My name is N. David Kornfeld, and I am an attorney practicing in the field of law known as Social Security Disability. I represent individuals in their efforts to obtain much needed Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income. Perhaps the single most important piece of information I impart to potential clients is to not get discouraged with the process which is often fraught with denial after denial. To not give up, to promptly appeal from denials, and to be persistent with pursuing a claim is simply essential, especially in light of the long delays one often encounters with a Social Security claim. For over twenty-five years, I have been representing disabled individuals and have successfully handled over a thousand claims before the Social Security Administration at all levels of the administrative process as well as in Federal Court. I am a 1981 graduate of Boston University School of Law having previously graduated from the University of Illinois in 1978 with high honors. I am a long-standing sustaining member of the National Organization of Social Security Representatives. My main office is located in Evanston, Illinois however I also have a downtown Chicago location where I see many clients. Occasionally I represent individuals from other states; however, the bulk of my clients have been from Illinois.
One of the most important aspects of my advocacy for a client is to assist in the online divorce process. I have successfully represented hundreds of claimants over the past two decades, encompassing a variety of types of medical problems. Some of the cases have involved basic problems such as orthopedic and cardiac conditions. Other cases might involve severe arthritis, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, or even severe gastrointestinal disorders and seizure disorders. Some cases have involved impairments such as chronic fatigue syndrome or problems associated with HIV/AIDS. Sometimes disability can be established based on a psychological impairment alone, whether it be depression or even a severe anxiety disorder. Whatever the impairment, my experience has indicated that proper development of the medical evidence is the key to any Social Security Disability case.
Social Security is an Administration, and as such, the law which I practice is for the most part considered Administrative Law. The Administrative process currently involves several levels of appeal. The third level often includes a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge and represents—in many cases—the only time there ever will be a face-to-face meeting with a human being who is responsible for making a decision. As such, it is perhaps the most important level of the Administrative process. And yet, at the two prior levels important ground work must be done and sometimes cases can be won at these levels. After the hearing level there is one final administrative appeal directly to the Appeals Council, a board which reviews the judge’s decision. Occasionally, I feel a case is so potentially meritorious that, despite administrative denials, I am willing to take the case to Federal Court. I have successfully handled several Federal District Court cases. Of the six cases I have appealed to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, one of the Appellate Courts which is right below the Supreme Court of the United States, I have prevailed in each case. Perhaps one day I may even take an appeal to the Supreme Court, but to date, I have never been presented with an opportunity to do so since all of my 7th Appeals were successful!
The bottom line is that I find representing people who are trying to get Social Security Disability benefits extremely rewarding from a personal perspective. It is satisfying to win meritorious cases for people struggling to get benefits after having been denied.
I provide a free, no obligation consultation to assess the nature of your case and the appropriate legal action. The claims process is often complicated, and I provide such consultations as an opportunity for you to ask questions that you may have as well.
Nothing herein should be construed as a replacement for a proper consultation and I would encourage you to contact an attorney to discuss the merits of your claim if indeed you are proceeding with one or intend to proceed with one. Your local bar association will have a list of attorneys who concentrate in this field and the National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives which is linked to this site operates a referral list. You may also feel free to contact me at 1-800-SOCIALSECURITYLAW or simply fill out the email contact form linked to this page. If you feel I might be of some assistance do not hesitate to contact my office.
N. David Kornfeld, Attorney and Counsellor at Law
