OBL on FIRE: OBL Win Results in Over $300,000 to Claimant

This case falls into the “it never hurts to ask” category. But, before you can ask, you really need to dig into a case, and Lindsay was very persistent with SSA about producing files related to applications for benefits the claimant told her he had filed in the distant past. Because she was so persistent and focused in her strategy for the case, she obtained evidence that SSA had actually found our client disabled in the late 90s (he never actually received any benefits because of excess resources). However, the finding of disability was made by SSA prior to our client’s 22nd birthday, a key date to establish that he was entitled to disability benefits based on his parent’s earnings record. Moreover, it had overlooked this fact when it had previously considered our client’s claim for these benefits in an application he filed many years ago.

Thus, Lindsay was able to convince the ALJ not only that our client was disabled on or before his 22nd birthday, but also that the previous application for benefits should be reopened because of the mistake made by SSA in failing to acknowledge and rely upon its own previous finding that he was disabled. As a result, he was awarded benefits based upon the much earlier application date and his past-due benefits are the largest amount OBL has ever obtained (or even heard of). Best wishes to our client, and big-time congratulations to Lindsay!