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Easter & DeVore – Knoxville’s Trusted Social Security Disability Attorneys

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Attorney in Knoxville, TN

Social Security Disability Form

If you are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may provide financial support. Easter & DeVore helps individuals in the Knoxville area to apply and appeal for SSDI claims. The process can be complicated with bureaucratic delays and high rates of initial denials, but our experienced legal team guides you through each step. We believe that your health should be your focus, rather than fighting a complex federal system. We provide expertise and advocacy to turn an application into an approved claim.

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

SSDI is a federal program that provides benefits to people who are unable to work due to medical conditions. It is based on your work history and social security taxes paid, rather than need. It can be thought of as an insurance program funded through FICA payroll deductions. Eligibility is determined by your work record, and there are no limits on assets or unearned income. This differs from SSI, which has strict medical standards for disability proofing.

    Need Help Now?

    Step 1/7

    Have you applied for Social Security benefits?

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    What is your primary disabling condition?

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    When did this condition affect your ability to work?

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    Are you currently working?

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    What is your age?

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    What is your name?

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    Please provide us your phone number and email address.

    To qualify for SSDI, you must:

    • Have a medical condition that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity
      Have a condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
    • Have earned enough work credits based on your age and recent work history

    Our attorney helps to determine if you meet the Social Security Administration’s technical and medical requirements by conducting a thorough analysis of your work history and earnings records. We can obtain this information from the SSA, and then assist you with gathering the necessary documentation to build a strong medical case.

    • Devin’s office has been a lifeline at the most challenging time of my life and has provided the best practices in facilitating my SSDI claim with urgency and compassion.

      Matthew


    Read More Testimonials From Our Clients!

    Understanding the Sequential Evaluation Process

    The SSA (Social Security Administration) does not simply check if your diagnosis is on a list. Instead, it follows a rigorous five-step evaluation process to determine whether you are disabled. First, they ask if you are currently employed in SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity). If not, they evaluate whether your impairment is severe. Third, they determine if your condition matches or “medically equals” a listing in the SSA’s Blue Book.

    If it doesn’t, they assess your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), which is a detailed assessment of your physical and mental abilities despite your limitations. Finally, they consider your RFC, age, education, and work experience to see if you could adjust to other types of work in the national economy. This is where many cases are won or lost, and skilled legal representation can be crucial in countering the SSA’s assumptions about your ability to perform certain jobs.

    Qualifying Disabilities

    The Social Security Administration maintains a list of impairments known as the “Blue Book,” which describes conditions considered severe enough to prevent individuals from working and earning a living. Individuals can still qualify for disability benefits even if their condition is not listed in the Blue Book if it significantly limits their ability to work. Meeting the criteria in the Blue book is the most direct path to approval for benefits, but this requires specific clinical findings that meet strict criteria set out in the book. In most cases, individuals are approved based on evidence that their impairment prevents them from returning to past work or doing any other type of work.

    Common qualifying conditions include:

    • Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., chronic back pain, arthritis)
    • Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy)
    • Cardiovascular conditions
    • Respiratory disorders (e.g., COPD, asthma)
    • Mental health issues (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD)
    • Autoimmune diseases and cancer

    It is important to understand that the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates functional limitations caused by a condition, rather than the diagnosis itself. Two people with the same condition can have very different abilities, leading to different assessments of eligibility for benefits. We work with healthcare providers to collect medical evidence that supports the case and addresses specific functional criteria used by SSA, such as ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, concentrate or interact with others during a typical workday.

    Filing for SSDI Benefits

    The application process for SSDI requires detailed paperwork, medical records, and strict deadlines. Many applicants are initially denied due to incomplete information, failure to meet technical requirements, or because the SSA does not have a complete understanding of their limitations based on their medical records alone. This initial denial is not the final outcome; it is the first stage of a multi-step appeals process, where having an attorney can significantly increase your chances of success.

    At Easter & DeVore, we:

    • Help you complete and submit your initial SSDI application
    • Ensure all necessary medical and work documentation is included
    • Respond to SSA requests for additional evidence
    • Advise you on how to prepare for disability evaluations or interviews

    If your application is rejected, we can immediately begin preparing your appeal. The appeals process has strict deadlines, with 60 days for each stage.

    Appeals and Hearings

    If you receive a denial, you have the right to appeal. We represent clients in:

    • Reconsideration: A paper review of your claim by a different SSA examiner. In Tennessee, which is part of the SSA’s “prototype” states, this step is often bypassed, and claims proceed directly to the hearing level after an initial denial.
    • Hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): This is a critical stage in the process. Here, you have the opportunity to directly present your case to the decision-maker, provide new evidence, ask questions of vocational and medical experts, and deliver a closing argument that links your RFC (Request for Compensation) to your inability to work. Our team will thoroughly prepare you for your testimony, ensuring that you can communicate the true impact of your disability with confidence.
    • Appeals Council Reviews: If the ALJ denies your claim, we can request a review by the Social Security Appeals Council, arguing legal error or an unreasonable conclusion.
    • Federal Court Appeals: As a final option, we can file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court.

    Our legal team prepares strong arguments, presents compelling evidence, and works hard to overturn unjust decisions. We understand the local administrative law judges in the Knoxville hearing office and adjust our strategy accordingly.

    • I just want to say Mr.DeVore and his team done a marvelous job at getting my disability and it was done in a timely manner words can’t say how much I appreciate them I highly recommend them to everyone what amazing job and well done thank you all so much.

      Angela

    Why Choose Easter & DeVore for Your Knoxville SSDI Claim?

    Choosing a lawyer who specializes in disability law is one of the most significant decisions you can make in your claim. At Easter & DeVore, we have a deep understanding of the medical and vocational aspects of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) law. We can transform complex medical records into a clear story of disability, ensuring that your case is presented in the best possible light.

    Furthermore, we work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. Our fees are regulated by federal law and come from your past-due benefits, aligning our success with yours. This ensures that we are fully committed to achieving a positive outcome for you.

    Learn More About Social Security Disability

    Contact Easter & DeVore

    If you are unable to work and believe you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Knoxville, TN, contact Easter & DeVore for experienced legal guidance. We are committed to helping you access the benefits you’ve earned. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your SSDI claim.

    Common Social Security Disability Insurance FAQ

    What’s the difference between SSDI and SSI?

    Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on your work history and the payroll taxes you’ve paid. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income/resources, regardless of work history. We can help you determine which program you qualify for.

    How many work credits do I need to qualify for SSDI?

    The required number of credits depends on your age when you became disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years before your disability. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. We can review your work history to assess your eligibility.

    My condition isn’t in the SSA’s “Blue Book.” Can I still qualify?

    Yes. If your condition isn’t listed, you can still qualify by proving it medically equals a listing or, more commonly, by showing it prevents you from performing your past work or any other type of substantial gainful activity. We specialize in building these cases.

    Why do I need an attorney if I’m just starting my application?

    A strong initial application is your best chance for timely approval. We ensure it is complete, accurate, and supported by the right medical evidence from the start, which can prevent costly delays and the need for an appeal down the road.

    What happens during the appeal process if I’m denied?

    Most denials are appealed through a multi-step process: Reconsideration, a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, Appeals Council Review, and potentially Federal Court. We represent you at each stage, gathering new evidence and building the strongest argument for your case.

    How are attorney’s fees handled for SSDI cases?

    We work on a contingency fee basis, approved by the SSA. This means you pay no upfront fees. Our fee is only a percentage of your past-due benefits if we win your case, and there is a cap set by federal law.

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