Episode Summary:

In this empowering episode, Deborah Spector tackles “invisible” conditions like chronic pain, headaches, and mental health disorders. The discussion covers medically determinable impairments, consistency rules, journaling strategies, and building credibility through candid, corroborated evidence.

Key Timestamps:

00:01 - Show Introduction

00:30 - Guest Introduction

00:50 - Defining Invisible Disabilities

02:00 - Medically Determinable Impairment Rule

04:00 - Pain Evaluation Process

05:30 - Mental Health Documentation

07:00 - Journals & Third-Party Letters

09:00 - Consistency = Credibility

11:00 - Good-Day/Bad-Day Reporting

13:00 - Special Rules (Fibromyalgia/CRPS)

15:00 - Don’t Give Up—Keep Appealing

17:00 - Closing Remarks

About the Show:

"Social Security and Disability: The Approval Path with Deborah Spector" is a podcast dedicated to navigating SSDI/SSI claims. Deborah Spector shares 40+ years of insights to help claimants secure approvals from application through federal appeals.

Episode Summary:

In this practical episode, Deborah Spector demystifies Social Security's consultative exams (CEs)—why they're ordered, how to prepare, and post-exam steps. The discussion covers candor, documentation, report review, and leveraging CE findings alongside treating physician records.

Key Timestamps:

00:01 - Show Introduction

00:30 - Guest Introduction

00:50 - CE Definition & Purpose

02:30 - Scheduling Triggers

04:00 - Preparation Essentials

05:30 - Exam Content by Type

07:30 - Covering Multiple Issues

09:00 - Common Mistakes

10:30 - Report Usage & Weight

13:00 - CE vs. Treating Records

15:00 - Anxiety Management

16:30 - Closing Remarks

About the Show:

"Social Security and Disability: The Approval Path with Deborah Spector" is a podcast dedicated to navigating SSDI/SSI claims. Deborah Spector shares 40+ years of insights to help claimants secure approvals from application through federal appeals.

In this episode, Deborah Spector, lead attorney at Spector & Lenz, breaks down how Social Security Disability (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), long-term disability, and workers’ compensation benefits are taxed. She explains the key income thresholds, what makes SSDI taxable, and why SSI usually isn’t. Deborah also shares what to know about double taxation, back pay taxes, and how to plan ahead with proper withholding or help from an accountant to avoid unexpected tax bills.

00:00 – Do you owe taxes on your disability benefits?

The Disability Approval Path helps individuals understand and navigate the Social Security Disability process with clarity and confidence. Each episode offers straightforward legal insights and practical steps to help claimants protect their rights and make informed financial decisions.

Episode Summary:

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

Key Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and overview of benefits

Social Security & Disability: The Approval Path helps individuals and families understand the often-confusing rules of Social Security. Hosted by attorney Deborah Spector, each episode breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable guidance so listeners can maximize their benefits and protect their financial security.

Episode Summary:

00:01 – Show introduction

Social Security & Disability: The Approval Path helps individuals and families understand the often-confusing rules of Social Security. Hosted by attorney Deborah Spector, each episode breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable guidance so listeners can maximize their benefits and protect their financial security.

Episode Summary:

00:01 – Show introduction

Social Security & Disability: The Approval Path helps individuals navigate the complex rules of Social Security and maximize their benefits. Hosted by attorney Deborah Spector, the podcast provides practical strategies, legal insights, and real-world examples to help listeners protect their rights and plan with confidence.

In this episode, experienced Social Security Disability attorney Deborah Susan Spector walks listeners through what really happens during a disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Deborah explains how judges evaluate medical evidence, weigh credibility, and consider vocational expert testimony when deciding cases. She breaks down common questions applicants can expect, how attorneys prepare clients for testimony, and why honesty and consistency are critical. Deborah also shares insights on how judges handle conflicting medical opinions, what factors can strengthen a case, and why representation significantly improves the chances of approval.

00:01 – Show introduction

“Social Security Disability: The Approval Path” is hosted by attorney Deborah Susan Spector, who has spent decades representing disability claimants through every stage of the SSDI and SSI process. Each episode provides practical advice, answers common questions, and helps listeners understand the complex world of Social Security Disability law.

In this episode, veteran Social Security Disability attorney Deborah Susan Spector talks about one of the most pivotal moments in the disability process—the administrative law judge hearing. Deborah explains what happens during the hearing, the role of the judge and vocational expert, and how medical records, testimony, and work history are evaluated. She also shares practical advice on how claimants can prepare, what questions to expect, and why legal representation is critical for improving the chances of approval.

00:01 – Show introduction

“Social Security Disability: The Approval Path” is hosted by Deborah Susan Spector, a seasoned disability attorney with decades of experience representing claimants through every stage of the SSDI and SSI process. The show offers practical guidance, answers common questions, and provides clarity for individuals navigating the complexities of Social Security Disability law.

In this educational episode, attorney Deborah Susan Spector of Spector & Lenz breaks down the eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Deborah outlines the five-step evaluation used by the government, clarifies misconceptions about age, work history, and mental health conditions, and explains the appeals process in detail. This episode is essential listening for anyone unsure whether they or a loved one qualify for disability benefits.

00:01 – Show introduction

“Social Security Disability: The Approval Path” features veteran attorney Deborah Spector guiding listeners through the legal process of qualifying for disability benefits. With decades of experience, Deborah and her team at Spector & Lenz help individuals navigate a complex system with clarity, compassion, and strategic legal insight. Each episode demystifies Social Security law and empowers those who need it most.

In the debut episode of Social Security & Disability: The Approval Path, with attorney Deborah Spector, managing partner of Spector & Lens, to break down the complex world of disability benefits. With over 40 years of legal experience, Deborah explains the difference between SSI, SSDI, DAC, Medicare, and Medicaid, cutting through government jargon with clarity. From defining eligibility to understanding the Social Security process, this episode is essential for families, individuals with disabilities, and caseworkers who want to understand their rights.

00:01 – Introduction to Deborah Spector and the show’s mission

Social Security & Disability: The Approval Path offers expert guidance for navigating disability benefits. Hosted by attorney Deborah Spector of Spector & Lens, the podcast tackles SSDI, SSI, DAC, appeals, and more, helping individuals and families understand how to apply, qualify, and advocate for their rights in a complex system.