Blythe Glemming represented a 27 year old Iraqi war veteran in his claim for disability benefits before the Social Security Administration (SSA). Our client suffered injuries to both of his knees during his military service overseas when the Hummer he was traveling in flipped over. He was discharged with 10% disability from the VA, roughly $100 per month, and supported himself with nominal funds from his GI bill. After having surgery on one knee, and waiting for surgery on the other, it was discovered that he had a kidney condition called polycystic kidney disease. Because this condition is hereditary, he could not receive any additional VA benefits for treatment. Not only does this disease ultimately require regular dialysis, the only known “cure” is a kidney transplant.
Unfortunately, our client did not have any health insurance because he was not able to work. His constant need for healthcare, inability to stand or lift due to his knees, and his constant pain prevented him from maintaining employment. He filed his initial claim with Social Security in mid 2008. It was denied a few months later. Ms. Glemming filed an appeal on our client’s behalf, which was again denied within 2 months. Ms. Glemming appealed for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and a hearing was held in March 2009. Despite his young age, Ms. Glemming was able to effectively argue that our client’s conditions met SSA’s criterion for disability thus making him entitled to disability benefits. The ALJ agreed and awarded him benefits from the date that he was last able to work. This young veteran now receives the health care and financial benefits he deserves.
