June 5, 2023 by Natalie Cochran
Lone Star Legal Aid Helps Disabled Husband and Father Obtain Social Security Disability Insurance
Topic
Community Advocacy,
Community Education,
Financial Assistance and Public Benefits,
Story of Justice
Meet Dennis, a devoted husband and father, whose life took an unexpected turn when he applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and was shockingly denied. Despite battling high blood pressure, gout, arthritis in multiple areas of his body, and lingering depression, Dennis was told he was “not disabled.” Faced with the daunting reality of being unable to work due to these debilitating conditions, he turned to Lone Star Legal Aid for a lifeline.
Dennis’ case was assigned to Senior Staff Attorney Jeff Larsen with our Public Benefits Unit, who discovered his client quit working as a landscaper 4 or 5 years ago due to serious physical limitations. Larsen verified the paperwork Dennis submitted to SSA, which included his medical documents, disability application, and denial letter. The SSA’s response was simply that they can no longer help him.
Larsen decided to build a stronger case for Dennis, so that he could appeal and be approved for disability benefits moving forward. Larsen assisted Dennis with gathering newer medical documents, test records, and information about his main medical issues that prevent him from working. Dennis told LSLA that he was in a lot of pain, could not sit or stand for a long time, could not lift things, and could not grab things with his hands because his fingers were becoming disfigured, and his hands were in a lot of pain. In addition, Dennis couldn’t focus because of all the medication he was on.
Larsen appealed the denial, and it was assigned to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Larsen advised Dennis to be clear and detailed at the ALJ hearing about all his medical conditions. Unfortunately, Dennis was denied again. He was remanded from the Appeals Council, and because Dennis wanted to try his case in-person, and we were battling a stubborn pandemic, it went on for over 2 years.
Finally, the long-awaited in-person hearing arrived, giving Dennis and Larsen the opportunity to present compelling testimony and evidence to substantiate his case. Against all odds, Dennis emerged victorious, winning the appeal and receiving partial payments that encompassed the substantial backpay owed to him. Moreover, his wife and 11-year-old daughter became eligible for benefits, providing some much-needed relief for their family.
While grateful for the financial assistance, Dennis never received an explanation as to why he did not receive a lump sum. Larsen reached out to SSA to find out why, but was unsuccessful in gathering information. Shortly thereafter, Larsen received notice that Dennis would receive a full payment for retroactive benefits and certification of continuous benefits moving forward.
Dennis’ remarkable journey exemplifies the unwavering determination and resilience that prevails in the face of adversity. Through the support and advocacy of Attorney Jeff Larsen, justice was finally served, transforming the lives of Dennis and his beloved family, and underscoring the importance of never giving up the fight for what is right.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the client(s).
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy for low-income and underserved populations by providing free legal education, advice, and representation. LSLA serves millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines, who live in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties in Southwest Arkansas. LSLA focuses its resources on maintaining, enhancing, and protecting income and economic stability; preserving housing; improving outcomes for children; establishing and sustaining family safety, stability, health, and wellbeing; and assisting populations with special vulnerabilities, like those with disabilities, the aging, survivors of crime and disasters, the unemployed and underemployed, the unhoused, those with limited English language skills, and the LGBTQIA+ community. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at www.LoneStarLegal.org.
Media contact: media@lonestarlegal.org
