Oyster Bay Social Security Disability Lawyer for Injured and Ill Workers
Experienced legal help for SSD claims involving serious injuries, illnesses, and long-term physical conditions
Back injuries, joint damage, cancer, heart conditions, and other physical impairments are among the most common reasons people in Oyster Bay apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Whether your condition developed after years of physical labor or resulted from a work accident, sudden illness, or surgery, SSD is meant to provide financial support when you can no longer work. But even with legitimate medical conditions, many people find the claims process confusing, frustrating, and stacked against them. Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP has been helping injured and ill New Yorkers access SSD benefits for over 90 years – because we believe workers deserve real support when their health is on the line.
What makes these claims complicated isn’t whether the condition is real – it’s the system itself. You may be dealing with long recovery periods, limited mobility, or chronic pain, but unless every form is submitted perfectly and every medical detail is documented, your claim can be delayed or denied. That’s where our team comes in. We handle every step – from paperwork to appeals – to make sure your case gets the attention and respect it deserves. If you're living with a disabling condition that prevents you from working, contact us today for a free consultation. You won’t owe us a thing unless we win.
FAQs About Oyster Bay SSD
SSD claims can be overwhelming, but having the right information from a trusted legal authority can make all the difference – this FAQ from Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP is designed to give injured and ill workers in Oyster Bay the clarity, guidance, and confidence they need to take the next step.
- What medical conditions and physical injuries commonly qualify for SSD benefits in Oyster Bay?
- How do I know if I’m eligible for Social Security Disability after an injury or illness in Oyster Bay?
- What steps should I take first if I can’t work due to a disabling condition in Oyster Bay?
- What’s the difference between SSD and SSI, and which one am I more likely to qualify for?
- How much work history do I need to qualify for SSD benefits in New York?
- What kinds of documents and medical evidence help support an SSD claim?
- How long does it typically take to get approved for SSD benefits in Nassau County?
- Why are so many SSD claims denied, even for people with valid injuries or illnesses?
- Can I apply for SSD while I’m still being treated or recovering from surgery or injury?
- Am I allowed to do part-time or light-duty work while receiving SSD benefits in Oyster Bay?
- Can I qualify for both workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability benefits?
- How does long-term exposure to chemicals, heavy lifting, or repetitive strain affect SSD eligibility?
- Can I appeal if my SSD claim was denied – and how long does the appeal process take in New York?
- How can an experienced Oyster Bay Social Security Disability lawyer help improve my chances of approval?
- How do I get a free case consultation with an SSD attorney, and what will we discuss during that meeting?
What medical conditions and physical injuries commonly qualify for SSD benefits in Oyster Bay?
To qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD), your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Many physical injuries and illnesses that affect Oyster Bay workers – particularly those in healthcare, transportation, and manual labor – are frequently approved when properly documented. Common qualifying conditions include:
- Spinal injuries: Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or traumatic back injuries.
- Joint disorders: Degenerative arthritis, hip or knee replacements, and chronic joint instability.
- Cardiovascular conditions: Congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, or post-surgical recovery.
- Cancer: Active cancer or the lasting effects of cancer treatment.
- Chronic illnesses: Lupus, Crohn’s disease, or kidney failure.
- Neurological disorders: Stroke complications, multiple sclerosis, or epilepsy.
Every case depends on the strength of your documentation and how clearly your condition interferes with work. A lawyer can help make sure your SSD application reflects that reality.
How do I know if I’m eligible for Social Security Disability after an injury or illness in Oyster Bay?
SSD eligibility isn’t just about your diagnosis – it’s about how your condition impacts your ability to earn a living. To qualify, you must meet both medical and work-related requirements. Eligibility factors include:
- Severity of your condition: Must prevent you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity.”
- Duration of disability: Must last or be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- Work history: You must have paid into Social Security through your job long enough to qualify.
- Recent work: You generally must have worked 5 of the last 10 years in a qualifying job.
If you're unsure whether your work history or medical condition qualifies, speaking with an SSD lawyer can clarify your situation and outline your options.
What steps should I take first if I can’t work due to a disabling condition in Oyster Bay?
If you're facing a long-term injury or illness that prevents you from working, early steps are crucial to avoid delays or denials. Important early steps often include:
- See a doctor consistently: Get a diagnosis and ongoing treatment from a licensed provider.
- Ask for written medical opinions: Your doctor should explain in writing how your condition limits your ability to work.
- Collect employment records: Pay stubs, job descriptions, and previous W-2s help confirm work history.
- File an SSD application promptly: Don’t delay – processing applications takes time and earlier filings can mean earlier payments.
Handling this process alone can be overwhelming and confusing if you’re not sure how to “speak the language” of SSD. A lawyer can guide each step of the way to hopefully help reduce your risk of denial.
What’s the difference between SSD and SSI, and which one am I more likely to qualify for?
Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both federal programs for people who can’t work – but they serve different groups. Key differences include:
- SSD: Based on work history and payroll tax contributions.
- SSI: Based on financial need, not work history.
- Medical criteria: Both use the same standard to determine if you’re disabled.
- Benefit amounts: SSD tends to offer higher benefits based on your past earnings.
- Health coverage: SSD leads to Medicare, while SSI provides Medicaid.
If you’ve worked in Oyster Bay and paid into Social Security, SSD is typically the program you’ll pursue. A lawyer can help determine if you’re also eligible for SSI and any other assistance programs.
How much work history do I need to qualify for SSD benefits in New York?
To qualify for SSD, you generally need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for about 5 out of the last 10 years. This is measured in “work credits,” with most people needing 20 credits earned over the last decade. Jobs in Oyster Bay’s construction, healthcare, and transportation sectors typically meet these requirements if you’ve worked consistently. An SSD lawyer can review your work history and Social Security contributions to determine if you qualify.
What kinds of documents and medical evidence help support an SSD claim?
Supporting your SSD claim with the right evidence is one of the most important parts of the process. Incomplete or weak documentation is one of the top reasons claims are denied. Key evidence includes:
- Detailed medical records: Including test results, surgical reports, and clinical notes.
- Doctor's statements: Written opinions about how your condition limits your ability to work.
- Treatment history: Documentation of therapies, medications, or hospitalizations.
- Functional limitations: Records showing what you can no longer do (lifting, standing, walking, etc.).
- Employment history: W-2s, tax returns, and job duties over the past 10 years.
A lawyer will make sure your claim is complete and compelling – not just technically correct, but strong enough to get approved.
How long does it typically take to get approved for SSD benefits in Nassau County?
Most initial SSD applications take 3 to 6 months to process, though it can take longer if additional medical records are needed. If your claim is denied, the appeals process can extend the timeline by a year or more. In Nassau County, backlogs at local Social Security offices – including those serving Oyster Bay – can cause frustrating delays. An attorney can help you avoid paperwork mistakes that often lead to denials and speed up the process.
Why are so many SSD claims denied, even for people with valid injuries or illnesses?
SSD denials are frustratingly common, often due to avoidable issues. Even with a serious condition, your claim can be denied if your SSD application does not include key requirements. Common reasons for denial include:
- Lack of medical detail: Missing records or vague doctor statements.
- Technical errors: Incomplete forms, missed deadlines, or wrong information.
- Insufficient work history: Not enough recent work under Social Security-covered employment.
- Lack of functional evidence: Not clearly showing how your condition limits your work ability.
Having the right legal guidance can make the difference between a claim that gets stuck and one that moves forward.
Can I apply for SSD while I’m still being treated or recovering from surgery or injury?
Yes, you can apply while still in treatment – as long as your condition is expected to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. For example, if you’re recovering from spinal surgery or undergoing long-term chemotherapy, your claim may be valid even if the final outcome isn’t known. Applicants from Oyster Bay often start the process while receiving care at area hospitals or specialty clinics. A lawyer can help you frame your SSD application clearly despite ongoing treatment.
Am I allowed to do part-time or light-duty work while receiving SSD benefits in Oyster Bay?
You can work part-time while receiving SSD, but there are strict income limits. As of 2025, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (or more if you’re legally blind), your benefits could be at risk. Oyster Bay residents who try light-duty work after an injury – like retail shifts or local delivery driving – must be careful not to exceed those limits. A lawyer can explain how your work activity may affect your benefits and help you stay compliant.
Can I qualify for both workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability benefits?
Yes, it’s possible to receive both, especially if a job-related injury leaves you permanently disabled. However, your SSD payments may be reduced depending on the amount you receive from workers’ comp. In Oyster Bay, this is common for warehouse, nursing home, and delivery workers who suffer back, shoulder, or neurological injuries. A lawyer can help coordinate both claims to make sure you get the most from each source.
How does long-term exposure to chemicals, heavy lifting, or repetitive strain affect SSD eligibility?
Some of the most disabling physical conditions develop slowly over time – especially in hands-on jobs like maintenance, logistics, or manufacturing. Conditions that may result from long-term exposure or strain include:
- Repetitive stress injuries: Tendonitis, carpal tunnel, or bursitis.
- Joint degeneration: From years of lifting, climbing, or kneeling.
- Respiratory illnesses: Linked to dust, fumes, or poor ventilation.
- Spinal damage: From operating heavy equipment or lifting without support.
Even if your condition developed gradually, it may still qualify for SSD. A lawyer can help build a timeline and narrative that supports your case.
Can I appeal if my SSD claim was denied – and how long does the appeal process take in New York?
You have 60 days from the date of denial to file an appeal, and there are multiple stages, including reconsideration and a hearing before an administrative law judge. In New York, the full process can take up to 18 months depending on the backlog. Many appeals succeed when applicants add missing medical evidence or clarify their work restrictions. A skilled SSD attorney knows how to structure a strong appeal and meet all deadlines.
How can an experienced Oyster Bay Social Security Disability lawyer help improve my chances of approval?
The SSD application and appeal process is technical, paperwork-heavy, and often filled with pitfalls. A knowledgeable attorney can make sure nothing gets overlooked – and build a strong case from day one. Some of the different ways a lawyer can help include:
- Gathering and organizing evidence: Making sure your medical and work history are fully documented.
- Communicating with doctors: To get the right language and clarity in written opinions.
- Filing and tracking your claim: Meeting deadlines and following up with the SSA.
- Preparing for hearings: If needed, your lawyer will represent you and present your case to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
You don’t have to take on the system alone. A dedicated SSD lawyer knows how to get your claim noticed – and approved.
How do I get a free case consultation with an SSD attorney, and what will we discuss during that meeting?
You can call, submit a form online, or visit our law firm’s nearby office to schedule your free consultation. During the meeting, your attorney will review your medical condition, job history, and any paperwork you’ve already submitted. For clients in Oyster Bay, this often includes reviewing treatment records from local clinics and employment history with regional employers. This consultation is your chance to get honest, experienced advice – at no cost and with no obligation.
Get the local support you deserve from a trusted SSD law firm
You’ve worked hard your whole life – now it’s time to make sure the system works for you. If you’re struggling to get approved for benefits after a serious injury or illness, Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP can help. As your dedicated Oyster Bay Social Security Disability attorney, we handle every detail with skill, urgency, and care – so you don’t have to face this process alone.
There’s no fee unless we win, and your consultation is completely free. Contact us today and let our experienced team fight for the benefits you’ve rightfully earned.