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Coping with a disability can feel overwhelming, especially when financial worries mount. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits exist to provide essential support. At Daggett Shuler, our dedicated disability attorneys in Lexington are here to offer guidance and advocacy every step of the way. We’re committed to making the process less stressful and helping you access the benefits you need.
The Social Security system can be complex and frustrating to navigate. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team has extensive experience handling these claims, even those previously denied. Your first consultation with us is free; we only get paid if we win your case.
Having a local attorney on your side makes a difference. Our Lexington-based team knows the ins and outs of local legal procedures and is led by a board-certified specialist in Social Security Disability Law. We manage everything from gathering evidence to representing you during hearings and appeals.
Adjusting to life with a disability comes with many hurdles, but you don’t have to face them without help. Our firm is here to lift some of that burden by offering personalized legal support at no upfront cost. With Daggett Shuler, you're not just hiring a lawyer—you're gaining a committed ally focused on getting the best outcome for you.
When you entrust Daggett Shuler with your Social Security Disability or SSI claim, we take on the full responsibility of managing your case, including:
Choosing a Lexington attorney with deep experience in Social Security Disability Law is key to your case’s success. Attorneys unfamiliar with local judges or administrative procedures may miss important details. At Daggett Shuler, your case is managed by professionals who live and work in your community and understand North Carolina’s legal system inside and out.
Pursuing Social Security benefits can be challenging from the first application throughout the entire claim process. With Daggett Shuler’s experienced disability lawyers on your side in Lexington, you’ll have a knowledgeable partner fully committed to fighting for your legal rights. That’s our promise to you.
Becoming disabled can take a significant toll on your life—physically, emotionally, and financially. An inability to work can make everyday expenses harder to manage. Fortunately, the Social Security system is designed to offer relief in these situations.
At Daggett Shuler, our team understands the hardships you may be facing. We're here to listen to your concerns, evaluate your case, and help you explore your legal options. Your first consultation is free to remove any financial barriers.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case. Our goal is to give you peace of mind while we work to secure the benefits you’re entitled to.
If you’re unable to work due to a serious medical condition, Social Security Disability benefits may provide the financial relief you need. However, qualifying for these benefits involves meeting strict criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here's a closer look at what it takes to be eligible—and how the process works.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked long enough and recently under Social Security. This is measured through work credits, which are earned based on your annual wages or self-employment income.
Most people need 40 credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the last 10 years, ending with the year their disability begins.
Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits, depending on their age.
Your condition must meet the SSA’s definition of disability. This means:
You cannot perform substantial gainful activity (i.e., regular, full-time work).
Your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
The SSA maintains a “Blue Book” list of impairments that automatically qualify. However, even if your condition isn’t listed, you may still be eligible based on your condition’s severity and impact on your daily functioning.
There are two main types of Social Security disability benefits:
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Based on your work history and contributions through payroll taxes (FICA). You must have worked recently and paid into Social Security.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): A needs-based program for people with limited income and assets, regardless of work history.
Many applicants are unsure which program they qualify for—you may be eligible for both. A dedicated Social Security Disability lawyer can help you determine which types of benefits you may qualify for,
You can apply for disability benefits through several methods:
Online at the SSA website
By phone at 1-800-772-1213
In person at your local Lexington SSA office
Be prepared to provide:
Detailed medical records
A complete work history
Information about your income and assets
Starting with accurate, thorough documentation improves your chances of approval.
The disability process can be complex and frustrating. Working with an experienced disability attorney in Lexington can:
Help you gather and submit strong medical evidence
Ensure deadlines are met and paperwork is accurate
Represent you in hearings or appeals if your claim is denied
Legal support can significantly increase your chances of success, especially if your case is initially denied.
Filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is not just about filling out paperwork—it's about navigating a complex system with strict rules, detailed requirements, and multiple stages. Whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denial, it helps to have an experienced guide walk you through the process, explain what to expect, and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Here’s a detailed look at each process stage and how we can help you at every step.
The process begins with your initial application for disability benefits. This is where you lay the groundwork for your entire case. To do this properly, you must provide detailed and accurate information, including:
We help ensure your application is as thorough and accurate as possible the first time.
Once your application is submitted, the Social Security Administration (SSA) and a Disability Determination Services (DDS) examiner will review it to determine if you meet both the technical and medical eligibility criteria. This includes:
At this stage, the SSA may contact your doctors for medical records, but it’s not guaranteed that they will obtain all the necessary information. Many applicants are denied because their records are incomplete, outdated, or don’t clearly show how the condition limits the ability to work.
We help collect and organize strong supporting documentation, ensuring the decision-makers have the evidence they need to understand the full impact of your condition.
If the SSA doesn't have enough medical information to decide, they may schedule a Consultative Examination (CE). These exams are:
While these exams can play a significant role in your approval or denial, they often don't reflect the true day-to-day impact of your condition. If you’re scheduled for a CE, we help you understand what to expect and how to ensure the examiner has the necessary context. We also monitor for errors or unfair evaluations and challenge them when appropriate.
After your application and any required exams, the SSA will issue a decision—either an approval or a denial.
We help ensure your onset date is correct and that you receive all the benefits you're entitled to, including any dependent or auxiliary benefits your family may qualify for.
Don’t panic. Most SSDI applications are denied at first. You have the right to appeal; many applicants are eventually approved through the appeals process.
If your initial claim is denied, the appeals process includes several stages, each with its own challenges and deadlines. We’ll guide you through every step:
We prepare you thoroughly, present the strongest possible case, question vocational experts, and fight for a favorable ruling.
If the ALJ denies your claim, we can request that the SSA Appeals Council review the judge’s decision. The Council may uphold the decision, reverse it, or send it back for another hearing
From start to finish, the SSDI process is filled with deadlines, legal language, and procedural rules. Many deserving applicants are denied without guidance due to paperwork errors, insufficient evidence, or missed opportunities to clarify their limitations. When you work with us, we will:
Handle your paperwork from start to finish
Communicate directly with the SSA and your healthcare providers
Monitor your case for delays and follow-ups
Represent you during hearings and appeals
Maximize your chances of approval at every level
If you’re living with a disability that prevents you from working, you’ve already been through enough. Let us take the stress of the SSDI process off your shoulders. Whether you’re just getting started or appealing a denial, we’re ready to be your advocate, your guide, and your partner—every step of the way.
The SSA recognizes a broad range of physical and mental health disorders, such as:
Navigating the disability system can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re just starting the process or appealing a denial, getting sound legal guidance can make all the difference. If you’re in the Lexington area, consider partnering with a local disability attorney who understands the process and can advocate for your best outcome.
At our law firm, we’re proud to serve the Lexington community with integrity, compassion, and legal skill. Let us help you navigate the SSDI or SSI claims process and fight for the benefits you're entitled to by law.
Contact the attorneys at Daggett Shuler today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can depend on us.