Your health prevents you from working, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn't seem to understand. You paid into the system, and now a denial letter has left you with an uncertain future. A San Antonio SSDI lawyer can take over your fight, navigating the complex appeals process and building the case for the benefits you need.
A denial requires a strategic response. Let a dedicated advocate manage the government bureaucracy for you. Call Bailey & Galyen at (210) 775-0549 for a confidential consultation.
San Antonio SSDI Guide
Why Bailey & Galyen Is the Right Choice for Your Appeal
With more than four decades of experience fighting for Texans, Bailey & Galyen has the resources and the dedication to manage your case effectively. We’re committed to providing you with clear guidance and powerful representation.
We understand the frustration that comes with a disability denial. Our mission is to take that burden from you.
An Advocate on the Ground in Bexar County
Our attorneys know San Antonio. From the traffic on Loop 410 to the neighborhoods in Stone Oak, we’re part of this community. We have experience handling cases that go before the Administrative Law Judges (ALJ) at the San Antonio hearing office.
We have valuable local insight into what it takes to present a successful claim here in your hometown.
For Veterans: Translating Your Service for the SSA
San Antonio is Military City, USA, and we’re proud to serve its veterans. Many veterans are frustrated when a high VA disability rating doesn't lead to an automatic SSDI approval. The rules for the two systems are very different, and we know how to address that gap.
We help bridge that divide:
- Separate Systems: We explain the distinct legal standards the SSA uses and why your VA rating, while important evidence, isn’t binding on their decision.
- Medical Evidence: We use your service-connected medical records as a foundation and build upon them to meet the SSA’s specific definitions of disability.
- Credible Testimony: We help you prepare to explain your limitations in a way that is consistent and clear for a Social Security judge.
A Full-Service Firm for Life's Challenges
A disability can create legal questions in other areas of your life. As a full-service law firm, we provide support beyond your SSDI claim. This comprehensive approach provides you with a single, trusted source for legal guidance.
Let a team that understands the local landscape and the law fight for you. Call our San Antonio office today at (210) 775-0549 for a confidential case review.
Developing the Medical Case
The SSA denied your claim because the file in front of them didn't prove you meet their strict definition of disability. The job of a San Antonio disability lawyer is to build a stronger file. We don't just ask the SSA to look again; we give them a powerful new reason to approve your benefits.
We work to collect and present medical evidence that speaks the SSA’s language. Our team knows how to highlight the most relevant information to a judge. Your story of disability is told through the medical documentation we assemble.
Your case file needs to be detailed and thorough, containing:
- Comprehensive Records: We gather every relevant medical record from your providers, whether in the South Texas Medical Center or elsewhere, to create a complete timeline of your condition.
- Targeted Questionnaires: We send specific forms to your doctors that ask them to comment directly on your ability to perform work-related tasks like lifting, standing, and concentrating.
- Personal Statements: We get written statements from people who know you, such as family or former coworkers, to provide a third-party view of how your condition affects you daily.
Taking Command of Your Social Security Hearing
For most people, the hearing in front of an ALJ is the most critical part of their appeal. This is your chance to tell your story to the person making the final decision. Our attorneys fully prepare you for this moment.
You won’t walk into that hearing room alone. We stand with you, prepared to question witnesses and make a strong legal argument on your behalf. We manage the procedure so you can focus on providing clear testimony.
Our hearing preparation is comprehensive:
- Strategic Review: We review your entire file with you, highlighting the strengths of your case and discussing any potential weaknesses.
- Detailed Briefing: We explain the hearing format, the roles of everyone in the room, and what to expect from the judge and any vocational or medical witnesses.
- Practice Testimony: We rehearse the kinds of questions you’ll be asked, helping you get comfortable telling your story in a clear and consistent way.
FAQ for San Antonio SSDI Lawyer
What Is the Most Common Reason for an SSDI Denial in Texas?
Many claims are denied simply because the application lacks sufficient medical evidence to prove the claimant’s condition meets the SSA's strict disability rules.
The SSA requires proof not just that you have a medical condition, but that this condition severely limits your ability to perform any substantial work. A lawyer helps gather and present that specific evidence.
Does My Age Affect My Disability Claim?
Yes, age is a significant factor, especially if you’re over 50. The SSA's rules make it easier for individuals over 50 (particularly over 55) to be approved for benefits. A skilled attorney can apply these special age-related rules to strengthen your case.
Why Do I Need a San Antonio SSDI Lawyer If I Already Have a VA Disability Rating?
A VA disability rating and an SSDI approval are two completely different things decided by separate government agencies with different laws. The SSA isn’t required to agree with the VA’s decision.
An attorney who handles cases for veterans knows how to use your favorable VA rating as strong evidence while building a separate case that satisfies the SSA's unique legal standards.
What Kind of Questions Will the Judge Ask Me at My Hearing?
A judge will ask you about your medical conditions, symptoms, and daily limitations. They’ll also ask about your past work, your education, and your training.
The goal of these questions is to determine what you’re still able to do, and a lawyer prepares you to answer these questions honestly and effectively.
How Far Back Does an SSDI Claim Go?
If your claim is approved, you could receive past-due benefits. An attorney will work to prove the earliest possible onset date to maximize your back pay award. Your benefits are determined based on your established onset date, the date the SSA identifies as the start of your disability.
Your Advocate Is Ready
You paid into a system that was supposed to be a safety net. You don't have to let a denial letter be the final chapter in your story. You need an ally who is prepared to take command of the process.
Let our experienced San Antonio SSDI lawyer team handle the government bureaucracy while you focus on your health. Call Bailey & Galyen at (210) 775-0549 to schedule your confidential consultation today.