February, 2003
Mr. Parvin was elected President of the Fifth Circuit Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives. This organization advocates for the disabled and offers training to its members for more effective advocacy in the States of Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

September, 2002
The National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives announced the election of Gary R. Parvin to one of only 16 elected board seats of the Organization for the 50 United States. This board sets the policy of the organization's advocacy for the disabled and works in coordination with other groups for the disabled.

June, 2000
Gary Parvin won a Social Security disability case he and his team litigated in the United States Supreme Court. In June 2000, a decision was issued in Sims V. Apfel, a landmark case greatly expanding the appeal rights of claimants in Social Security and SSI cases.

Under previous law, unless a claimant specifically raised an issue at an administrative hearing or at the Appeals Council, it could not be raised for the first time if the case was appealed into federal court. The Appeals Council is a mandatory paper-file review of the administrative hearing decision, an interim review required before a claimant can appeal into federal court after being denied.

The Appeals Council requires only a one-page form for filing an appeal, with three short lines for stating the reasons for appeal. The US Supreme Court said that a claimant does not give up the right to have issues reviewed in federal court if an issue is not clarified at a lower appeal level.

Many claimants are un-represented at early stages of a claim, perhaps even through a hearing. Approximately 50% of claimants go through the administrative hearing without an attorney and some then try to appeal the hearing decision. Social Security has never notified claimants of the need to fully identify possible issues. An un-represented claimant, or one with inexperienced counsel, would have no notice of the importance of this requirement.

The Supreme Court also relied on the fact that Social Security hearings are supposed to be non-adversarial. A hearing is unlike normal litigation, where each side is aggressively represented by counsel. This means the judge is supposed to develop evidence on both sides. Social Security does not have a representative at administrative hearings, and claimants may or not. This leaves the task of fully developing evidence to the judges, who vary in their dedication to this task. This Supreme Court decision may be used to bring judges to a more balanced position, utilizing their power to order more tests and medical or psychological reports when there is an inadequate medical record.

Gary Parvin’s six years of work on this case protects the many vulnerable claimants who are without lawyers or may have inadequate representation. It may be pivotal in gaining more access to medical examinations and reports for claimants.

Early representation is always best in these claims, and may cost no more than involving a lawyer later in the case. Attorney’s fees are charged on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay unless you win. Fees are one fourth of the back benefit disability payments awarded to the client, with a fee maximum of $5300.

2000
May- What is SSI? What is SSDI?
Jun- What to Expect at an Administrative Judge Hearing
Jul- The Standards Used to Determine Eligibility
Aug- How Fees are Calculated in SSI Cases
Sep- Parvin Supreme Court Victory Protects Claimants
Oct- How to Prove Pain in Disability Claims
Nov- Full Use of Hands Needed for Most Jobs
Dec- Trainings on Changes in Social Security Law

2001
Jan- How Can a Lawyer Help a Claimant
Feb- Cost of Living Adjustments for 2001
Mar- How are Social Security Benefits Taxed?
Apr- Tips for Filing an Application for Disability Benefits
May- Consultative Medical Exams Require Caution
Jun- Disability Claimants and Private Insurance
Jul- Proving Disabling Back Pain
Aug- Epilepsy
Sep- Big Mistakes Claimants Make
Oct- Fighting Cancer and Social Security
Nov- Many Sites Offer Disability Information
Dec- Update Your Staff on Changes in Social Security Law

2002
Jan- Elements of Proof for Crohn's and Colitis Cases
Feb- Social Security Steps Up Its Anti-Fraud Program
Mar- Criteria for Mental Impairments Standardized
Apr- SS Updates Musculoskeltal Regulations
May- New Evaluation Factors for Retardation
Jun- Considering Illiteracy as Part of a Disability Claim
Jul- Extended Medical Benefits Ease Return to Work
Aug- Disability Claim Delays Near Crisis Level
Sep- Combine Impairments to Prove Disability
Oct- No Waiting Period Before Application
Nov- Parvin Honored by Fifth Circuit Attorneys
Dec- Holiday Greetings, Plans for Next Year

2003
Jan- Claimants May Draw from Multiple Benefit Programs
Feb- The First Two Stages of Claim Appeals
Mar- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Apr- Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and the Law
May- Coronary Artery Disease
Jun- Disability Insurance Benefit Payment Rates
Jul- HIV Disability Standards Still Evolving
Aug- Standards for Medical Reports in Disability Claims
Sep- Closed Period of Disability May be an Option
Oct- Unemployment Benefits and Disability Law
Nov- SSI Benefits for Children with Disabilities
Dec- Big Changes at Social Security

2004
Jan-Early Retirement or Disability Benefits?
Feb- SSA Clarifies Rules on Substance Abuse
Mar- Qualified Immigrants May Receive SSI
Apr- Person Injury May Result in Benefits
May- Five Ways the Attorney Helps the Claimant
Jun- Preparing a Successful Social Security Disability Claim