At Disability Law Group, every client matters. We know how overwhelming and frustrating it can feel to fight for the benefits you need, especially when the system seems determined to say no. Today, we are honored to share the story of one of our clients from Cheboygan, Michigan, whose perseverance, combined with our team’s advocacy, led to a life-changing Social Security Disability win.
A Complex Medical Journey
Our client, a 42-year-old woman, has been living with multiple serious health conditions for years. Each condition alone would make full-time work nearly impossible. Together, they created daily challenges that took a heavy toll on her body, her independence, and her hope.
Her diagnoses included:
- Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine – severe back pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Chiari Malformation Type 1 (status post decompression surgery) – causing debilitating headaches, neck pain, and balance issues.
- Frequent, Severe Headaches – requiring rest in a quiet, dark space for relief.
- Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – with numbness, tingling, and weakness in both hands.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome – leading to joint instability, fatigue, and chronic pain.
- GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) – frequent flare-ups worsened by stress and medication.
Day after day, she faced physical pain, emotional stress, and financial strain, while the benefits she desperately needed remained out of reach.
Multiple Denials Before Finding the Right Help
Like so many people, she started her disability application with hope. But despite the seriousness of her conditions, her claim was denied again and again; at the initial level, at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), and even by the Appeals Council.
After years of fighting, she nearly gave up. Her previous law firm explained they did not handle federal court appeals and referred her to Disability Law Group for another look. That referral became the turning point in her case.
DLG’s Strategic Approach: A True Team Effort
When we took on her case, we didn’t just review what had already been submitted, we rebuilt it. Attorney, and co-founding partner, Erika Riggs, thoroughly reviewed every piece of medical evidence, uncovered critical information that hadn’t been properly emphasized, and helped prepare new evidence to strengthen her claim. This included updated medical records and detailed supporting statements addressing the severity of her symptoms and the impact on her ability to function.
Mrs. Riggs filed a comprehensive Motion for Summary Judgment in federal court and later a Reply Brief, backing up every argument with medical facts, legal precedent, and vocational evidence. We even appeared for oral argument before a U.S. District Judge, an opportunity rarely granted, and one we used to advocate powerfully on her behalf.
A Federal Court Victory and a New Hearing
The federal court agreed with our arguments and remanded the case back for a new hearing, this time with us by her side.
At the new hearing, Erika presented her full story clearly and convincingly, supported by updated medical documentation and detailed legal analysis. We also cross-examined the Vocational Expert (VE) and emphasized how her conditions impacted her ability to maintain any job—not just the ones she previously held.
The ALJ agreed, finding that:
- Our client’s pain and fatigue would cause her to be off-task at least 20% of the workday, in addition to regular breaks.
- She would likely miss at least two full workdays per month due to doctor visits, flare-ups, and fatigue.
- These limitations, each on their own, were deemed work-preclusive by the VE.
A Hard-Earned and Life-Changing Win
After nearly a decade of waiting and fighting, our client was finally found fully disabled under Social Security’s rules, with her disability dating back to January 2015. She was awarded:
- More than six years of past-due SSD benefits
- Monthly ongoing benefits
- Medicare eligibility
- A total recovery of over $95,000
This decision didn’t just bring financial relief, it brought her peace of mind and the recognition she had fought so long to receive.
Why This Win Matters
This kind of outcome is exceptionally rare, federal court remands are challenging to secure, and even more rare is a favorable decision following that remand. Many firms don’t take cases to federal court at all. But at Disability Law Group, we don’t back down when our clients need us most.
We are proud to have given this deserving woman her day in court and even prouder to see her finally receive the benefits and peace of mind she deserves.
Are You or a Loved One Facing a Disability Denial?
Whether you are just beginning the disability process or you’ve been denied, even after a hearing or appeal, we can help. At Disability Law Group, we handle every stage of the process, including federal court appeals, and we bring both skill and compassion to every case we take on.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience to work for you, so you can focus on what matters most: your health, your family, and your future.
