Roanoke Social Security Disability Lawyer

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits to Roanoke, VA residents who can’t work for at least 12 months due to a medical condition. To qualify, you need a work history covered by Social Security taxes and a condition that meets SSA’s strict definition of disability. Many initial claims get denied, but you can appeal through reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, or higher levels of review. The process can take several months to over a year.

As a trusted Social Security Disability law firm serving clients throughout Virginia, Gillette Law Group, PLLC, has helped many people in Roanoke navigate these complex claims and appeals.

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration runs two main disability programs. SSDI is for workers who paid into the system through payroll taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.

Most Roanoke residents seeking disability benefits apply for SSDI. You need enough work credits based on your age. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

Your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work. In 2025, that means earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if you’re blind). The condition must last or be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

How SSA Evaluates Your Claim

SSA uses a five-step process to decide if you’re disabled. First, they check if you’re working and earning above the limit. Second, they look at whether your condition is severe enough to limit basic work activities.

Third, they compare your condition to the Listing of Impairments. This official guide, often called the Blue Book, describes medical conditions that automatically qualify as disabilities. The listings cover 14 major body systems and include specific medical criteria you must meet.

If your condition doesn’t match a listing, SSA moves to step four. They assess what work activities you can still do, called your residual functional capacity. They then decide if you can return to your past work.

At step five, SSA considers whether you can adjust to any other work that exists in the national economy. They look at your age, education, and work experience when making this decision.

The Application and Appeals Process in Virginia

You can apply for disability benefits online, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. The initial decision usually takes three to six months.

Your application goes to Virginia’s Disability Determination Services. DDS examiners review your medical records and may schedule additional exams. They make the initial decision on whether you meet SSA’s disability standards.

About 62% of initial applications get denied. If that happens, you have four levels of appeal. Each level has strict deadlines.

Reconsideration is the first appeal level. You must file within 60 days of receiving your denial notice. A different examiner reviews your entire file, plus any new evidence. This stage takes three to nine months. The denial rate at reconsideration remains high, around 84%.

If reconsideration fails, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is where many cases succeed. The ALJ conducts a formal hearing where you can testify and present witnesses. Medical and vocational experts may also testify. Hearings typically occur seven to twelve months after you request one. The approval rate at this level is about 64.4% in Roanoke.

The Appeals Council reviews ALJ decisions when requested. They may grant your appeal, deny it, or send it back for another hearing. This review takes six to twelve months.

The final option is filing in federal district court. This requires legal representation and can take 12 to 24 months.

What SSA office handles Roanoke, VA, social security disability claims and appeals?

1. Local SSA Field Office (Initial Claims & Administration)

The local Social Security Administration (SSA) Field Office is where you file your initial application, handle non-medical requirements, and manage your overall SSA benefits.

• Office: SSA Field Office: Roanoke
• Address: 612 South Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA 24011
• National Phone (Toll-Free): 1-800-772-1213
• Local Phone: 1-866-701-8179
• Hours: Generally Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Calling ahead or using the national line for appointments is highly recommended).

2. Disability Determination Services (DDS) (Medical Review)

The Virginia Disability Determination Services (DDS) is a state agency that works with the SSA to determine the medical eligibility for your initial claim and the first appeal (reconsideration). Roanoke is served by the Southwest District Office.

• Office: Virginia DDS Southwest District Office
• Address: 612 S. Jefferson Street, Suite 300, Roanoke, VA 24019-2437
• Toll-Free Phone (General DDS Line for claims status): 1-855-445-3938
• Fax: 1-540-857-7707

3. Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) (Appeals/Hearings)

If your claim is denied by the DDS, the next step is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is handled by the OHO, and Roanoke has its own local hearing office.

• Office: SSA Office of Hearings Operations (OHO): Roanoke Hearing Office
• Address: 612 South Jefferson Street, Suite 200, Roanoke, VA 24011
• Toll-Free Phone: 1-866-592-3548
• Fax: The specific OHO fax number is often provided on your appeal notice, but the national eFile fax for representatives is 1-877-871-1882 (for the region).
• Hours: Generally 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Call to confirm).

Disability Statistics and Data

According to Congressional Research Service data, about 8.3 million people received SSDI benefits in January 2025. This included 7.2 million disabled workers. The average monthly benefit was approximately $1,581 for workers.

The most common diagnostic groups differ by age. For workers age 50 and older, musculoskeletal disorders like back problems and arthritis are most common. For those under 50, mental disorders lead the statistics.

Wait times have grown in recent years. The national average for a disability hearing reached 291 days in 2024. Nearly 300,000 Americans are waiting in the hearing backlog. These timeframes may increase due to staffing reductions at SSA.

Common Questions About Social Security Disability

What conditions qualify for disability?

Any condition that prevents substantial work for at least 12 months can qualify. Common conditions include heart disease, cancer, mental disorders, back problems, and arthritis. You don’t need a condition listed in the Blue Book to qualify.

Can I work while receiving disability benefits?

SSA has programs that let you test your ability to work. The Trial Work Period lets you work for up to nine months without losing benefits. After that, you can still work if your earnings stay below the substantial gainful activity level.

How long do benefits last?

SSDI continues as long as you remain disabled. SSA conducts periodic reviews, typically every three years. When you reach full retirement age, your SSDI converts to retirement benefits at the same amount.

Should I hire a lawyer for my disability claim?

You can apply on your own. But having legal help improves your odds, especially at the hearing level. Lawyers understand the medical evidence SSA needs and how to present your case effectively. Most disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win.

Key Points to Remember

• SSDI requires enough work credits and a condition that prevents substantial work for at least 12 months.
• Most initial claims get denied, but appeals can succeed, especially at the hearing level.
• The process takes time, often six months to over a year, depending on the appeal stage.
• You need strong medical evidence that shows how your condition limits your ability to work.
• Missing deadlines can cost you your claim, so file appeals within 60 days.

Contact Gillette Law Group, PLLC, for Help With Your Social Security Disability Case

If you’re struggling with a disability claim or facing a denial, you don’t have to go through this alone. The system is complex, and the stakes are high.

Brian Gillette is a top-rated Social Security Disability attorney in Roanoke, VA. Call (855-873-2604 to schedule a consultation.