Chronic Diseases and Disability
Living with a chronic illness can make it difficult—or impossible—to maintain steady employment.
Some common Chronic Diseases include:
Angina
Asthma
Autoimmune disorders
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Diabetes mellitus
Headaches
Heart disease
Hepatitis
High blood pressure
Hypertension
Irritable bowel syndrome
Multiple sclerosis
Respiratory disease
Seizure disorder
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
In determining if you have a valid disability claim, the LTD/STD Plan Administrator will follow the requirements set forth in your Plan Documents specifying the definition of disability.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows the rules and requirements for their various programs and lists them in a publication called Disability Evaluation Under Social Security (DDS), also known as The Blue Book.
In The Blue Book, medical conditions are listed that make the cut for disability benefits. These include some chronic conditions that have severe symptoms that limit your performance.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Sima G. Aghai can help you evaluate and document your claim for disability benefits based on your chronic illness. With over 30 years of experience in disability law, Sima and her team bring the knowledge and dedication needed to guide you through every step of the process. Call us today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Aghai Law?
30+ Years of Disability Law Experience
With over 30 years of experience, Sima G. Aghai has appealed more than 2,000 cases and litigated at least 200 cases in federal court, earning a reputation as a tireless advocate for individuals facing complex disability matters.
Former
SSA Attorney
Sima G. Aghai spent 7 years as Attorney Advisor and Senior Attorney Advisor at the Social Security Administration. She understands how decisions are made—and how to challenge denials from the inside out. When it comes to appeals, insider knowledge makes a difference.
We Specialize in
Appeals
We don’t just file applications—we fight denials. Whether your claim is with the SSA or an insurance provider under ERISA, we step in when others stop. Appeals are our focus, and we know how to win them.
How the Disability Appeal Process Works
Free Consultation
We review your denial letter and walk you through your appeal options.
We Build Your Appeal
Our team gathers evidence, handles paperwork, and prepares your case.
Hearing or Federal Filing
We represent you at hearings or in federal court, depending on your situation.
You Get Results
If we win, you get the benefits you’re owed—and pay nothing unless we succeed.
Let’s take the next step together.
You’ve already taken the hardest step by asking for help. Now let’s review your denial, build your appeal, and fight to win your benefits.
Start Your Free Case Review
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Absolutely. You need a lawyer. You need someone in your corner with experience and knowledge to help you navigate the confusing maze required to gain disability benefits. Without a lawyer, you could make a mistake that would harm your case and even inadvertently disqualify you from getting benefits. Filing for disability benefits is no time to go it alone. Sima Aghai and her staff have helped thousands of people get the disability benefits they deserve. Let us help you.
The answer to this depends on several factors and how they affect your case, but, generally speaking, from the application for benefits through a final administrative decision, it can take between 12 – 24 months. If your case needs to go to appeal before the United States District Court, that could add another 12 months or longer to the overall length of your case.
Monthly benefits vary by the type of claim approved and your work history. For STD/LTD, the amount of benefits are as reported in your plan documents and are generally, 60%-75% of your base income. For Social Security Disability Insurance, benefits are calculated using your 35 highest annual earnings and can be a maximum of $3,345 (in 2025) at full retirement age.
Supplemental Security Income monthly benefits are based on the totality of your monthly income and resources. Maximum benefits with the California state supplements are $1,206.94 per month for an individual and $2,057.83 for a couple.
For Social Security benefits, minor children of a disabled worker may be entitled to auxiliary benefits, depending upon the benefit awarded to you as the disabled worker. The amount is approximately 40% of your monthly payment.
Yes. For LTD/ST benefits, anyone over the age of 65 years, may have limitations in the period of time they are entitled to disability benefits. For SSA benefits, one must be below their full retirement age to be awarded disability benefits. However, different rules apply to different ages. We will be happy to explain how these rules affect your individual situation.
Yes. Many claims that are initially denied are successful following an appeal. If your claim is denied upon Initial Determination, we appeal the denial by requesting a “reconsideration” determination. For LTD/STD benefits, once all administrative appeals are exhausted, we evaluate your claim for a possible lawsuit in United Stated District Court. For SSA benefits, we appeal any denial to hearing before the Administrative Law Judge. If that fails, we can file an appeal with the Appeals Council and even file a lawsuit in United States District Court.
Contact us today at (888) 954-0064 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation about your case or fill out this evaluation form and we will get right back to you.