Law Office of Mark A. Skelton
Social Security Disability Attorney since 1983
East Tennessee Disability Lawyer Explains How to Improve Your Chances of Success With Your Social Security Disability Claim.
Getting your disability benefits from the Social Security Administration is a challenging process. We can help you get the benefits you deserve. Dealing with the medical problems of your disability is difficult for you. Let us handle the complicated bureaucracy of the Social Security Administration.
Furthermore, a statistical study by the Social Security Administration Inspector General has shown that claimants who are represented by an attorney have a higher success rate than claimants who are not represented.
We Have the Experience and Knowledge to Help You With Your Social Security Disability Claim.
I am a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) and the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR). We have handled thousands of Social Security disability cases since 1983.
We have a registered nurse employed full time on staff to help work on your case and your medical records. We are familiar with the judges and know what they expect, and we will prepare a detailed brief for filing with the judge prior to your hearing.
We Will Prepare You and Your Claim for Best Results From the Social Security Administration.
We want you to be approved for disability benefits, and we will give your case personal attention in preparing your file, you, and your witnesses for your Social Security disability hearing.
Every case is different, and we will personally work with you throughout the entire process no matter how complicated your case is. We will:
- Make sure that the Social Security Administration has all the evidence that will help your claim.
- Work with your doctors and therapists to make sure that the reports that they give to the Social Security Administration provide the information that is needed to help your disability claim.
- Determine whether or not you should see some other expert. Some claimants need further medical analysis by a specialist; others need to be evaluated by a vocational expert.
- Prepare both you and your witnesses to testify at your disability hearing. We can tell you what to expect at the hearing and what questions you are likely to be asked.
- Present legal arguments to the judge explaining why you qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
EXPERIENCE THAT STANDS BETWEEN YOU AND A DENIAL
Secure the Disability Benefits You Deserve with a Top Tennessee Disability Attorney
Get trusted guidance from an experienced Tennessee Social Security Disability attorney who understands the SSA process and local requirements. Serving clients across East Tennessee, we help you navigate claims, appeals, and denials with confidence. With decades of experience and personalized support, our firm is committed to securing the disability benefits you deserve as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- Experience with government agencies and insurance companies
- Understands SSA process and insurer tactics
- Aggressive pursuit of favorable outcomes
Getting your Disability Claim Benefits, whether in East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Southeast Kentucky, or Western North Carolina.
Whether you are applying for Social Security disability benefits in Rogersville or elsewhere in Tennessee or neighboring areas, the first step is to file an application with the Social Security Administration.
Most people file the application on their own, either by phoning 1-800-772-1213 for an appointment, or completing an application online at https://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/.
You can get some Tips for applying on this website.
After you have filed your disability application with the Social Security Administration, if you are not already represented, contact us to allow us to help you get the benefits you need and deserve. We offer a free office consultation with a Social Security disability attorney. Contact our law office to schedule an appointment or use the form at the top of this page.
Speak with Attorney Mark Albert Skelton
Tennessee Social Security Disability Attorney
121 South Depot Street
Rogersville, TN 37857
Video: How the Judge Determined Disability?
Watch this short video to understand it and your options.
More Videos: “Are You Likely to Qualify?,” “How a Judge Determines Disability,” “What Not to Do at Your Hearing,” “Working Part-Time,” “How to Describe Daily Activities”, and “Mental and Physical Limitations”
Awards & Recognition
Tennessee Social Security Disability Attorney
We have the experience and knowledge to help you with your Social Security disability claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your answers match the ones below, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is likely to award you benefits.
- Are you gainfully employed? No
- Do you have a severe impairment? Yes
- Will your impairment last 12 months or result in death? Yes
- Does your disability meet one of SSA’s listed impairments? If yes, you qualify. If no …
- Are you able to work? No
Unless you have an obvious long-term disability, the best time to apply for Social Security disability benefits is 6-9 months after you stop working.
The big-picture answer is: analyze what needs to be proven to win benefits, figure out how to prove it, and gather the necessary evidence. Some of the specific tasks are:
- Obtain reports from treating doctors that are consistent with Social Security regulations
- Refer claimants to specialists for additional reports that answer questions raised by Social Security regulations
- Obtain a vocational expert’s evaluation of the claimant’s ability to work
- Ask that a prior application for benefits be reopened
- Seek a waiver of a time limit
- Request subpoenas to insure the presence of crucial witnesses or documents
- Advise the claimant on how best to prepare for and testify at the hearing
- Object to improper evidence or procedures at the hearing
- Cross-examine adverse witnesses
- Present a closing statement
- Submit a written summary of the evidence and argument
- If the claimant wins, make sure the SSA correctly calculates benefits
- If the claimant loses, request review of the hearing decision by the Appeals Council
It can take up to two years from request until a hearing is held and a decision issued, but the time varies from state to state.
They are private, held in a small conference room, and last an hour or so. You will be asked about your education, training, work experience, symptoms, limitations, and daily activities.
If you have not filed your appeal within 65 days of the date on your denial letter, you have to start over with a new claim. That new claim may result in the loss of back benefits.
Because the majority of appeals are granted at a hearing, failing to appeal a denial to the hearing level is the number one error … and unfortunately very common.
We’ve Got Your Back! Tell Us Your Unique Story Now!
Enter your information to start your free, no-obligation, case evaluation.
Free Claim Evaluation
