Social Security Disability Lawyer

"For Social Security disability claimants, their families, and for the network of people involved in the Social Security disability claim process."

Author: Gordon Gates is a solo practitioner in Saco, Maine.

Blawg Related Categories: Disability Law • Solo / Small Firm

Recent Posts from Social Security Disability Lawyer

Reason #4 - The Judge Wants a Memorandum
We are listing ten top reasons to write a hearing brief. Look for a reason a day through the 10th of July. Reason #4 The Judge wants a Memorandum A hearing brief can be very…
Reason #3 - Test Drive Your "Theory of the Case"
We are taking the first ten days in July to list ten top reasons to write a hearing brief. Although our office is closed today for the 4th of July weekend, the list of top…
Reason #2 - Be More Prepared for the Hearing
We are taking the first ten days in July to list ten top reasons to write a hearing brief. Look for a reason a day through the 10th of July. Reason #2 Be More Prepared…
Reason #1 - Be a Professional
A hearing memorandum should be written for every Social Security disability hearing, and submitted well in advance of the the hearing. I have previously written about the hearing memorandum in Maine and in New Hampshire.…
Video Hearings
Last week I objected to two video hearings that were scheduled for August. I continue to be ambivalent about video hearings. I have done dozens of video hearings. I think the technology works great. And…
Maine DDS Has a Growing Backlog
Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes the medical-vocational determinations for Social Security claims at the initial and reconsideration levels. I have noticed that claims are moving slower lately at the Maine DDS. I checked yesterday on…
Part-time Work at SGA Can Be Past Relevant Work
Sometimes workers in chronic pain reduce their hours from full-time to part-time to try to stay employed and manage their pain. If this part-time work is above the SGA level, it can cause a problem…
Prepare a Detailed Work Background
I recently read a good practice tip from Mobile Alabama Social Security lawyer Gilbert Laden in the April Social Security Forum, which is a newsletter published by NOSSCR for its members. Mr. Laden's article is…
Workers with Chronic Illnesses Face Chronic Uncertainty
Workers with chronic illnesses face chronic uncertainty. That astute observation appears in Lesley Alderman's recent New York Times article, entitled Protecting Your Job While Coping With a Chronic Illness. In addition to uncertainty about their…
Best Practices for Claimants' Representatives now on SSA Website
The list of Best Practices for Claimant's Representatives has been posted on the SSA's website. The list is definitely worth reviewing if you are representing claimants before the Social Security Administration. Thanks to Deputy Commissioner…