Donna contacted our office in the Fall of 2018. She needed an attorney to represent her for a Social Security Disability hearing.
Donna’s could not do her job anymore due to rapidly progressing Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
She was heartbroken. Previously employed as a pastry chef, custodian, and administrative assistant, Donna loved living a busy and productive life and now found herself in a situation where she could not provide for herself. She was stressed and anxious because she was unable to manage her disability case due to poor health, low energy, and lack of knowledge.
The Social Security Administration was frustrating to deal with and Donna could not see any light at the end of the tunnel.
As Donna told me her story, I could feel her distress. It was comforting to me that when she left our office, her shoulders had relaxed and the frown line had softened between her eyes.
We had a plan.
Donna’s case depended on supporting physician reports, opinions, and records. We set about compiling documentation for her in preparation for the hearing in downtown Portland, Oregon, early in 2019.
I went with Donna to the hearing, appearing before the Administrative Law Judge. The judge questioned Donna about her past work as a pastry chef, custodian, and administrative assistant, and asked her to detail the impairments that prevented her from working. Donna testified that her MS made it impossible to show up to work every day and complete all of her designated tasks. She said that her MS limits her ability to perform regular daily tasks like standing, walking, or even just taking a shower.
We had spent 5 months compiling the medical records to prove this. Donna’s husband Tim also testified as to the reality of Donna’s situation and a Vocational Expert testified that Donna was not fit to competitively perform any jobs in the national economy.
Donna won her case.
In her favorable decision, the judge found that the records and physician’s opinion obtained by our office from the Oregon Health Clinic in Hillsboro was a critical deciding factor.
Keith Kinzebach, Partner & Attorney