits system. At the Disability Law Group, we pride ourselves on our collaborative approach and commitment to securing the benefits our clients need.
If you or someone you know is facing challenges with SSD benefits due to chronic conditions or other issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Disability Law Group. Our experienced team, led by Erika Riggs, is here to guide you through the process and fight for the support you deserve.
Navigating SSD benefits can be complex and time-consuming, but acting quickly and comprehensively can make a difference. Contact us today to see how we can assist you and ensure you receive the benefits and coverage you need.
