Spokane Social Security Disability (SSDI) Lawyer
When you’ve worked hard your entire life and an illness or injury forces you out of the workforce, applying for Social Security Disability benefits shouldn’t feel like another uphill battle. Yet for many people in Spokane, that’s exactly what happens. Medical evidence gets overlooked, claimants are misunderstood, and denials arrive with little explanation. At a moment when your health, income, and security are on the line, you deserve a Spokane Social Security Disability (SSDI) lawyer who understands how critical this case is to your life and who stands up for you every step of the way.
Gustad Law Group represents Spokane SSDI claimants with a deep commitment to advocacy, compassion, and results. We’ve spent decades mastering the Social Security process, building long-term relationships with staff, medical professionals, and vocational experts who help us present the strongest possible case. And when we appear before an Administrative Law Judge, we make sure the judge truly understands your limitations, your medical evidence, and how the law must be correctly applied to your situation.
We know what’s at stake. We’re here to guide you through this process with skill, clarity, and steady support, because you shouldn’t have to go through it alone.
Why SSDI Claims Get Denied
Most Spokane residents who come to us are discouraged and overwhelmed by the SSDI system. They’ve worked their whole lives, they know they can no longer work, and they filed their application expecting the system to help. Instead, they were denied, sometimes more than once. This experience is normal, but it is also incredibly frustrating, especially when the denial is based on missing records, misunderstood symptoms, or an incomplete evaluation of your medical condition.
SSDI is meant to provide long-term support to workers who cannot maintain substantial gainful employment due to a physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least a year or result in death. But disability examiners and administrative law judges rely on an enormous volume of paperwork, state agency evaluations, and strict legal standards. A slight gap in your medical records or an unclear doctor’s note can lead to an unfavorable decision.
Part of our job as your Spokane SSDI lawyer is to identify these gaps, correct misunderstandings, and ensure your real limitations are communicated clearly and accurately. We know how essential these benefits are to keeping a roof over your head, stabilizing your future, and giving you the breathing room you need to focus on your health.
A Spokane Disability Lawyer’s Role in Strengthening Your Case
The SSDI process is far more than filling out forms. A strong case requires analysis, preparation, and skilled presentation, especially at the hearing stage. We take a hands-on, proactive approach from the moment we begin working together, focusing on building the strongest evidentiary record possible.
Here are some of the ways we help Spokane claimants secure the benefits they need:
- Collecting and organizing complete medical records, ensuring doctors’ opinions are detailed, functional, and consistent
- Preparing you for your hearing so you know what to expect, what questions may be asked, and how to communicate your symptoms clearly
By keeping our caseload manageable and maintaining a long-term, experienced staff, we ensure each client receives the personal attention they deserve. We pride ourselves on relationships, not volume, and that means you will always have someone available to answer your questions, update you on the status of your case, and guide you through each step.
Appearing Before an Administrative Law Judge in Spokane
For most claimants, the hearing is the most important moment in their SSDI journey. It is your opportunity to tell your story in a way that forms and medical records cannot. But it is also the moment when misunderstandings can happen. ALJs hear hundreds of cases each year, and it is essential that your lawyer explain your symptoms, limitations, and medical history clearly, accurately, and within the framework of Social Security law.
This is where our courtroom experience matters most. We take a proactive role in hearings, making sure:
- The ALJ fully understands your medical conditions and how they limit your ability to work
- The judge applies Social Security rules correctly, including the medical-vocational guidelines and standards for evaluating medical opinions
We also question vocational experts when necessary, ensuring that hypothetical questions accurately reflect your limitations and that no assumptions are made about jobs you cannot realistically perform. Our goal is to protect you, guide you, and make sure your case is presented with clarity and respect.
Building a Case That Makes the Law Work for You
Every SSDI claim is built on evidence, credibility, and legal standards. We know how to strengthen each of those pillars. Whether you’re applying for the first time, appealing a denial, or preparing for a hearing, we shape your case to meet the specific requirements the Social Security Administration uses to decide claims.
We connect the dots between medical symptoms and functional limitations. We gather detailed physician statements. We address inconsistencies before they become a problem. Throughout your case, we keep the focus on one simple truth: your health prevents you from performing full-time, competitive work, and the law provides benefits for exactly that situation.
At every stage, our team is here to listen, support, and advocate for you. You’re not just a case number to us; you’re someone whose life has been interrupted by illness or injury, and you deserve a legal team that understands the weight of that reality.
Frequently Asked Questions About SSDI in Spokane
How long does it take to get a disability hearing in Spokane?
Hearing wait times vary, but Spokane claimants often wait many months from the time their appeal is filed until the hearing is scheduled. The sooner you get your appeal submitted and supporting evidence organized, the better positioned you are once your date arrives.
Will the judge ask me about my daily activities?
Yes. ALJs frequently explore daily activities to understand how your limitations affect your real-world functioning. We prepare you for these questions so your answers accurately reflect your challenges without unintentionally minimizing your symptoms.
Do Spokane doctors need to fill out special forms for my case?
While not required, medical source statements or functional capacity evaluations can significantly strengthen a claim. We work closely with your doctors to obtain the right documentation.
What if I can’t attend the hearing in person?
Spokane hearings can be held by video, telephone, or in person. We help you choose the format that best presents your testimony and ensures the ALJ gets a clear understanding of your limitations.
Should I apply for SSI as well?
Many Spokane residents qualify for both SSDI and SSI. We evaluate your income, resources, and work history to determine whether filing for both programs will improve your chances of approval. Our firm is experienced with concurrent claims in Washington.
Free Consultation — No Recovery, No Fee
If you’re unable to work due to a physical or mental condition, you shouldn’t face the Social Security system alone. Our Spokane Social Security Disability lawyer is here to support you, stand up for you in front of the ALJ, and make sure your case is presented with the professionalism, compassion, and dedication you deserve.
We offer a free consultation, and you pay no attorney’s fee unless we win your case.
Call us today to get started. We are here for you.