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Swanson v. Bisignano: Ninth Circuit Reverses Again
Swanson applied for disability insurance benefits alleging chronic pain and mobility problems. The case had already been remanded once....
Why a Legacy Planning Session Gives You More Than a Standard Consultation
A standard initial consultation with an estate planning lawyer often looks like this: you meet briefly, answer questions about your...
Eleventh Circuit Upholds SSA Denial in Dubose v. Commissioner
The Eleventh Circuit’s recent opinion in Dubose v. Commissioner of Social Security  offers a valuable refresher on three recurring...
Breast Cancer Survivors and Disability Denials
When we think of breast cancer, many of us picture pink ribbons, courageous survivor stories, and the resilience shown during treatment....
The Hidden Risks of Aging Without a Legacy Planning Session
If you’re like most people, you assume that when the time comes, someone—your spouse, children, or a close friend—will step in to care...
Why the Medical Record Can Make or Break a Disability Appeal
Every disability appeal has two moving parts : The law (statutes, regulations, case precedent) The record (medical evidence, testimony,...
What Happens to Your Business If You Die Tomorrow?
Running a business takes grit, determination, and countless hours of work. You’ve poured yourself into building something valuable—not...
Fibromyalgia and the Need for a Longitudinal Review
Fibromyalgia continues to challenge both claimants and adjudicators in Social Security disability law. The Seventh Circuit’s recent...
Grief’s Daily Impact and the Gift of a Legacy Planning Session
Grief isn’t scheduled. It appears in unexpected moments and in subtle ways that shift your entire being: Emotional fluctuations — You may...
Madkins v. Bisignano: Lessons from the Fifth Circuit on Disability Claims
Madkins, a machine operator, suffered back problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, and depression after a work injury. He applied for Social...
The 4 Hidden Risks in Your Business and How to Avoid Them
When you launched your business, your focus was likely on growth, clients, and revenue. That’s natural—those are the things that keep the...
Critical Case Breakdown: Robbins v. Commissioner of Social Security
On October 29, 2024 , the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals  upheld the denial of Supplemental Security Income (SSI)  benefits for a young...
Meal Planning and Estate Planning: The Connection You Didn’t Expect
How Meal Planning Reveals Your Values Meal planning shows more than what’s for dinner—it reveals your relationship with time, money, and...
Green v. Commissioner: A Tenth Circuit Veterans Disability Case
The case of Green v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration (2018)  is a powerful reminder of how Veterans’ disability ratings...
Networking That Works: How to Make It Fun and Effective
Most entrepreneurs have a love-hate relationship with networking. You know you need it to grow your business, but traditional...
Seventh Circuit Upholds ALJ SSD Case
In December 2024, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals decided a case called Schmitz v. Colvin . The case involved a 52-year-old woman...
Preserve Your Family Stories Before They’re Lost
A client once told me she would give anything to hear her grandmother’s voice again. Her grandmother had been the heart of the family—the...
Why Medical Records Matter in Disability Appeals
Every disability appeal has two moving parts: the law  and the record . The recent Ninth Circuit decision in Thomas v. Bisignano...
Business Owner Burnout Is a Silent Success Killer
Picture this: You're checking emails at midnight, haven't had a real vacation in two years, and the last time you exercised was... well,...
Case Spotlight: Mejia v. Commissioner
When it comes to Social Security disability appeals in federal court, there are always two battles: Winning the case. Getting paid for...
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