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 Invisible Disabilities

02:00 - Medically Determinable Impairment Rule

04:00 - Pain Evaluation Process

05:30 - Mental Health Documentation

07:00 - Journals & Third-Party Letters

09:00 - Consistency = Credibility

11:00 - Good-Day/Bad-Day Reporting

13:00 - Special Rules (Fibromyalgia/CRPS)

15:00 - Don’t Give Up—Keep Appealing

17:00 - Closing Remarks

About the Show:

"Social Security and Disability: The Approval Path with Deborah Spector" is a podcast dedicated to navigating SSDI/SSI claims. Deborah Spector shares 40+ years of insights to help claimants secure approvals from application through federal appeals.

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 & Purpose

02:30 - Scheduling Triggers

04:00 - Preparation Essentials

05:30 - Exam Content by Type

07:30 - Covering Multiple Issues

09:00 - Common Mistakes

10:30 - Report Usage & Weight

13:00 - CE vs. Treating Records

15:00 - Anxiety Management

16:30 - Closing Remarks

About the Show:

"Social Security and Disability: The Approval Path with Deborah Spector" is a podcast dedicated to navigating SSDI/SSI claims. Deborah Spector shares 40+ years of insights to help claimants secure approvals from application through federal appeals.

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 taxes, and how to plan ahead with proper withholding or help from an accountant to avoid unexpected tax bills.

00:00 – Do you owe taxes on your disability benefits? 01:30 – Why SSDI benefits aren’t always tax-free 03:00 – Income limits for single vs. joint filers and how taxation applies 05:00 – Withholding options to avoid large tax bills 06:00 – How much of your SSDI can be taxed (up to 85%) 07:00 – Why SSI benefits are not taxable 08:30 – How other income (work, pension, LTD) affects SSDI taxes 10:00 – The role of long-term disability and workers’ compensation in taxation 12:00 – How SSDI back pay is treated for tax purposes 14:00 – The importance of consulting an accountant for tax planning 15:00 – Why everyone should create a “My Social Security” account on ssa.gov

The Disability Approval Path helps individuals understand and navigate the Social Security Disability process with clarity and confidence. Each episode offers straightforward legal insights and practical steps to help claimants protect their rights and make informed financial decisions.

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 long term disability
• How long term disability insurance works, including employer-paid, employee-paid, and hybrid plans
• LTD offsets and how they affect your benefits
• The importance of filing applications and providing proper medical documentation
• Tax implications of different benefit types
• How to coordinate benefits to avoid surprises or owing money back
• When to consult an attorney and what to expect with fees

Key Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and overview of benefits 02:10 – Differences between Social Security, workers compensation, and LTD 05:00 – How LTD claims are handled and the role of ERISA 08:20 – Understanding LTD offsets and repayment 12:10 – Taxes on LTD benefits and Social Security interplay 16:00 – Steps to coordinate multiple benefits without losing money 20:00 – Negotiating repayment and attorney guidance 21:20 – Closing remarks and resources

Social Security & Disability: The Approval Path helps individuals and families understand the often-confusing rules of Social Security. Hosted by attorney Deborah Spector, each episode breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable guidance so listeners can maximize their benefits and protect their financial security.

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 explains what these rules were, why they were eliminated through the Social Security Fairness Act, and how the change impacts retirees and disabled workers today. Listeners will learn about retroactive payments, tips for navigating benefit adjustments, and important precautions to avoid scams while dealing with Social Security.

00:01 – Show introduction 02:10 – What were the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)? 06:35 – Why their repeal shocked experts after decades of resistance 10:22 – How the Social Security Fairness Act ended GPO and WEP 13:55 – Who is most affected by this change and how many workers benefit 17:40 – Retroactive payments: how far back they go and how much they can be 20:18 – What to do if you never applied for benefits because of GPO or WEP 23:12 – How to check your online Social Security account for adjustments 26:28 – Tips for communicating with Social Security and avoiding scams 30:10 – Deborah’s advice for families and spouses affected by the repeal

Social Security & Disability: The Approval Path helps individuals and families understand the often-confusing rules of Social Security. Hosted by attorney Deborah Spector, each episode breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable guidance so listeners can maximize their benefits and protect their financial security.

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 when handling both claims. The discussion also covers common mistakes, crucial paperwork, settlement structuring, and why timely action is key to maximizing benefits and minimizing stress for injured workers.

00:01 – Show introduction 01:22 – What workers’ compensation covers vs. Social Security Disability 04:55 – Can someone collect both workers’ comp and Social Security at the same time? 08:37 – Differences between SSDI and SSI in these cases 11:40 – Key paperwork Social Security requires to calculate offsets 14:50 – How settlement agreements can be structured to reduce offsets 19:15 – Tax implications of offsets and why clients should be prepared 21:08 – Why keeping Social Security informed of settlements is essential 25:20 – Best advice for workers considering both comp and disability claims 28:44 – Why applying for SSDI early prevents loss of benefits

Social Security & Disability: The Approval Path helps individuals navigate the complex rules of Social Security and maximize their benefits. Hosted by attorney Deborah Spector, the podcast provides practical strategies, legal insights, and real-world examples to help listeners protect their rights and plan with confidence.

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 can expect, how attorneys prepare clients for testimony, and why honesty and consistency are critical. Deborah also shares insights on how judges handle conflicting medical opinions, what factors can strengthen a case, and why representation significantly improves the chances of approval.

00:01 – Show introduction 01:20 – What actually happens at a Social Security Disability hearing 03:40 – How judges evaluate medical records and testimony 06:05 – The role of vocational experts in hearings 08:30 – Common questions judges ask claimants 11:10 – How attorneys prepare clients to testify effectively 14:25 – Why credibility and honesty matter in hearings 17:00 – How judges handle conflicting medical opinions 20:15 – Tips for strengthening a case before the hearing 23:40 – Why having legal representation improves approval rates 26:00 – Final thoughts and key takeaways from Deborah

“Social Security Disability: The Approval Path” is hosted by attorney Deborah Susan Spector, who has spent decades representing disability claimants through every stage of the SSDI and SSI process. Each episode provides practical advice, answers common questions, and helps listeners understand the complex world of Social Security Disability law.

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 advice on how claimants can prepare, what questions to expect, and why legal representation is critical for improving the chances of approval.

00:01 – Show introduction 01:05 – What an administrative law judge hearing is and why it matters 03:10 – The role of the judge in disability cases 05:00 – How vocational experts influence disability determinations 07:15 – Common questions judges ask during hearings 09:20 – How medical records and testimony are evaluated 11:45 – The importance of claimant preparation and honesty 14:02 – Why having an attorney at the hearing increases approval chances 16:30 – What happens after the hearing decision is issued 18:40 – Deborah’s advice for first-time applicants facing a hearing

“Social Security Disability: The Approval Path” is hosted by Deborah Susan Spector, a seasoned disability attorney with decades of experience representing claimants through every stage of the SSDI and SSI process. The show offers practical guidance, answers common questions, and provides clarity for individuals navigating the complexities of Social Security Disability law.