For one Social Security Disability claimant, the biggest challenge was not simply proving that her medical condition prevented her from working. Her case required establishing that her disability began years earlier, before her Social Security Disability Insurance coverage expired.
The claimant had been unable to work for years while experiencing debilitating symptoms from ulcerative colitis. Her Date Last Insured had expired in December 2020, creating an additional challenge in a case that had already been pending since 2022.
Disability Law Group Attorney Rachel L. Thomasson carefully reviewed the claimant’s medical history, developed a detailed legal argument, and prepared her for the hearing.
Ultimately, the Administrative Law Judge agreed, resulting in an approval and $100,036 in past-due Social Security Disability benefits.
A Disability Case With a Distant Date Last Insured
The claimant was 51 years old when her Date Last Insured, or DLI, expired in December 2020.
Her primary severe impairment was ulcerative colitis, and she had continued seeking treatment because of persistent and debilitating symptoms.
Because she had already been unable to work for several years, the case required establishing that her disabling limitations existed before her insured status expired. A claimant’s work history and insured status are important parts of the SSDI eligibility requirements.
The amount of time that had passed made the claimant’s medical history especially important. Rachel focused closely on the evidence from the relevant period and how it supported the claimant’s case.
Building the Case Around the Medical Evidence
Rachel conducted a detailed review of the claimant’s medical record and prepared a comprehensive summary of the evidence.
She then developed a pre-hearing memorandum that organized the medical information and clearly presented the legal argument supporting the claimant’s disability claim.
The goal was to provide the Administrative Law Judge with a clear picture of the claimant’s condition, treatment history, and limitations during the period that mattered to the case. Learn more about the medical evidence needed for a strong SSDI claim.
Rachel also spent time preparing the claimant for the hearing and making sure she understood what to expect.
Preparing the Client for the Hearing
A Social Security Disability hearing can involve detailed questions about a claimant’s medical history, previous work, symptoms, treatment, and daily limitations.
Rachel explained what the claimant could expect during the hearing and helped her understand the issues involved in her case in clear, easy-to-understand terms.
That preparation helped the claimant approach the hearing with a better understanding of the process and the issues the judge would be considering.
After reviewing the evidence and hearing the case, the Administrative Law Judge agreed with the argument presented and found the claimant disabled going back several years.
$100,036 in Past-Due Social Security Disability Benefits
The favorable decision resulted in $100,036 in past-due Social Security Disability benefits.
The outcome also provided the claimant with ongoing benefits, Medicare coverage, and greater financial stability.
For someone who had been unable to work for years while managing a serious medical condition, the result represented much more than a retroactive payment.
The past-due benefits gave the claimant an opportunity for a fresh start, while ongoing benefits could help support her day-to-day needs as she continued focusing on her health.
After years of working and paying into Social Security, she was finally able to receive the disability benefits supported by her case.
Why This Case Was Meaningful
Rachel has represented Social Security Disability claimants for more than 18 years, including many people living with severe digestive conditions.
For her, these cases are especially meaningful because of the impact those symptoms can have on a person’s everyday life.
“I have represented many claimants over the last 18 years with severe digestive impairments. After getting to know these people and hearing about their debilitating symptoms, it is especially rewarding when they are approved.”
This case also showed why a distant Date Last Insured does not necessarily mean a claim should be abandoned without carefully reviewing the available evidence.
The timing created an additional challenge, but Rachel continued developing the case and building an argument around the claimant’s medical history.
Persistence Was Key
The claimant’s case had been pending since 2022.
Rachel continued reviewing the evidence, developing the legal argument, and helping the claimant understand what to expect at her hearing.
Her takeaway from the case was simple:
“Don’t give up. Persistence is key.”
Every Social Security Disability case is different, and the evidence needed depends on the individual circumstances.
For this claimant, a careful review of years of medical evidence and a focused legal strategy ultimately led to an approval that provided financial stability, Medicare coverage, and greater peace of mind.
When the Timing of a Disability Claim Matters
Social Security Disability cases can become more complicated when a claimant’s Date Last Insured has already passed or when the evidence must establish disability during an earlier period.
In cases like this, the medical record can become especially important in showing what a claimant’s condition and limitations looked like during the relevant timeframe. An experienced lawyer can also help prepare a claimant for a disability hearing and present the relevant evidence.
If you have questions about a Social Security Disability claim, an upcoming hearing, or how your Date Last Insured may affect your case, Disability Law Group can review your situation and help you better understand your options.
Call (888) 575-3010 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
At Disability Law Group, every client matters.
