Judge to stop SSA Tactics of Non-Disclosure of Important Documents

by Steven Bruce, Legal Director

On March 16, 2012 Hon. Edward M. Chen ruled that the Social Security Administration (SSA) did not abide by its former representation on August 23, 2011 to be transparent in providing documents from its Section 504 self-evaluation that relates to the mentally/developmentally impaired population which is the scope of our two consolidated cases (Davis v. Astrue case no. 3:06-CV-6108 and Doe v. Astrue case no. 3:09-CV-980).

Accordingly, Judge Chen ruled that the cases would continue on a fast-track discovery procedure where fact discovery ends on June 8, 2012 and expert discovery ends on August 10, 2012. The SSA had downplayed the fact that plaintiff Terrance Davis had two heart attacks last year, has serious chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and that the severity of these impairments are shortening his lifespan.

The SSA has been using stall and delay tactics since 2006 and 2009 when these two civil rights cases were filed.

PWDF Profile

Who We Are

People With Disabilities Foundation is an operating 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California, which focuses on the rights of the mentally and developmentally disabled.

Services

Advocacy: PWDF advocates for Social Security claimant's disability benefits in eight Bay Area counties. We also provide services in disability rights, on issues regarding returning to work, and in ADA consultations, including areas of employment, health care, and education, among others. There is representation before all levels of federal court and Administrative Law Judges. No one is declined due to their inability to pay, and we offer a sliding scale for attorney's fees.

Education/Public Awareness: To help eliminate the stigma against people with mental disabilities in society, PWDF's educational program organizes workshops and public seminars, provides guest speakers with backgrounds in mental health, and produces educational materials such as videos.

Continuing Education Provider: State Bar of California MCLE, California Board of Behavioral Sciences Continuing Education, and Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.