Texas Social Security Disability Lawyers
Clear Guidance for Your SSD Claim
Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can feel like a lot to handle, especially when you’re already dealing with ongoing medical issues. The rules set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) are complicated, the paperwork is detailed, and it’s common for deserving applicants to be denied simply because something was incomplete or misunderstood. You shouldn’t have to face that process alone.
At Pines Federal, we have more than 60 years of combined practice experience representing workers and employees nationwide. We built our reputation by helping clients present strong, well-supported claims that comply with Social Security’s expectations and by representing them during appellate cases. If you live anywhere in Texas and need guidance through the SSD process, we’re here to help.
Call (832) 462-7655 today to discuss your SSD claim with our legal team during an initial appointment.
SSD Eligibility & Ineligibility in Texas
To be approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must meet both medical and work-related requirements. The SSA looks at whether your condition is severe, whether it prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity for employment, and whether you have enough work credits based on your past employment.
You may qualify for SSDI if:
- Your medical condition is expected to last at least a year or result in death.
- Your symptoms prevent you from returning to your past work.
- Your limitations make it difficult to adjust to other types of work.
- You have earned sufficient work credits.
- Your condition meets or equals a Listed impairment.
- Your functional restrictions significantly limit your ability to maintain full-time employment.
Even if you meet many of these criteria, you may still be denied due to missing evidence, unclear medical notes, or earnings that exceed Social Security’s monthly limit. SSDI also does not apply to short-term conditions or situations where your work credits do not meet federal requirements.
How We Support Your SSD Claim
Whether you’re starting your application or preparing for an appeal after a denial, we focus on strengthening your case and helping you understand what to expect next.
Using Medical Evidence to Support Complex Conditions
SSA claims examiners rely heavily on medical records. When symptoms are difficult to measure, fluctuate over time, or involve multiple providers, presenting your case effectively becomes even more important.
We can help outline and explain your medical condition by:
- Reviewing treatment notes for clarity and consistency
- Requesting additional provider statements when needed
- Identifying gaps in medical documentation
- Highlighting how your symptoms affect your daily functioning
- Organizing medical evidence to align with SSA requirements
Correcting Work Credit Errors
Mistakes in earnings records can wrongfully affect SSD eligibility. Our Texas SSD attorneys can review your work history and check that the SSA’s records are accurate.
While reviewing your work history, we may:
- Check for missing or misreported earnings
- Collect payroll documents and tax forms
- Submit evidence to correct the record
- Communicate with the SSA to confirm updates
- Prevent avoidable eligibility issues tied to record errors
Challenging Inaccurate Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessments
Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) determines what type of work Social Security believes you can still perform. When the assessment doesn’t reflect your actual limitations, the result may be an improper denial.
Our approach for checking your RFC assessment involves:
- Comparing the RFC to medical evidence
- Demonstrating how symptoms limit full-time work capacity
- Identifying unsupported assumptions by reviewers
- Obtaining additional medical opinions to strengthen your case
- Presenting a more accurate picture of your functional limitations
Appeals
Many SSD cases in Texas are approved only after one or more appeal stages. We handle reconsideration requests, hearings before administrative law judges, Appeals Council reviews, and federal court litigation when appropriate.
Explaining Noncompliance With Medical Care
If you have struggled to follow prescribed treatment due to financial limits, transportation issues, side effects, or other barriers, we can help explain the circumstances in a way that is consistent with Social Security rules.
SSDI Benefits in Texas
If you qualify for SSDI, you may receive a range of financial and medical benefits that provide long-term stability. These benefits are federally administered, so Texas residents receive the same types of support as applicants in other states.
SSDI benefits often include:
- Monthly disability payments based on your previous earnings
- Retroactive benefits for eligible months before you applied
- Additional benefits for certain dependents
- Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) applied yearly
- Medicare coverage after a waiting period
Texas SSD FAQ
1. How long does a Texas SSD case take?
Timelines vary, but many applicants wait several months for an initial decision. Appeals may take longer.
2. Can I apply for SSD without an attorney?
Yes. However, it is not recommended. Because many people find the rules confusing, even the SSA often tells people to speak to an attorney about their claims.
3. What if Social Security has already denied my claim?
A denial does not mean your case is over. Many people receive benefits only after an appeal. We can review the reason for denial and help you build a clearer, more complete case for the next stage.
Get Legal Help With Your SSD Claim in Texas
You don’t have to navigate the SSD system alone. Whether you’re filing for the first time or preparing to appeal a denial, we’re here to support you at every step.
Call (832) 462-7655 to set an appointment with our Texas SSD attorneys from Pines Federal.
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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“I was issued a proposed removal letter at the VA where I work as a nurse, and I didn’t know what to do. I was confused and disoriented. Pines Federal were ready to defend me to the end. This law firm is the best federal government firm out there. I will be spreading the news to my friends and coworkers.”- Victor
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.