Your Charlottesville Disability Lawyer – Corey Pollard Law

 

Are you looking for a Social Security disability attorney near Charlottesville, VA? Our law firm can help you obtain the SSDI or SSI benefits you deserve.

 

Living with a disability can be incredibly challenging—physically, emotionally, and financially.

 

My firm, Corey Pollard Law, helps individuals in Charlottesville and the surrounding counties (Albemarle, Fluvanna, Orange, Louisa, Nelson, Rockingham, and Augusta) with this burden by securing disability benefits under the Social Security Act.

 

Do you need help applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Or do you want a skilled and knowledgeable disability attorney presenting your case before an administrative law judge (ALJ) in Social Security’s Charlottesville Hearing Office? If so, we are ready to stand by your side.  

 

Our goal is simple: to help you get the disability benefits you need and deserve.

 

Understanding the Social Security Disability Benefits System

 

Navigating the disability benefits system challenges attorneys. Determining what you need to do to obtain SSDI or SSI benefits when unfamiliar with the process and while battling health issues can seem impossible.

 

Let’s simplify it.

 

Two main federal programs provide support for people with disabilities:

 

    • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program benefits adults who have worked and paid into the Social Security system over time.

 

    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This program benefits disabled adults and children with limited family income and resources, regardless of work history.

 

Each program has its rules and requirements for eligibility, waiting periods, and disability benefit amounts. Understanding the differences is critical to submitting the proper application and avoiding delays.

 

Why Disability Claims Get Denied

 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies most disability claims the first time around. Understanding why you received a denial of your initial application can help you prepare a strong case on appeal.

 

Some of the most common reasons include:

 

    • Not enough medical documentation – If your medical records don’t clearly show your diagnosis and how each condition limits your ability to work (known as your residual functional capacity (RFC)), the SSA may find that you are capable of some work.

 

    • Ignoring medical advice – Failing to follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor can hurt your case.

 

    • Too much income or resources – If you’re applying for SSI and your financial situation exceeds the set limits, your application may not be eligible.

 

    • Lack of work history – SSDI claims require that you have enough work credits based on your past employment. Usually, you must have worked within five years of your alleged disability onset date.

 

How We Help With Charlottesville Disability Claims at Corey Pollard Law

 

Whether you’re just starting your application or appealing a disability denial, our Charlottesville disability lawyers provide experienced, local guidance. Here’s how we help:

 

    • We review your claim – We’ll assess your case to identify strengths and any red flags to address through medical reports, documents from past employers, and hearing testimony.

 

    • We gather the appropriate evidence – From medical records to employment history, we help build a solid foundation for your application.

 

    • We handle the paperwork – Forms, deadlines, and filings can be overwhelming. Let us manage the details so nothing gets missed.

 

    • We represent you at hearings – If your case goes to a hearing, Corey Pollard will be there to present your case and advocate for your rights. And we routinely present cases to the disability judges in Charlottesville, meaning we are familiar with their courtroom styles, likes, and dislikes.

 

What to Expect During the Disability Application Process

 

The path to getting benefits typically includes several steps:

 

Step One: Initial Application – Submit your paperwork and medical records to the Social Security Administration. You can do this online or at a local SSA field office near you.

 

Step Two: Reconsideration – If the SSA denies your initial application, you can request a review.

 

Step Three: Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge – If you receive a reconsideration denial, we help you prepare for and attend a hearing. Many applicants in Charlottesville and elsewhere must present their case at a hearing before receiving an allowance for disability benefits.

 

Step Four: Appeals Council Review – Still denied? You can ask the Appeals Council to review your case.

 

Step Five: Federal Court – As a final option, you may file a lawsuit in federal court. Our law firm handles many Social Security disability lawsuits in federal district courts for Virginia’s Eastern and Western Districts.

 

Common Questions About Disability Benefits

 

Which medical conditions qualify?

 

Conditions that seriously limit your ability to work may qualify—from chronic pain and mobility issues to endocrine disorders like diabetes to mental health disorders. Each case is unique.

 

How long does it take?

 

Wait times vary. Disability Determination Services processes most initial applications in three to six months. But if you must appeal a denial, your claim can take more than one year before receiving a final answer.

 

Can I still work?

 

In some cases, yes. But there are strict income limits—especially for SSI. We can help you understand what’s allowed. Further, you must explain to the ALJ handling your case why you cannot work more than you already do.

 

What if Social Security has already denied me?

 

Don’t give up. Many disability applicants win their claims on appeal. We can accept legal representation at the appeal level, strengthen your case, and help you through the process.

 

How much does it cost to hire a Charlottesville disability lawyer?

 

You only pay if we win your case. There’s no upfront cost, and your first consultation is free.

 

What kind of evidence should I submit?

 

Strong claims have detailed medical records, doctor letters explaining how your conditions limit your ability to work, permanent impairment ratings (if you suffer from a physical impairment), work history, and descriptions of how your condition affects daily life.

 

How will I know if the Charlottesville Office of Hearing Operations will handle my disability claim?

 

An administrative law judge in the Charlottesville Hearing Office may hear your case if you live in an area that one of the following SSA field offices services: Cumberland, MD; Culpeper, VA; Danville, VA; Harrisonburg, VA; Martinsville, VA; South Boston, VA; Staunton, VA; and, Petersburg, West Virginia.

 

Where will my Charlottesville disability hearing occur?

 

Your disability hearing may occur by telephone or in person.

 

If you ask for an in-person hearing, it will likely occur at the Charlottesville Office of Hearing Operations at 1470 Pantops Mountain Place, 2nd Floor, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

 

What administrative law judges hear disability cases in Charlottesville?

 

You will likely have a Charlottesville disability hearing before one of the following ALJs: Brian Rippel, H. Munday, Carol Moore, or Peter Koclanes.

 

Your Charlottesville disability attorney should review your ALJ’s award statistics before the hearing.

 

Charlottesville Disability Resources

 

Several local organizations in the Charlottesville area provide valuable services for individuals with disabilities:

 

 

 

 

Talk to a Local Charlottesville Disability Attorney Who Cares

 

If you’re applying for SSDI or SSI—or appealing a denied claim—don’t go through it alone. Corey Pollard Law is committed to helping residents of Charlottesville and surrounding areas secure the benefits they’re entitled to. We understand how stressful this process can be, and we’re here to help every step of the way.

 

Call us at (804) 251-1620 or fill out our online contact form any time, day or night. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.

 

Corey Pollard
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