• Fighting for Disability Rights: Cancer, Compassionate Allowance & Christine Burnside's Legal Journey
    Jul 4 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this powerful episode, Christine Burnside, managing social security disability attorney at Deuterman Law Group, shares her journey into disability law and discusses the critical intersection of cancer diagnosis and disability benefits. Christine opens up about her personal experience losing her best friend to cancer at age 26, which shaped her empathetic approach to disability law. The episode provides valuable insights into how disability cases involving cancer are developed, including compassionate allowance listings, closed period claims, and the challenges of the Medicare waiting period.

    Timestamps:

    00:01 - Introduction to Disability Expert Podcast

    00:24 - Introduction of Christine Burnside

    01:33 - Christine's journey into disability law

    03:00 - The rewarding aspects of disability law practice

    05:30 - Personal story about cancer impact

    09:45 - Paint It Pink fundraising initiative

    12:10 - Handling disability cases involving cancer

    16:25 - Understanding limitations and doctor documentation

    18:38 - Explanation of closed period claims

    20:34 - Third-party assistance in disability cases

    21:40 - Discussion about Medicare waiting period

    24:00 - Contact information for Deuterman Law

    About The Show:

    “The Disability Expert Podcast” tackles complex issues in disability benefits and features interviews with the country's top experts to help listeners better navigate the disability process. Each episode provides practical insights and expert guidance for those applying for or helping others with disability benefits. To connect with Chad, visit https://chadbrownlaw.com/ or call (336) 546-5066.

    Connect with Christine M. Burnside:

    To connect with Christine, visit https://deutermanlaw.com/ or call 866-768-3104 at any time. She can also be found on social media with the handle @deutermanlaw. Her firm, Deuterman Law, conveniently has North Carolina offices in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Durham, Wilmington, and Greenville.

    Show more Show less
    25 mins
  • Social Security and Long-Term Disability Explained
    Jun 10 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode of the Disability Expert Podcast, host Chad Brown interviews Mark Whitehead, a prominent disability attorney. They discuss the various aspects of disability law, including Social Security Disability, VA disability, and long-term disability claims. Mark shares his journey from personal injury law to disability law and explains how his firm has grown to become one of the largest national disability firms. The conversation covers important topics like the interaction between different disability systems, mass torts in disability cases, and elder care planning.

    Timestamps:

    00:01 - Show Introduction

    00:24 - Introduction of guest Mark Whitehead

    01:45 - Mark's journey into disability law

    04:10 - Discussion on the rewarding aspects of disability law

    04:56 - Growth of Mark Whitehead & Associates

    07:43 - Explanation of LTD and Social Security Disability interaction

    15:44 - Discussion on Mass Torts vs Class Actions

    21:48 - Elder Care and Medicaid/Medicare differences

    About The Show:

    The Disability Expert Podcast tackles difficult issues and interviews the country's top experts to help listeners better navigate the disability process. Hosted by Chad Brown, the show provides valuable insights and information for those applying for disability benefits or helping others with their disability claims.

    Mark Whitehead, who is:

    • One of the top disability expert lawyers in the country
    • Founder of a national disability benefits firm in Texas
    • Has over 30 years experience in disability law
    • National board trial advocacy expert in disability law and trial law
    • His firm handles:
      • Social Security disability
      • VA disability
      • Long-term disability
      • Mass tort cases
      • Elder care
      • Life insurance denials

    The firm has grown to include 6 other lawyers plus support staff, and they operate under the name Mark Whitehead & Associates. Their website is disabilitydenials.com and Mark can be reached at mark@markwhitehead.com.

    Show more Show less
    28 mins
  • The Truth About Disability Claims: What You Need to Know
    May 30 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode of the Disability Expert Podcast, host Chad Brown interviews Maria Vargas, a seasoned vocational expert with over 30 years of experience. They discuss the crucial role of vocational experts in Social Security Disability hearings, proper hearing preparation, and insights into the disability determination process.

    Key Timestamps:

    00:01 - Introduction to the Disability Expert Podcast

    00:24 - Introduction of guest Maria Vargas and her background

    02:24 - Explanation of what a vocational expert does in disability hearings

    04:20 - Discussion of how judges use hypothetical questions in hearings

    08:03 - Tips for claimants attending disability hearings

    11:49 - Importance of properly completing work history forms

    16:05 - Sponsor break (CBIG Medicare services)

    18:02 - Discussion about attorney preparation and effectiveness

    21:13 - Overview of Long-term Disability (LTD) claims and their interaction with Social Security

    About The Show:

    The Disability Expert Podcast tackles difficult issues in the disability benefits process by interviewing the country's top experts. The show aims to help listeners better navigate the increasingly complex disability process through expert insights and practical advice.

    Guest Expert:

    Maria Vargas - Vocational Expert

    - Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from UNC Chapel Hill

    - 30+ years of experience in vocational rehabilitation consulting

    - Testified in thousands of Social Security Disability Hearings

    - Website: vargasvocationalconsulting.com

    - Email: Maria@VargasVoc.com

    Connect with Maria:

    Website: www.vargasvocationalconsulting.com

    Email: Maria@VargasVoc.com

    Show more Show less
    24 mins
  • Disability Law Myths Busted With Attorney David Lund
    May 16 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode of the Disability Expert Podcast, host Chad Brown interviews David Lund, a North Carolina board-certified Social Security disability law specialist with over 20 years of experience. They discuss common myths and misconceptions about Social Security disability benefits, addressing important topics like what qualifies as disability, working while receiving benefits, and the role of medical evidence in disability claims.

    Timestamps:

    00:01 - Show Introduction

    00:24 - Introduction of guest David Lund

    01:55 - David's journey into disability law

    04:11 - Defining disability in the Social Security context

    07:32 - Addressing myths about disability approval timelines

    09:06 - Discussion about substance abuse and disability claims

    14:35 - Clarification about immigrants and disability benefits

    18:17 - The role of medical evidence and doctor opinions

    22:08 - Addressing concerns about case delays

    About The Show:

    The Disability Expert Podcast tackles difficult issues and interviews the country's top experts to help listeners better navigate the disability process. Each week, host Chad Brown brings valuable insights from disability experts to help understand the complexities of disability benefits and increase chances of success.

    Show more Show less
    24 mins
  • Medicare Basics for Disability Recipients
    May 9 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode of the Disability Expert Podcast, host Chad Brown continues his conversation with Medicare specialist Melissa Fowler about Medicare options for disability recipients. They dive deep into Medicare supplements (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans, discussing the differences, costs, and benefits of each option. The episode provides valuable insights into how disability recipients can maximize their Medicare benefits while managing costs.

    Key Timestamps:

    00:01 - Introduction to the Disability Expert Podcast

    01:05 - Welcoming back Medicare specialist Melissa Fowler

    02:12 - Discussion of Medicare supplements vs. Medicare Advantage plans

    03:14 - Explanation of Medicare supplements (Medigap plans)

    08:19 - Overview of Medicare Advantage plans

    15:34 - Sponsor break: CBIG Medicare services

    16:48 - CBIG's four-part matrix for helping clients

    21:20 - Discussion about TV marketing of Medicare benefits

    23:00 - Medicare penalties and consequences

    24:18 - VA benefits and Medicare interaction

    25:37 - ACA insurance and Medicare considerations

    About the Show:

    The Disability Expert Podcast tackles complex issues in the disability benefits process by interviewing top experts in the field. The show aims to help listeners better navigate the disability process and understand their benefits options.

    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • The Disability Expert Podcast - Understanding Medicare for the Disabled
    May 2 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this first part of a two-part series, host Chad Brown interviews Medicare expert Melissa Fowler about the fundamentals of Medicare for disabled individuals. The episode covers the basics of Medicare eligibility, waiting periods, and the different parts of Medicare (A, B, and D), providing essential information for those navigating disability benefits.

    Key Timestamps:

    00:01 - Introduction to the Disability Expert Podcast

    00:24 - Introduction of guest Melissa Fowler

    02:18 - Melissa's background and transition to Medicare expertise

    03:48 - Definition of Medicare and eligibility requirements

    04:50 - Medicare eligibility timing for different categories

    05:40 - 29-month waiting period explanation for disability recipients

    08:08 - Breakdown of Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

    09:46 - Medicare Part D explanation (prescription drug coverage)

    13:18 - Medicare Part A costs and deductibles

    15:26 - Medicare Part B premiums and coverage

    18:41 - Part D costs and prescription drug coverage details

    About The Show:

    The Disability Expert Podcast tackles complex issues in the disability benefits process by interviewing top experts in the field. The show aims to help listeners better navigate the disability process and understand related benefits like Medicare.

    Show more Show less
    22 mins
  • Breaking Down Private Long Term Disability: What You Need to Know
    Apr 11 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode, Chad Brown discusses private long-term disability (LTD) benefits, explaining what they are, who qualifies, and how they differ from Social Security disability benefits. He also shares insights about his firm's approach to helping clients obtain and maintain their LTD benefits.

    Timestamps:

    00:01 - Show Introduction

    00:54 - Discussion about Chad's podcasting experience

    02:46 - Definition of private long-term disability benefits

    04:00 - Who qualifies for LTD benefits

    07:28 - Similarities and differences between LTD and Social Security disability

    14:32 - How Chad Brown Law helps LTD beneficiaries

    20:43 - How to contact Chad Brown Law for assistance

    About the Show:

    The Disability Expert Podcast features discussions with industry experts about navigating the disability benefits process. Hosted by Chad Brown, owner of Chad Brown Law, the show provides valuable insights for those applying for or managing disability benefits.

    Show more Show less
    23 mins
  • The Hearing Experience: What to expect and how to prepare for disability hearings
    Apr 6 2025

    About the Show:

    The Disability Expert Podcast tackles complex issues in disability benefits applications by featuring interviews with leading experts in the field. The show aims to help listeners better navigate the disability process.

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode, host Chad Brown interviews Heather Liles, who shares valuable insights about preparing clients for disability hearings. They discuss the importance of proper hearing preparation, handling evidence, and working with an experienced disability attorney.

    Key Timestamps:

    00:00 - Show introduction

    00:23 - Introduction of guest Heather Liles

    01:35 - Heather's background and journey into disability law

    04:13 - Why disability hearings are necessary

    05:49 - Importance of demonstrating limitations beyond diagnosis

    09:07 - Discussion on third-party witnesses at hearings

    14:18 - Benefits of working with local attorneys who know ALJs

    16:52 - Handling negative evidence in disability cases

    19:14 - Benefits of having attorney representation

    Show more Show less
    21 mins