Real Life Examples of Advocacy and Win Cases
At YOUR DISABILITY ATTORNEY, we know that our clients deserve personal, compassionate representation through every step of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim process. Throughout their time in practice, attorney Holly Trief and her firm have been able to assist countless people throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond in overcoming SSDI/SSI claims and disability appeals. The following case studies showcase their efforts to protect clients’ rights and help them achieve positive things in the face of disability claim challenges that seem insurmountable. Each case study offers testimony to their personalized service, extensive experience, and tireless commitment to fighting for those who count on us.
Case Study #1: Reversing a Denied SSDI Claim for a Chronic Illness Victim
“A 48-year-old teacher from Oakland, Marie, developed a progressive autoimmune condition that rendered her unable to work. Although she had clear medical records, reports, and diagnoses from her doctors, her first SSDI claim was denied on the alleged basis of insufficient documentation and because the Social Security Administration deemed it necessary to evaluate the severity of her restrictions. Feeling confused and lost in the process, Marie contacted Attorney Holly Trief for assistance with her disability appeal.
Our legal team quickly began getting updated medical records, acquiring detailed statements from treating physicians, and working with Marie to illustrate how her condition affected her on a daily basis. We made certain that all arguments were properly detailed in her brief and presented to the examiner; this included her work history as well as a thorough look into the progression of her ailments. Attorney Trief represented Marie vigorously at the hearing-cross-examining the Social Security Administration vocational expert and addressing many concerns of unreported prior denials.
Marie was notified within three months that her claim was approved. She received retroactive benefits and could begin sustaining SSDI income while managing her illness. This case is a success story with respect to diligence and expertise when advocating for an appeal after an unfavorable initial review.”
Case Study #2: SSI Disability Benefits Obtained for Young Adult with Developmental Disabilities
Carlos, a 22-year-old resident of San Jose, has suffered from a severe intellectual disability since he was a small child. His family had been attempting to gain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to help pay for Carlos’s lifetime care and daily living assistance needs, but had been denied on their initial application. After their first application failed because of missing current functional assessments, a requirement under SSI law, they turned to YOUR DISABILITY ATTORNEY for assistance.
Attorney Holly Trief worked to assist Carlos’s family by gathering new and updated psychological evaluations and statements from teachers, therapists, and caregivers. We also worked closely with local organizations devoted to providing care to disabled persons so that we could gather even more evidence supporting our client’s claim for benefits. Our team ensured that these documents compellingly expressed how Carlos could not perform any substantial or gainful work.
Through extensive communications with Social Security and the careful design of written submissions, our law firm was able to give Carlos an expedited hearing date. The judge found in Carlos’s favor and he was subsequently awarded SSI benefits as well as eligibility for Medicaid. This case helped provide desperately-needed support for Carlos would not have otherwise been able to find for himself – it demonstrates how thorough legal support can aid even the most helpless of applicants.
Case Study #3: Handling a Complex Appeal for a Client with Several Impairments
Diane, a 56-year-old graphic designer from San Francisco, had been battling a series of physical and mental impairments for years, including debilitating arthritis and major depressive disorder. After getting turned down twice-once at initial application and again at reconsideration-Diane had lost hope that she would ever be approved for benefits. Diane’s case was handled by attorney Holly Trief at the hearing level and she left no stone unturned in developing the record to provide the best argument possible for approval. Our firm reviewed every aspect of Diane’s medical records, worked with her treating doctors to obtain every possible functional capacity assessment, and detailed how her symptoms met Social Security’s definition of disability in a complex brief we submitted before the hearing. At the hearing, attorney Trief presented compelling testimony and responded to the agency’s arguments with medical literature and vocational testimony. The administrative law judge issued a fully favorable decision and awarded SSDI benefits back to the date of Diane’s original application. Attorney Trief is credited by her client with returning hope and financial security to Diane through expert handling of her case and insistent advocacy when it was needed most.
Case Study #4: Early Intervention Leads to Quick Decision Approval for a Cancer Survivor
“When Mark, a 41-year-old warehouse manager from Berkeley, was diagnosed with advanced lymphoma, he realized that he would be out of work for a substantial period of time. Worried about the loss of income during his extended treatment, he reached out to YOUR DISABILITY ATTORNEY before he even filed for SSDI benefits.
Attorney Holly Trief assisted the client in filing the initial application and assembling a well-developed record of the client’s diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis. We obtained Letters of Support from his oncologist, and ensured that all medical records were submitted at the beginning of the process covering pathology reports, treatment summaries, and detailed employment history. Due to this careful and proactive approach in filing the claim, Mark was approved within eight weeks without an appeal. This provided immediate benefits as soon as he qualified so that the client could devote his full attention to his medical issues rather than his financial concerns. Early intervention makes a difference: Even our experienced staff are often amazed at how helpful our services can be.”
Case Study #5: Reinstating Disability Benefits for a Client Subject to Medical Improvement Review
“Walnut Creek retiree Linda, age 62, had been on SSDI for several years with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. During a Continuing Disability Review (CDR), Social Security Administration found Linda to be “medically improved” and terminated her benefits. Desperate because this is Linda’s only monthly income, she contacted YOUR DISABILITY ATTORNEY for help.
Attorney Holly Trief immediately appealed the termination decision, requested an on-the-record review, and submitted new medical evidence from Linda’s neurologist. We also obtained new testimony from family members and “people who take care of her daily” that demonstrated the condition did not improve and that Linda continued to need assistance in activities of daily living.
The termination decision was reversed and benefits reinstated with no break or changes in her payment amounts. Linda’s case emphasizes how valuable legal assistance from experienced counsel in post-approval reviews can be, and the ongoing support we offer to our clients.”
How We Help Disability Applicants Succeed
“The cases above only begin to show how YOUR DISABILITY ATTORNEY has improved the lives of clients in the San Francisco Bay Area. With compassion and legal knowledge, and meticulous attention to detail, attorney Holly Trief will always handle your case personally and guarantee you the advocacy your situation requires. Our firm has a talent for spotting often overlooked issues such as gaps in documentation or the absence of medical evidence, and works hard to increase the chances your claim will be approved at every level.”
What It’s Like to Work With Us
“From your initial consultation to the conclusion of your claim, YOUR DISABILITY ATTORNEY will be by your side during every step of the process. You will start with a consultation, where we will listen to you and explain your options, as well as analyze your healthcare records. Whether you are filing an initial application or appealing a denial, Attorney Holly Trief will assist you in collecting the proper evidence, filling out forms, completing applications, and preparing you for hearing. Because we charge a contingency fee, you do not have to pay us unless your claim is successful. This allows you to concentrate on your health and life without added financial worries.”
Start your disability success story today
“If you or someone you love is facing a disability claim or appeal, don’t go through it alone. YOUR DISABILITY ATTORNEY has the knowledge and background to work with you and help get the benefits you deserve. And attorney Holly Trief can help you get started toward obtaining your Social Security benefits. Call 502-521-3952, email [email protected] or visit https://your-disability-attorney.com/ for more information and to arrange an initial consultation. The firm has additional offices throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and surrounding areas and our physical address is 3000-S 1st St Ste 72, Louisville KY 40208.” We can help you write your own success story.