Nationwide Social Security Disability Lawyer
Experienced Representation for People Seeking SSD Benefits Across the United States
When a medical condition prevents you from working, the Social Security Disability (SSD) system can provide essential financial and medical support—but only if you successfully navigate its strict rules, complex paperwork, long processing times, and frequent initial denials. At Pines Federal, we offer dedicated, nationwide representation for SSD claims, drawing on more than 60 years of combined experience helping individuals secure the benefits they deserve.
As a firm focused exclusively on federal employment and Social Security Disability law, we understand the SSD process from application to appeal, including hearings before Administrative Law Judges, Appeals Council reviews, and federal court when needed. Whether you're filing your initial claim, appealing a denial, or preparing for a hearing, our team provides clear guidance, thorough evidence development, and strategic advocacy to strengthen your case—no matter where you live in the U.S.
We represent clients nationwide with virtual consultations, so you never need to travel or take time off work. Call (832) 462-7655 or contact us online today to speak with a nationwide SSD lawyer about your claim.
SSD Eligibility & Ineligibility
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program, so eligibility rules are the same everywhere in the United States. To qualify, you must satisfy both medical and non-medical (work credit) requirements.
You May Be Eligible If:
- Your medical condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- Your symptoms prevent you from performing your past relevant work
- Your limitations make it impossible or very difficult to adjust to other types of work
- You have earned enough work credits (generally based on your age and years worked)
- Your condition meets, medically equals, or functionally equals a Listing of Impairments
- Your residual functional capacity (RFC) is significantly limited, preventing substantial gainful activity
Many initial applications are denied due to insufficient medical evidence, gaps in treatment records, inconsistencies, or misunderstandings about how conditions affect daily and work functions. We help identify these issues early and build a strong, well-documented case.
Common Reasons for Ineligibility or Denial:
- Working above the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit
- Short-term or non-severe conditions
- Insufficient work credits
- Incomplete or inconsistent medical documentation
SSDI Benefits Nationwide
If approved, SSDI provides important financial stability and health coverage that applies equally to eligible individuals across all states:
- Monthly cash payments based on your lifetime earnings record
- Retroactive benefits for qualifying months before your application date (up to certain limits)
- Dependent benefits for eligible spouses and children
- Automatic Medicare coverage after a 24-month waiting period (with some exceptions)
- Annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to help benefits keep pace with inflation
These benefits are federally administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and do not vary by state.
How We Can Help With Your Nationwide SSD Claim
We guide clients through every stage of the SSD process with focused, detail-oriented support:
- Thorough review and organization of medical records, highlighting diagnoses, symptoms, treatments, and functional limitations
- Identifying and addressing gaps, inconsistencies, or missing documentation that often lead to denials
- Requesting detailed statements and additional records from treating physicians and specialists
- Explaining how your impairments affect daily activities, work tasks, and the ability to sustain full-time employment
- Verifying your earnings record and helping correct any errors in work credits
- Analyzing Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessments and challenging inaccurate or unsupported findings
- Preparing and filing appeals at all levels: reconsideration, administrative law judge hearings, Appeals Council, and federal court if necessary
- Documenting valid reasons for gaps in treatment (e.g., financial barriers, side effects, transportation issues)
- Managing strict deadlines, paperwork, and SSA communications to keep your case on track
Our goal is to present your case clearly and persuasively, aligning your real-life limitations with SSA requirements.
Why Clients Nationwide Choose Pines Federal
- Over 60 years of combined team experience in Social Security Disability and federal law
- Exclusive focus on representing individuals (not agencies or insurance companies)
- Nationwide virtual representation—no need to travel for consultations or hearings
- Clear, compassionate communication in plain language
- Strategic, evidence-based case preparation tailored to your medical history and work background
- Proven track record helping clients overcome denials and secure approvals
We serve people from all states, including those in rural areas, major cities, and everywhere in between.
Talk with a Nationwide Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you're struggling with a denied SSD claim, preparing your initial application, or facing a complex medical condition, early experienced guidance can make a significant difference. We offer nationwide support with virtual consultations for maximum convenience.
Contact us online or call (832) 462-7655 to discuss your SSD case today.
As Seen On
Trusted By Federal Workers Nationwide
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“Even though I had an overwhelming abundance of anxiety about going through a legal proceeding, Mr. Pines’ humor and expert advice helped get me through the EEO process until it was successfully resolved. I always felt that the Pines Federal team had my best interests at heart and always treated me with kindness and dignity.”- Michelle S.
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“A change in leadership brought me the worst of luck with a suddenly very hostile work environment, but pure serendipity led me to Pines Federal. I am so lucky to have found Pines Federal which not only has considerable expertise in federal employee cases, but also has the compassion to recognize the emotional impact on their clients.”- Jennifer
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“Excellent experience in federal law in the government sector and beyond. Very pleased with the legal support of the entire staff from beginning to end during of very stressful and agonizing workplace environment situation. We consider this law firm as part of family and are highly pleased with all the professional attention and compassion that we received.”- Edward G.
Meet Our Legal Team
A Nationwide Firm Focused on Disability, Federal Employment, and SSDI Law
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Eric Pines Attorney -
Amanda Moreno Attorney -
Jadyn Marks Attorney -
Michael Kleinman Attorney -
Elliott Cin, Of Counsel Attorney -
Menucha Slater Legal Assistant -
Raquel Olmos Intake Specialist -
Aaron Sacks Bookkeeper, Marketing -
Trinity Buchanan Attorney -
Michal Solomon Intern -
Ari Rosen Paralegal, OPM Supervisor -
Nicole Marquadt Paralegal, OPM Specialist -
Michelle Cerrato Disability Specialist, OPM Specialist -
Charles Wiesel Paralegal, OPM Specialist -
Courtney Bolton SSDI Supervisor -
Asher Meir Pines Legal Assistant -
Steven Tu Operations Manager
Behind Every Case Is a Person Who Matters
Big-Picture Advocacy in Federal Employment and Disability Law — Driven by Compassion, Defined by Results
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Pines Firm Successfully Litigates Reinstatement for VA Canteen Employee with Full Back Pay
Attorney Pines and AFGE 1633 were victorious in having the arbitrator find that a VA Canteen employee was wrongfully removed, and therefore should be put back to work and paid back pay for over a year and half of pay.
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Wrongfully Terminated Veterans Administration Employee Gets Job Back & Full Back Pay
In an exciting precedent-setting victory, The Law Office of Eric L. Pines, PLLC has successfully helped a Veterans Administration employee get her job back after being wrongfully terminated for using leave for the birth of her child and to care for her autistic and blind children.
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Major Success in Front of the MSPB in an OPM Disability Case
On July 19, 2023, Pines Federal achieved a big win in front of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) in an OPM disability case.
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Pines Federal’s Amanda Moreno Wins Reinstatement and Backpay in MSPB Case at DHS, USCBP
The Appellant worked for Customs and Border Patrol for over 20 years when the Agency removed her for LWOP and alleged misconduct at work.