About Hallman Woods
Social Security Lawyer
I provide representation to Social Security applicants throughout Louisiana. I am committed to providing the best possible representation to people who can no longer work because of injury or illness. Getting approved for Social Security or SSI benefits can be difficult and confusing.
Who I Am
I am an old-school attorney and proud of it. I graduated from Tulane Law School in 1965. I have continuously practiced law since passing the bar exam in the same year. In the beginning,my practice was primarily devoted to personal injury. About 30 years ago, I began to represent Social Security claimants. For a long time,I have limited my practice to helping injured or ill people through the arduous task of getting approved for the Social Security benefits they deserve. I am always excited when I can secure a person’s financial future.
The Rest of the Team
Virginia Woods
MS, LPC Non-Attorney Social Security Disability Representative
A graduate of Loyola University, Ms. Woods is a Licensed Professional Counselor. In New Orleans and Dallas mental health facilities, she provided counseling for 10 years. She also worked for four years at Ursuline Academy in New Orleans as a school counselor. She then worked four years as a school counselor at Spain Park High School in Birmingham, Alabama.
She worked as a counselor at Lafayette High School Lafayette Louisiana for two years. She is also a trained mediator in family and child mediation. Her desire to help others directs her to help disabled Social Security and SSI claimants. She brings great empathy to her work with disabled claimants. She is particularly skillful in mental impairment cases as well as children with impairments. She states, “I help give guidance and insight into the claimant’s situation. Including, helping when necessary to find needed resources.”
Ms. Woods is a Non-Attorney representative who fully represents claimants at all levels. She has been certified by the Social Security Administration to represent claimants and works closely with Hallman Woods.
Julie Boudreaux Tauzin
Social Security Disability Claim Facilitator
Ms. Tauzin has Social Security in her blood. Her father, E.C. Boudreaux gave 40 years of service to the Social Security Administration. He was the Manager of the District Social Security Office in New Iberia Louisiana. Julie has a great rapport with claimants. She guides them from their initial phone call to the conclusion of the claim. She has a vast knowledge of Social Security procedures, and if she does not know the answer she has the resources to find it. She has been helping Social Security claimants with Hallman Woods for 25 years.
What We Do
We spend all our energies helping our clients. This can often be an arduous task. There are many rules and regulations which the Social Security Administration uses in the operation of itsprograms. Some of these do not seem to be productive. And they certainly present obstacles to applicants. Fortunately,with my years of experience,I can usuallynavigate through this tangle of red tape. It takes dedication and perseverance to provide the best possible representation to succeed.Because I specialize in Social Security law,I focus on assisting clients with their disability claims and appeals.
Initial Consultation
It all begins with an initial consultation. This is free and without any obligation. First impressions are important. This is where I like to start an ongoing relationship. By asking pertinent questions, I can come to some general conclusions. For example, is the claim for Social Security disability and or for SSI?Does the claimant currently have a pending claim? If so, what is its status?What is the claimant’s past work history?
Most importantly, upon what medical conditions does the claimant base their disability, and what’s the level of severity?There are always other issues, such as Worker’s Compensation, current employment status, and insured status.Personal information such as age, education, and marital status is obtained.You can be assured that all the information and conversations with my office are confidential. After the consultation,I will give you my assessment. It’s essential to begin on a solid foundation.
Assistance With Filing the Claim
While we do not ordinarily assist with the actual initial filing because this is a nuts and bolts routine, we advise you on the methods available:an online application, a District Office visit, or a phone interview application. You should have your personal information readily at hand. This includes correct name, address, Social Security number, birthday, and marital status. Have an up-to-date list of your medical problems and the physicians’ and facilities’ proper names and addresses.
Help With Appeals
Fully two out of three initial applications are denied. I help you with your appeal. Do not give up. I believe we do our best work when we help you win your appeal. We will file all the necessary paperwork to submit your appeal. This may consist of a Request for Reconsideration, an application for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, or possibly an application for review by the Appeals Council. I am very knowledgeable about what is necessary to win an appeal. First, ensuring your medical records are fully up-to-date and timely filed is important. Secondly,I fully prepare you for your testimony at a hearing. Third, I will prepare and submit a memorandum explaining why you should be approved. I am fully dedicated to fighting for your approval of benefits.
Case Management
Every case I work on is the most important case in the office.This is because it is your case. I maintain contact with everyone we represent. All claimants are routinely contacted to see how they are doing and report the status of their claim. I can often give instructions, suggestions, or just information about medical care.We return phone calls. I invite clients to call with problems or questions as often as necessary.
Medical Evidence Gathering
Most claims are denied because the Social Security Administration determines that the injured or ill person is not medically prevented from performing any work.Helping the claimant get to the correct medical sources is imperative. I often tell claimants that they cannot win a Social Security case when their claim is based upon their testimony alone. Many medical facilities now store medical records electronically. Often a third party record management company provides the records. The Social Security regulations require all medical reports to be submitted at least five working days before the hearing. We often consult with your medical professional to obtain opinion evidence regarding your residual work abilities. As you can see, nothing is more important than comprehensive and supportive medical evidence.
Conclusion
If you are considering making a claim for Social Security benefits, have an existing claim but have been denied, or have questions about the process, please call us. Remember, our initial consultation is free and without obligation. Even if you employ us, you owe us nothing unless your claim is successful. Did you know any fee to a Social Security representative must be approved by the Social Security Administration?Please take the first steps to win your claim for Social Security benefits. Call us today.