When Mary S., a Nevada resident in her late fifties, came to our firm, she had been struggling with severe chronic pain for years. Her condition involved degenerative spinal disease that caused constant neck and back pain radiating into her arms and hands. The symptoms included numbness, weakness, muscle spasms, and significant sleep disruption that left her exhausted and unable to function normally during the day.
Medical testing confirmed the seriousness of her condition. Diagnostic studies showed degenerative disc disease in the cervical and lumbar spine along with nerve damage affecting both arms. Nerve conduction testing revealed bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical radiculopathy, confirming that the pain and neurological symptoms she experienced were caused by underlying spinal and nerve disorders.Â
Despite these documented medical conditions, Social Security denied her disability claim and again denied it during reconsideration.Â
 At that point, Mary turned to our office for help.
Our legal team stepped in and immediately began strengthening the case. We collected updated medical records, coordinated detailed physician opinions about Mary’s functional limitations, and prepared a comprehensive legal argument explaining why her spinal degeneration and nerve damage prevented her from maintaining consistent employment. We also formally entered representation with the Social Security Administration and pursued the case through the hearing level appeal process.Â
The Outcome
An Administrative Law Judge ultimately issued a fully favorable decision, finding Mary disabled under the Social Security Act.
Because of this decision:
Monthly Social Security Disability benefits awarded:Â approximately $1,850 per month
Annual value of benefits:Â about $22,200 per year
Estimated lifetime value of benefits:Â approximately $355,000
Mary was born in 1964 and can receive disability benefits until full retirement age, which means the decision secured long-term financial stability during a difficult stage of her life.
Why Representation Matters
Social Security disability claims are frequently denied even when strong medical evidence exists. In Mary’s case, experienced legal representation helped organize the medical evidence, present the full impact of her conditions, and advocate effectively before the judge.
The result was the approval of life changing monthly benefits that now provide stability and peace of mind while she focuses on managing her health.
DIRECTIONS 
