Areas of Practice

---

Navigating the SSA disability process can be extremely time consuming, confusing and frustrating. Ever since Elie Halpern (retired) started the original firm in 1976, we have provided empathetic, respectful, and personalized representation. Our clients have peace of mind that their case will be handled thoroughly, with compassion, and with expertise. 

At the initial visit, our clients meet personally with an experienced attorney. From the initial phone call to the receipt of benefits, both legal assistants and the attorney are always available and willing to answer any questions or concerns. Your attorney will develop a plan to assist in your case, tailored to your specific facts and situation. Our team will start working on your claim right away to do everything we can to resolve your claim as timely as possible.

We handle Social Security disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability cases administratively, including hearings before Administrative Law Judges at the Office of Hearing Operations (OHO). We also appeal cases to the Appeals Council that have been denied by Administrative Law Judges. 

In addition, we have an extensive Federal District Court practice involving our own cases as well as referrals from outside attorneys. We also appeal select cases to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

If we are ultimately successful in your case, the attorney fees are 25% of any retroactive benefits (back award) you and your dependents receive, up to the statutory cap imposed by SSA (currently $7,200), if you case is resolved at the initial, reconsideration, or ALJ hearing level. In addition, you will be asked to reimburse costs and expenses. If you case involved an appeal to Federal District Court, the attorney fees are 25% of the total retroactive benefits.

If we are not able to secure you benefits, you do not owe our firm a fee for our time expended in your case, plain and simple.

We thank our Veterans and honor them for their selfless service to our Country.

Our Veterans Disability (VA) practice involves administrative representation of Veterans who have physical and/or mental disabilities in appeals before the VA Regional Offices and the BVA in Washington, DC. We represent Veterans nationwide.

Types of cases include:

• Veterans with a claim that has been denied Service Connection;
• Veterans with a Rating Decision who want an increase in the rating;
• Veterans seeking earlier effective dates for Service Connected Impairments;
• Veterans seeking Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU);
• Veterans seeking Special Monthly Compensation; and
• Spouses of a deceased Veteran seeking benefits (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, AKA "DIC" Benefits).

We handle claims involving all types of medical conditions, including but not limited to:

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD);
• Military Sexual Trauma (MST);
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI);
• Migraine headaches;
• Any type of cancer, including lung and skin cancer;
• Ischemic Coronary Artery Disease and other heart conditions;
• Any and all mental and/or psychiatric illness;
• Orthopedic injuries;
• Back pain and other back/spinal injuries;
• Conditions caused by exposure to toxic radiation, air, water or chemicals, such as herbicide,  Agent Orange;
• Gulf War Syndrome;
• Bilateral hearing loss, visual impairment or loss of eyesight;
• Sleep Apnea; and
• Conditions related to your service near a burn pit in Iraq or Afghanistan.

The Social Security Administration can routinely reviews an individual’s eligibility for continuing SSI and/or Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. This process can be arduous and stressful. 

If you have received a notice from Social Security that your benefits are being terminated due to alleged medical improvement, we may be able to help. Prompt action is needed, as delayed response may result in an inability to receive ongoing benefits during your appeal. Please contact our office for a free consultation.