Gary B. Curtis

Social Security Disability Hearing Representative (EDPNA)

Gary Brian Curtis is an experienced Social Security Disability hearing representative with more than a decade of inside experience at the Social Security Administration (SSA). At Carmichael Law Group, Gary serves as an Eligible for Direct Payment Non-Attorney (EDPNA) Hearing Representative, advocating for disabled individuals throughout Eastern Kentucky.

Gary represents claimants in cases heard through the Jackson, Hazard, Lexington, Prestonsburg, Pikeville, and Corbin SSA field offices, as well as hearings held at the Lexington and Middlesboro SSA hearing offices.

Focus on SSD & SSI Appeals and ALJ Hearings

Gary focuses on Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) appeals, with particular emphasis on Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearings. He works with individuals whose claims were denied at earlier stages, helping them present clearer, better-prepared cases at the hearing level.

His approach centers on understanding why claims were denied, identifying weaknesses, and building stronger medical and vocational records for review.

Extensive Social Security Administration Experience

Before joining Carmichael Law Group, Gary spent more than 14 years with the Social Security Administration, including service as an Operations Supervisor (District Manager). In that role, he oversaw disability claim processing, managed SSA field office operations, and supervised teams handling high-volume SSDI and SSI workloads.

His SSA background includes:

• Reviewing and processing SSDI and SSI disability applications
• Managing disability workflows and quality control
• Ensuring compliance with SSA regulations and procedures
• Handling complex disability determinations and appeals
• Maintaining strict federal confidentiality and privacy standards

This firsthand experience gives Gary a practical understanding of how disability claims are evaluated and what is required to present a case effectively at the hearing level.

Certified EDPNA Hearing Representative

Gary is certified as a Non-Attorney Disability Representative Eligible for Direct Payment (EDPNA), allowing him to represent claimants directly before Administrative Law Judges.

As an EDPNA hearing representative, Gary works closely with clients to:

• Prepare focused hearing strategies
• Organize medical and vocational evidence
• Address issues cited in prior denials
• Advocate directly before the ALJ
• Guide clients through each stage of the SSD appeals process

Serving Eastern Kentucky Communities

Gary works extensively with individuals in Jackson, Kentucky and surrounding Eastern Kentucky communities. Many of the cases he handles involve claimants who have experienced multiple denials or long-pending claims.

He routinely assists with:

• SSDI and SSI appeals
• ALJ hearings in London, Hazard, and Pikeville
• Previously denied or complex disability claims
• Physical, mental, and combined impairment cases

Military Service and Advocacy

Gary is a combat veteran with 10 years of service, including time with the United States Army and the Kentucky Army National Guard. His leadership experience in high-pressure environments carries over into his disability advocacy, where preparation, discipline, and attention to detail are essential.

Helping Clients Prepare for Disability Hearings

If your Social Security Disability claim has been denied or you are preparing for a hearing in Eastern Kentucky, Gary Curtis and the team at Carmichael Law Group are ready to help. The firm focuses on appeals and hearings, where experienced representation can make a meaningful difference.

Frequently Asked Questions – Jackson, KY Social Security Disability

Can a non-attorney represent me at a Social Security Disability hearing?
Yes. Social Security allows qualified non-attorney representatives to appear at disability hearings. Gary Curtis is an EDPNA representative, meaning he is authorized to represent claimants and receive direct payment from the SSA.

Does SSA experience really help with my disability appeal?
Absolutely. Gary spent more than a decade inside the Social Security Administration, including supervising disability operations. He understands how claims are evaluated, why cases are denied, and how judges review evidence at hearings.

What types of disability cases does Gary Curtis handle?
Gary assists with SSDI and SSI appeals, including cases involving physical impairments, mental health conditions, and combined disabilities. He focuses heavily on hearing-level appeals after denial.

Do you help clients in Jackson, Kentucky specifically?
Yes. Carmichael Law Group represents Social Security Disability claimants in Jackson, KY and throughout Eastern Kentucky, including surrounding counties and hearing offices.

What if my Social Security Disability claim was already denied?
Most successful disability cases are approved on appeal. Gary focuses on strengthening denied claims by developing medical evidence, preparing clients for hearings, and presenting cases effectively before the ALJ.