Chicago Disability Benefits Lawyers
If you are dealing with a denied disability claim or applying for disability benefits in Chicago or throughout Illinois, Osterhout Berger Daley (OBD) represents individuals in matters involving Social Security Disability, Long Term disability insurance, Veteran Affairs disability benefits, and disability benefits appeals. These claims often depend on how medical evidence is evaluated under legal, regulatory, and policy-based standards that may differ from clinical documentation alone.
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Chicago Disability Expertise
From its Chicago office, OBD represents clients throughout Illinois and handles disability benefits appeals nationwide, helping individuals navigate every stage of the administrative and appellate process.
While rooted in Chicago, OBD’s disability benefits practice also serves clients nationwide. Through its experienced team, the firm represents individuals at every stage of the disability benefits process, including initial applications, reconsideration, hearings before Administrative Law Judges, and federal court appeals.
The attorneys at OBD bring more than 200 years of combined experience representing clients throughout the disability benefits process, from initial applications through appellate review. The firm assists individuals whose Social Security Disability and Long Term disability claims have been denied by analyzing administrative decisions, addressing evidentiary issues, and developing records that support the standards used to evaluate benefit eligibility.
Our Services
OBD focuses exclusively on disability benefits law, in practice areas including Social Security Disability, Long Term disability, and disability appeals. Every claim is evaluated under administrative or policy-defined standards that rely on medical evidence, work history, and documented functional limitations.
Disability Benefits Law Services
Qualifying for disability benefits involves more than receiving a medical diagnosis. Claims are evaluated under Social Security, federal, or private insurance standards that examine functional capacity, supporting medical evidence, work history, and other eligibility requirements.
OBD represents clients in:
- Social Security Disability (SSDI and SSI) claims
- Long Term disability (LTD) insurance claims
- Short Term disability (STD) insurance claims
- Professional / Individual Disability Insurance (IDI) claims
- Veteran Affairs (VA) claims
- Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) claims
Depending on our clients’ needs, OBD assists with:
- Disability benefits claims denied at the initial or reconsideration level
- Appeals and administrative hearings
- Cases involving functional capacity evaluations and evidentiary disputes
These cases often turn on how medical documentation is interpreted within policy or regulatory criteria, and whether the record supports the functional limitations required for approval.
Osterhout Berger Daley Attorneys
Why Choose OBD?
Many disability benefits claims require navigating systems that evaluate medical documentation through structured legal, administrative, and insurance criteria. These standards do not always align with how conditions are documented in clinical treatment records.
The attorneys at OBD bring more than 200 years of combined experience representing clients throughout the disability benefits process, from initial applications through appellate review. The firm assists individuals whose Social Security Disability and Long Term disability claims have been denied by analyzing administrative decisions, addressing evidentiary issues, and developing records that support the standards used to evaluate benefit eligibility.
From its Chicago office, OBD represents clients throughout Illinois and handles disability benefits appeals nationwide, helping individuals navigate every stage of the administrative and appellate process.
How We Help Secure Your Disability Benefits
Reviewing and developing the evidentiary record is central to OBD’s approach to disability benefits matters. Every case is unique and the attorneys at OBD evaluate every disability benefits case for the best strategy.
Depending on the nature and stage of your case, OBD may assist with:
- Initial consultation and case intake
- Review of medical records and claim history
- Identification of evidentiary gaps or inconsistencies
- Filing of claim or appeal submission
- Preparation for administrative hearing or negotiation
- Representation through resolution and follow-up guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have a Case for Disability Benefits?
Eligibility depends on evaluating your medical condition, work history, service history, or the circumstances of your injury, depending on your claim type. If you have a qualifying disability, medical condition, or injury that prevents you from working or living as you did before, you may have a valid case. OBD offers a free case evaluation where our experienced attorneys review your situation, help gather necessary evidence, and advise you on your eligibility and next steps.
What Is My Case Worth?
The value of your claim depends on the type of case and your specific circumstances. For example, a Social Security disability (SSD) case may result in the payment of back benefits and ongoing monthly benefits, which are based on your earnings history and can range from several hundred to over $3,000 monthly. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims can also result in the payment of back benefits, but the monthly payment amount is set by law (for example, $994 for an eligible individual in 2026). Other claim types, such as Long Term disability, Veteran disability, or Railroad Retirement Board cases, are evaluated based on different factors specific to that claim. The attorneys at OBD work with our clients to provide personalized estimates based on their specific circumstances.
Do I Need an Attorney to File My Claim?
You are not required to hire an attorney to file for disability or injury benefits. However, hiring an experienced attorney may improve your odds of success, especially if you receive a denial and are facing an appeal. Claims filed without attorneys often face higher denial rates due to paperwork errors or insufficient evidence. At OBD, our attorneys specialize in disability law and have represented over 40,000 clients seeking benefits.
What We Do To Win Your Case?
At Osterhout Berger Daley, our commitment to winning your case starts the moment you reach out. We thoroughly analyze your case to give you the best chance of success, including collaborating with medical experts to ensure your documentation meets the criteria required for your claim. We provide strategic legal representation through all filings and hearings. Our attorneys are dedicated to persistent advocacy and continuous communication, ensuring that no detail is overlooked and that you are well-prepared for your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire OBD?
Initial consultations at OBD are free. For most disability cases we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees. Some fee amounts are also set by law; for example, Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims are capped at 25% of past-due benefits, sometimes with other limitations depending on the circumstances. Fee structures for other claim types, such as Long Term disability, Veteran disability, or Railroad disability, may differ by claim type and the circumstances of your case. We provide all potential clients with a fee agreement that sets out the terms of our representation before we take their case.
What if My Claim Has Already Been Denied?
If your claim has been denied, don’t give up — Osterhout Berger Daley specializes in overturning denied decisions. Our approach includes a comprehensive review of the decision to pinpoint errors and provide meticulous guidance through the appeals process. We can appeal your case no matter where you are located. Trust our experienced team to strengthen your case and provide strategic legal representation.
Contact us now for a free consultation!
If you have questions about a disability benefits claim, contact OBD to schedule a consultation and learn how your claim will be evaluated under applicable legal and administrative standards.
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