Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim

Nancy Cavey
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Nancy L. Cavey, a seasoned attorney with over thirty-nine years of experience, explains the complex world of filing for Social Security Disability benefits. Filing for disability can be a confusing, life changing event, so with her deft expertise, Nancy will guide you through:- The ins-and-outs of qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits (such as age and insurance requirements).- Information regarding the process and lifespan of a claim, from the initial application to the request for hearing stages.- Traps one can fall into while navigating the Social Security Administration's step-by-step Sequential Evaluation.- Insights, overviews, and claimant stories regarding disease-specific content (ranging from commonplace ailments such as workplace injuries or accidents, to difficult to diagnose illnesses such as Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, and POTS).- Pertinent news happening in the disability world, and- Much, much more.Each episode of our podcast Winning Isn't Easy will expose you to invaluable tips and tricks for surviving the disability claims process (a system that is often wrought with pressures and pitfalls designed to encourage you to give up the benefits you rightfully deserve). As host, Nancy will often be joined by guest speakers who themselves are industry experts, ranging from lawyers specializing in related fields and doctors focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases, to our associate attorney Krysti Monaco.In her late teens, Nancy's father was diagnosed with leukemia. As someone who witnessed firsthand the devastating emotional and financial impact on both individual and family that being disabled and filing for benefits can have, Nancy is not just an attorney, but an empathetic presence who understands what you are going through.Do not let disability insurance carriers rob you of your peace of mind. As a nationwide practice, The Law Office of Nancy L. Cavey may be able to help you get the disability benefits you deserve, regardless of where in the United States you reside. Remember - let Cavey Law be the bridge to your benefits.Check out the links below to engage with us elsewhere:Website - https://caveylaw.com/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/CaveyLaw

  1. Working While Your Social Security Disability Application Is Pending

    6D AGO

    Working While Your Social Security Disability Application Is Pending

    Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode. Welcome to Season 1, Episode 28 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Working While Your Social Security Disability Application Is Pending." If you think a short-term job while waiting on Social Security Disability benefits is harmless, think again. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, host Nancy L. Cavey unpacks the complex rules around working while your SSD application is still pending, and why even a few months of income can raise red flags. Nancy breaks down what the Social Security Administration considers an Unsuccessful Work Attempt, how wages and attendance records are evaluated, and when your efforts might cross into Substantial Gainful Activity territory. She also explains what documentation matters most, how employers’ statements can help or hurt, and what to do if your work lasted longer than you planned or hovered right at the earnings limit. This episode is more than a technical guide - it is a roadmap for anyone trying to balance survival with the risk of losing benefits. Whether you’ve already tried to work, are considering it, or simply want to understand the process, you’ll find clarity, practical steps, and reassurance here. Because sometimes, keeping your head above water should not cost you your future. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics: One - What Is an Unsuccessful Work Attempt in a Social Security Disability Claim and What Information Will the SSA Want to See From My Former Employers? Two - The 50th Anniversary of Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program and What You Need to Know if You’re on Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income and Want to Work Three - The Two Ways You Can Work and Keep Your Social Security Disability Benefits Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it. Listen to Our Sister Podcast: We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com Resources Mentioned In This Episode: LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/ Need Help Today?: Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast. Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve. Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

    24 min
  2. Voice Disorders, Spasmodic Dysphonia, Their Relationship with Social Security Disability, and More with Guest Sue Payne

    AUG 20

    Voice Disorders, Spasmodic Dysphonia, Their Relationship with Social Security Disability, and More with Guest Sue Payne

    Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode. Welcome to Season 1, Episode 27 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Voice Disorders, Spasmodic Dysphonia, Their Relationship with Social Security Disability, and More with Guest Sue Payne." If you think a voice disorder is “just losing your voice,” think again. In this special edition episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, host Nancy L. Cavey sits down with Sue Payne to uncover the hidden challenges of living - and working - with spasmodic dysphonia and cervical dystonia. Sue takes us inside her journey: the moment her voice changed, proving her disability to Social Security, and how she turned her experience into advocacy through Dysphonia International. Along the way, Nancy breaks down the five-step disability evaluation, the role of Residual Functional Capacity forms, and why strong medical support can make or break a claim. This episode is more than a legal guide - it’s a story of resilience, perseverance, and the power of using your voice, even when it doesn’t sound the way it used to. Whether you’re living with a voice disorder, supporting someone who is, or navigating your own disability claim, you’ll find practical advice and powerful encouragement here. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics: One - About Sue and Her Story Two - Sue’s Social Security Disability Journey and Medical Support Three - Sue’s Tips, Advocacy, and Support Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it. Listen to Our Sister Podcast: We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com Resources Mentioned In This Episode: LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/ Need Help Today?: Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast. Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve. Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

    39 min
  3. The Importance of Evidence in Your Social Security Disability Claim

    AUG 13

    The Importance of Evidence in Your Social Security Disability Claim

    Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode. Welcome to Season 1, Episode 26 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "The Importance of Evidence in Your Social Security Disability Claim." If you think your Social Security Disability case will succeed with just a few doctor’s notes, think again. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, host Nancy L. Cavey unpacks the real backbone of a successful claim: evidence. From medical records and diagnostic tests to the details of your daily life, every piece matters - and Social Security judges expect to see it all. Nancy explains what Social Security attorneys do with evidence that doesn’t fully support your claim, why objective medical evidence like MRIs, lab results, and clinical tests is considered the gold standard, and how the story of your day-to-day life can become some of the most compelling proof you have. You’ll see how clear documentation, credible storytelling, and a strategic approach to every type of evidence - good or bad - combine to create a claim judges can’t overlook. Whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denial, this episode gives you a practical, behind-the-scenes guide to how evidence is gathered, presented, and turned into a winning case. Let’s get started. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics: 1 -  What Does a Social Security Attorney Do With Evidence That Does Not Support My Social Security Disability Claim? 2 - Why “Objective Medical Evidence” Is the Gold Standard 3 - How Your Daily Life Can Become Powerful Evidence Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it. Listen to Our Sister Podcast: We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com Resources Mentioned In This Episode: LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/ Need Help Today?: Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast. Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve. Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

    22 min
  4. Residual Functional Capacity and RFC Forms

    AUG 6

    Residual Functional Capacity and RFC Forms

    Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode. Welcome to Season 1, Episode 25 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Residual Functional Capacity and RFC Forms." If you think a simple note from your doctor saying you're "disabled" is enough to win your Social Security claim, think again. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, host Nancy L. Cavey pulls back the curtain on one of the most powerful tools in your disability case: the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form. Often overlooked, these forms can be the difference between a denial and an approval - if they’re done right. Nancy explains why vague statements don’t move the needle with the Social Security Administration, and how a detailed, condition-specific RFC form can provide the concrete evidence judges need to understand your true limitations. You’ll get practical tips on how to approach your doctor about completing an RFC form, what kinds of details make the biggest impact, and how a skilled disability attorney can help frame your medical story in a way that aligns with the SSA’s expectations. This isn’t just paperwork - it’s your opportunity to be heard clearly and credibly. Whether you're applying for the first time or appealing a denial, this episode is your guide to turning medical facts into persuasive legal evidence. Let’s get started. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics: 1 -  Why Getting a Letter From Your Doctor That Says You Are Disabled or Meet a Social Security Listing Is a Waste of Time and Money 2 - Should My Social Security Disability Attorney Use a Residual Functional Capacity Form in My Case? 3 - Nine Tips for Getting Winning Social Security Disability Residual Functional Capacity Forms Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it. Listen to Our Sister Podcast: We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com Resources Mentioned In This Episode: LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/ Need Help Today?: Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast. Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve. Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

    24 min
  5. Social Security Judges and Their Impact on Disability Claims, Part Two

    JUL 30

    Social Security Judges and Their Impact on Disability Claims, Part Two

    Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode. Welcome to Season 1, Episode 24 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Social Security Judges and Their Impact on Disability Claims, Part Two." If last week’s episode of Winning Isn’t Easy pulled back the curtain on the power Social Security judges have over your disability claim, this week’s part two goes even deeper. If you’ve ever felt like your symptoms were dismissed, your story ignored, or your life reduced to a few vague evaluations - this episode is for you. Host Nancy L. Cavey shares real-world wins from claimants with chronic kidney disease, heart conditions, and cognitive issues after seizures - cases where strong, consistent evidence changed the outcome. You'll learn how RFC forms, detailed doctor reports, and letters from former employers helped judges see the full picture. These aren’t just medical cases - they’re stories of perseverance, credibility, and what it takes to be believed. If you’re preparing for a hearing, gathering evidence, or just want to know how the system can work - don’t miss this one. You deserve to be seen, heard, and believed. Let’s get into it. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics: 1 -  Social Security Judge Awards Disability Benefits for Chronic Kidney Disease Based on State Consulting Physician’s Report and Letter From Employer 2 - Social Security Judge Awards Disability Benefits for Heart Disease to Former Appliance Installer 3 - Social Security Judge Awards Benefits to Engineer Who Has Cognitive and Physical Issues After Suffering From Seizures Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it. Listen to Our Sister Podcast: We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com Resources Mentioned In This Episode: LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/ Need Help Today?: Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast. Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve. Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

    30 min
  6. Social Security Judges and Their Impact on Disability Claims, Part One

    JUN 25

    Social Security Judges and Their Impact on Disability Claims, Part One

    Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode. Welcome to Season 1, Episode 23 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Social Security Judges and Their Impact on Disability Claims, Part One." If you’ve ever stared at a denial letter and thought, Did the judge even read my file? - or walked out of a Social Security hearing feeling like the deck was stacked against you - this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy is for you. Host Nancy L. Cavey takes a closer look at the role of Social Security Administrative Law Judges and the enormous influence they have over the outcome of your disability claim. If you’ve worked hard, paid into the system, and now find yourself fighting for benefits, you deserve more than generic rejections. You deserve to be seen, heard, and judged fairly. In this episode, Nancy highlights what happens when judges rise to the occasion. She explores how judges can weigh medical opinions, push past flawed assumptions, and make rulings that truly reflect the evidence. Whether you're gearing up for your first hearing, deep into the appeals process, or simply trying to understand how decisions get made, this episode brings clarity, strategy, and hope. Let’s get into it. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics: 1 -  Social Security Judge Rejects Opinions of Two State Agency Physicians in Awarding Social Security Disability Benefits to Veteran 2 - Social Security Judges Reject Allegations That Social Security Disability Applicant Is Disabled Because of Substance Abuse and Award Benefits 3 - Second Time Around, the Social Security Judge Finally Awards Benefits to State Farm Insurance Agency Owner Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it. Listen to Our Sister Podcast: We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com Resources Mentioned In This Episode: LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/ Need Help Today?: Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast. Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve. Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

    28 min
  7. Questions About Social Security Judges

    JUN 18

    Questions About Social Security Judges

    Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode. Welcome to Season 1, Episode 22 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Questions About Social Security Judges." If you’ve ever waited months - or even years - for a Social Security Disability decision and wondered, "Who are these judges deciding my future?" - this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy is for you. Join host Nancy L. Cavey as she pulls back the curtain on the Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) who decide Social Security claims. From how they’re trained to what happens when things go wrong, Nancy tackles the questions claimants ask most. She shares the four key issues she wishes judges would address - straight from what she would’ve told them at their recent conference in Atlanta. She also explains what to do if you feel you were treated unfairly in your hearing, and breaks down your options if you believe the judge simply got it wrong. Whether you're preparing for a hearing, waiting on a decision, or navigating an appeal, understanding the role of the judge - and how to challenge mistakes - can make all the difference. Let’s get into it. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics: 1 -  The Four Things That Nancy Cavey Would Have Asked Social Security Judges to Address and Improve When the Social Security Judges Met in Atlanta 2 - Can I File an Unfair Treatment Complaint Against the Social Security Judge Who Heard My Case and Ruled Against Me? 3 - What Can I Do if I Believe the Judge’s Ruling Was Wrong? Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it. Listen to Our Sister Podcast: We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com Resources Mentioned In This Episode: LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/ Need Help Today?: Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast. Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve. Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

    29 min
  8. Social Security Misbeliefs and Myths

    JUN 11

    Social Security Misbeliefs and Myths

    Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode. Welcome to Season 1, Episode 21 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Social Security Misbeliefs and Myths." Join host Nancy L. Cavey, expert Social Security Disability attorney, as she takes on one of the most damaging obstacles claimants face - not paperwork, not deadlines, but misinformation. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, Nancy tackles the myths and misbeliefs that too often keep people from getting the Social Security Disability benefits they’ve earned. Whether it’s the false idea that SSDI is “just welfare,” or the fear that trying to work again means you’ll lose everything, these misconceptions can cause shame, confusion, and costly mistakes. Nancy breaks down where these myths come from, why they persist, and - most importantly - what the truth actually is. She explains the real connection between your work history and your eligibility, clears up the confusion about trial work periods, and sets the record straight on what SSDI really is: an insurance program you paid into through your own hard work. If you’re applying, already receiving benefits, or supporting someone who is, this episode will arm you with facts, confidence, and clarity. Don’t let bad information stand between you and the benefits you deserve. Tune in and learn how to cut through the noise, bust the myths, and protect your future. Let’s get into it. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics: 1 -  Social Security Disability Benefits Are Just Welfare, and I Am Not a Welfare King or Queen 2 - Aren’t Social Security Disability Benefits Just Welfare? 3 - You Can’t Work at All if You’re Receiving Disability Benefits Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it. Listen to Our Sister Podcast: We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com Resources Mentioned In This Episode: LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/ Need Help Today?: Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast. Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve. Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

    23 min
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About

Nancy L. Cavey, a seasoned attorney with over thirty-nine years of experience, explains the complex world of filing for Social Security Disability benefits. Filing for disability can be a confusing, life changing event, so with her deft expertise, Nancy will guide you through:- The ins-and-outs of qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits (such as age and insurance requirements).- Information regarding the process and lifespan of a claim, from the initial application to the request for hearing stages.- Traps one can fall into while navigating the Social Security Administration's step-by-step Sequential Evaluation.- Insights, overviews, and claimant stories regarding disease-specific content (ranging from commonplace ailments such as workplace injuries or accidents, to difficult to diagnose illnesses such as Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, and POTS).- Pertinent news happening in the disability world, and- Much, much more.Each episode of our podcast Winning Isn't Easy will expose you to invaluable tips and tricks for surviving the disability claims process (a system that is often wrought with pressures and pitfalls designed to encourage you to give up the benefits you rightfully deserve). As host, Nancy will often be joined by guest speakers who themselves are industry experts, ranging from lawyers specializing in related fields and doctors focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases, to our associate attorney Krysti Monaco.In her late teens, Nancy's father was diagnosed with leukemia. As someone who witnessed firsthand the devastating emotional and financial impact on both individual and family that being disabled and filing for benefits can have, Nancy is not just an attorney, but an empathetic presence who understands what you are going through.Do not let disability insurance carriers rob you of your peace of mind. As a nationwide practice, The Law Office of Nancy L. Cavey may be able to help you get the disability benefits you deserve, regardless of where in the United States you reside. Remember - let Cavey Law be the bridge to your benefits.Check out the links below to engage with us elsewhere:Website - https://caveylaw.com/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/CaveyLaw

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