For most of his adult life, Mr. Roberts lived with both mental and visual impairments. His challenges grew even more severe after he survived a violent crime in which he was shot in the head, face, and arm. The bullets fragmented so extensively that pieces still remain lodged in his head and face.
These injuries, combined with his existing impairments, qualified him for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). But without insurance, Mr. Roberts went years without seeing doctors regularly or being able to afford his prescribed medications.
Then, the Social Security Administration (SSA) unexpectedly cut off his disability benefits, requiring him to submit new information. Although Mr. Roberts appealed and initially won, the SSA still withheld his payments. By this point, he had only 15% vision in his left eye, 75% vision in his right, and was living with post-traumatic stress disorder and constant headaches. His condition had not improved—in fact, the pain persisted daily.
When Mr. Roberts turned to Lone Star Legal Aid for help, Managing Attorney LaRonda Pondexter explained that SSDI eligibility is based on work history, earnings, and a medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death. She worked with him to prepare detailed medical evidence for the SSA, including records from his doctors.
Pondexter also secured an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, giving Mr. Smith’s physicians the opportunity to explain why he could not perform substantial work and why SSDI benefits were essential for his survival. When the ALJ realized certain medical records were missing, the case was continued for two months to gather the necessary documentation.
Once the judge reviewed the complete file, Mr. Roberts’ benefits were fully restored. He received a lump-sum payment for the previous year and will continue receiving SSDI each month—ensuring he can cover his basic needs and access the medical care he requires.
Names have been changed to protect the identity of the client(s).
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy for low-income populations by providing free legal education, advice, and representation. LSLA serves millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines, who live in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties in Southwest Arkansas. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at www.LoneStarLegal.org.
Media contact: media@lonestarlegal.org