Cleary Gottlieb won a disability claim appeal for pro bono client Mr. S., obtaining Social Security disability benefits after the Social Security Administration denied his initial benefits application. The Social Security Administration ruled in Mr. S.’s favor without a hearing on the basis of Cleary’s written argument alone.
According to his claim, Mr. S. suffers from bipolar syndrome, anxiety disorders and intermittent explosive disorder, which make it very difficult for him engage with or relate to other people. Due to this disability, Mr. S. claims he has been unable to work.
In preparing Mr. S.’s appeal, the Cleary team researched Mr. S.’s medical condition and the applicable Social Security regulations. One team member also participated in a disability-training CLE provided at the firm by Brooklyn Legal Services, and the team worked closely with the agency in preparing the appeal.