Social Security Disability Lawyers in Virginia Beach, VA

When disease or an injury leaves you disabled and unable to work, you may feel like you have nowhere to turn. Fortunately, the Virginia Beach Social Security Disability lawyers at O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group can help you get the financial assistance you need.

What Are Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are federally funded programs that provide financial support to disabled individuals who are unable to work. There are two main types of disability benefits:

SSDI for Virginia Beach, VA, Residents

Many people work hard throughout their lives to be able to support themselves and their families. Those same individuals pay into Social Security by paying taxes on their earned income. This allows them to receive disability benefits if they become disabled and are unable to work as a result. These disability benefits are known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

SSDI is funded by payroll taxes and requires a work history to qualify.

SSI for Virginia Beach, VA, Residents

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal benefits program for disabled individuals who can’t work and are ineligible for SSDI.

SSI is a needs-based program, meaning it’s only awarded to people with extremely limited income and resources. This can include monthly earned income, tangible assets (such as property), inheritance money, etc.

SSI recipients have either never worked or haven’t earned substantial work credits in their lifetime. To qualify for SSI, you must be disabled, blind, or 65 or older.

The SSI benefits program is funded by the United States Treasury.

Who Is Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must fit the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disabled. The SSA takes into consideration a vast number of disabilities that are listed in the Blue Book when reviewing claims.

Your age will also be considered when determining your eligibility for disability benefits. If you’re applying for SSDI, the SSA will also take into account how many years you’ve worked and when you became disabled.

If you’re not sure whether you qualify for SSD, let our Social Security lawyers in Virginia Beach review your case. We’ll help determine if applying for benefits is your best available option and how to file your claim.

Proving Disability

When filing a disability claim, you must provide evidence that proves you’re disabled and that your disability prevents you from working. Your medical condition must also meet the SSA’s eligibility criteria:

Your disability must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death.
Your disability must prevent you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
Your disability must prevent you from doing the work you did previously and adjusting to any new type of work.
Your disability must be a medically diagnosed condition.

When applying for SSI for a child claimant, the definition of disability is similar but not identical to the adult definition. Their condition must cause severe functional limitations rather than inhibit their ability to perform SGA.

If you’re struggling to obtain disability benefits or wondering if you qualify, contact O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group today. We understand the intricacies of the filing process and can help improve your chances of achieving benefits.

What if My Condition Is Not in the Blue Book?

If your condition isn’t in the Blue Book, you can still qualify for disability benefits. First, your condition must meet the SSA’s general eligibility criteria outlined above. Your condition must also be equivalent in severity to a qualifying condition listed in the Blue Book, or qualify for a Medical-Vocational Allowance.

Disability Appeals Representation in Virginia Beach

Many initial claims are denied by the SSA. However, receiving a denial letter isn’t the end of your disability claim. Our Social Security Disability appeals attorneys in Virginia Beach, VA, have years of experience helping clients successfully navigate the complex appeals process.

Our attorneys guide you through every step, from filing reconsideration requests to representing you at hearings. We meticulously prepare your case, gather additional medical evidence, and develop persuasive arguments that address the specific reasons for your denial.

With denial rates reaching 62% at the initial application stage in 2024, it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side. As your dedicated Social Security Disability appeals lawyers in Virginia Beach, VA, we fight tirelessly to secure the benefits you deserve.

Contact Our Lawyers for Help Getting Social Security in Virginia Beach, VA

At O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group, it’s our goal to make sure disabled individuals get the financial assistance they need. This is why we represent clients from all walks of life. Whether you’ve never applied for disability before or you need to file an appeal, we can help.

We understand Social Security and how the SSA reviews disability claims. If you’re struggling to define your condition based on the Blue Book’s listed impairments, our attorneys have the skills and training necessary to guide you through the application process.

We’re also familiar with all types of qualifying conditions and the evidence required to get your claim approved. Some examples of these types of conditions include:

If you’re in need of disability benefits, don’t wait. Contact our Social Security Disability attorneys near Virginia Beach, VA, today!

How Long Will It Take to Get Benefits?

It can take months to years to start receiving disability benefits. If you’re concerned about the claims process, talk to our attorneys at O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group. We’ve been helping clients get the benefits they need for over 29 years.