Social Security & Disability: The Approval Path

Episode Summary:  This episode of Social Security and Disability: The Approval Path delves into the challenging journey of James, a Marine Corps veteran, as he navigates the complex process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits. After serving in combat zones and retiring with a 100% VA disability rating, James shares his initial struggles with the application process, including a sur...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Social Security and Disability: The Approval Path, host Evan Mack interviews Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Susan Entenberg to delve into the complexities of vocational issues in disability cases. Susan explains the critical role of rehabilitation counselors in Social Security Disability hearings, focusing on job classification, transferable skills, and work...

Episode Summary: In this empowering episode, Deborah Spector tackles “invisible” conditions like chronic pain, headaches, and mental health disorders. The discussion covers medically determinable impairments, consistency rules, journaling strategies, and building credibility through candid, corroborated evidence. Key Timestamps: 00:01 - Show Introduction 00:30 - Guest Introduction 00:50 - Defining...

Episode Summary: In this practical episode, Deborah Spector demystifies Social Security's consultative exams (CEs)—why they're ordered, how to prepare, and post-exam steps. The discussion covers candor, documentation, report review, and leveraging CE findings alongside treating physician records. Key Timestamps: 00:01 - Show Introduction 00:30 - Guest Introduction 00:50 - CE Definition & Purpo...

Episode Summary In this episode, Deborah Spector, lead attorney at Spector & Lenz, breaks down how Social Security Disability (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), long-term disability, and workers’ compensation benefits are taxed. She explains the key income thresholds, what makes SSDI taxable, and why SSI usually isn’t. Deborah also shares what to know about double taxation, back pay t...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Deborah Spector breaks down the complex world of long term disability, workers compensation, and Social Security disability. She explains how these programs interact, what to watch out for, and how to avoid unexpected reductions or repayment demands.   What You Will Learn in This Episode: The difference between Social Security disability, workers compensation, and...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Social Security & Disability: The Approval Path, lead attorney and managing partner Deborah Spector discusses the repeal of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). These provisions previously reduced Social Security benefits for many public employees, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers. Deborah exp...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Social Security & Disability: The Approval Path, lead attorney and managing partner Deborah Spector talks about how workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability benefits interact. With more than 40 years of experience, Deborah explains the differences between the two programs, the potential for benefit offsets, and the importance of proper planning w...

Episode Summary: In this episode, experienced Social Security Disability attorney Deborah Susan Spector walks listeners through what really happens during a disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Deborah explains how judges evaluate medical evidence, weigh credibility, and consider vocational expert testimony when deciding cases. She breaks down common questions applicants ca...

Episode Summary: In this episode, veteran Social Security Disability attorney Deborah Susan Spector talks about one of the most pivotal moments in the disability process—the administrative law judge hearing. Deborah explains what happens during the hearing, the role of the judge and vocational expert, and how medical records, testimony, and work history are evaluated. She also shares practical adv...

Episode Summary: In this educational episode, attorney Deborah Susan Spector of Spector & Lenz breaks down the eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Deborah outlines the five-step evaluation used by the government, clarifies misconceptions about age, work history, and mental health conditions, and explains the appeals p...

Episode Summary: In the debut episode of Social Security & Disability: The Approval Path, with attorney Deborah Spector, managing partner of Spector & Lens, to break down the complex world of disability benefits. With over 40 years of legal experience, Deborah explains the difference between SSI, SSDI, DAC, Medicare, and Medicaid, cutting through government jargon with clarity. From defini...