Hankey Marks & Crider Obtains Disability Benefits for Client with Heart Condition After Appeal
Indianapolis, United States – February 26, 2026 / Hankey Marks & Crider /
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Attorneys at Hankey Marks & Crider recently obtained a fully favorable decision for a Social Security Disability (SSD) claimant, resulting in an award of approximately $50,000 in retroactive benefits and continuing monthly payments. The victory follows a four-year legal process involving multiple appeals and hearings on behalf of an individual born with serious congenital heart conditions.
The client sought legal representation after struggling to obtain benefits for a condition involving a ventricular septal defect and pulmonary atresia. Despite the medical documentation regarding the condition, the Social Security Administration denied the initial application. The legal team at Hankey Marks & Crider handled the subsequent steps, representing the claimant at an initial administrative hearing. However, the claim faced a second denial at this stage.
Rather than accepting the unfavorable outcome, the firm filed an appeal to challenge the decision. This action extended the case timeline to nearly four years. During the subsequent administrative hearing, the attorneys presented arguments and evidence regarding the claimant’s inability to maintain substantial gainful activity due to their congenital condition. The persistence of the legal team resulted in a reversal of the previous denials.
The administrative law judge ultimately ruled in the client’s favor. The decision grants the client nearly $50,000 in back pay to cover the waiting period and secures ongoing monthly disability benefits of almost $1,500. This financial support addresses the economic impact created by the client’s long-term medical condition.
The Social Security Administration denies a significant portion of initial applications and first-level appeals. Claimants frequently face a multi-step administrative review process that includes reconsideration, hearings before an Administrative Law Judge, and reviews by the Appeals Council. For this specific case, the timeline required sustained attention to the client’s medical history and procedural deadlines over a four-year period. Hankey Marks & Crider continues to advise and represent individuals in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana who face similar challenges with disability claims.
To learn more about the firm’s work in disability law, visit the website.
About Hankey Marks & Crider
Hankey Marks & Crider is Indiana’s powerhouse for personal injury and disability law, fiercely protecting the rights of injured individuals and those denied the benefits they deserve. From Social Security, long-term disability, and VA disability claims, to catastrophic injury claims, their attorneys bring over 75 years of combined experience and a record of winning that speaks for itself. This trial-tested team is recognized among The National Trial Lawyers Top 40, the Million & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums, and holds top ratings from AVVO and Martindale-Hubbell, credentials that speak to their skill, integrity, and results. Offering free consultations and working entirely on a contingency basis, Hankey Marks & Crider pairs relentless courtroom advocacy with the compassion and accessibility that make clients feel supported every step of the way.
Contact Information:
Hankey Marks & Crider
429 E Vermont St, #200
Indianapolis, IN 46202
United States
Stacy J. Crider
(317) 463-4262
https://hankeylawoffice.com
