Disability Representatives - Senior Advisory Staff

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Meet our world-class senior staff members

David Minich, President and CEO
Kimberly Armel, Claim Coordinator, Office Manager
Suzanne Dowler, Disability Consultant
Steve Gaarder, Disability Consultant
Ron Ladd, Disability Consultant
Carol Sanborn, Disability Consultant

David Minich, President

Dave has been involved with representing disability claimants since 1990. Prior to that he worked 16 years for Social Security as a benefit authorizer, claims representative, operations supervisor, and field office manager. Dave directs all claim, marketing, and service development activity for BTS Group, Inc. Under his leadership, the staff responds to inquiries and requests for information and assistance from the public and other referral sources, and is liaison contact for our business clients.

Kimberly Armel, Claim Coordinator

Kim comes to BTS Group, Inc. from her former position with Disability Determinations Section where she accumulated five awards from the National Association of Disability Examiners in recognition of her outstanding service with the agency and NADE. Kim is responsible for controlling claim appeal deadlines, case development, scheduling hearings, monitoring of award releases, answering questions from clients and assisting the Social Security claims representatives in helping our clients. Kim's seven and a half years with Disability Determinations and participation in Social Security pilot projects has afforded her the experience and knowledge to assist in case preparation. Kim is available to answer your questions and assist in your understanding of the Social Security process.

Suzanne Dowler, Disability Consultant

Suzanne Dowler, Disability Consultant, BTS Group

Suzanne has over 20 years experience with the Social Security disability program. As an examiner and supervisor at the Disability Determinations Section, she trained staff, including doctors, on all issues of determining medical and vocational eligibility for this program. By knowing the relevant issues and working diligently to obtain critical documentation, she has had great success in building cases strong enough to win favorable decisions without formal hearings. Should an administrative hearing be required, Suzanne will help you understand the process and attend the hearing with you to present your claim. She states, "I believe it is important to listen carefully to the individual about their condition and the issues that prevent them from working. After gaining that understanding, it is my job to obtain the evidence proving they meet Social Security requirements."

Steve Gaarder, Disability Consultant

Steve provides representation for individuals applying for Social Security disability and SSI disability benefits. Claimants are interviewed extensively to obtain their medical and vocational history and the limitations they are experiencing. All of the forms and questionnaires required to apply for benefits and to appeal denial decisions are completed. Medical and vocational records are requested and analyzed and presented based on standards required for favorable decisions. Written requests for approval of benefits are submitted, and claimants are accompanied to hearings for presentation of oral arguments on their behalf. At the hearings, vocational and medical experts, as well as the claimant and other witnesses, are questioned. Steve continues to monitor cases following favorable decisions until assured that all past-due benefits have been correctly paid. Steve has over 23 years of disability experience.

Ron Ladd, Disability Consultant

Ron Ladd, Disability Consultant, BTS Group Ron calls on 20+ years of experience with the Social Security disability program when working with his clients. Extensive training with the Disability Determinations Section and hundreds of appearances before Administrative Law Judges provide a unique combination of experience in helping individuals obtain their benefits. His knowledge of Social Security rules and regulations has provided favorable results to clients in all parts of the country. His philosophy of representation is "Every case will be treated as though it belongs to my mother and every regulation relevant to the case will be evaluated." Ron's goal is to diligently pursue the claim of every person he works with. His genuine concern for people and his ability to make his clients feel comfortable throughout this process is second to none.

Carol Sanborn, Disability Consultant

Carol Sanborn, Disability Consultant, BTS Group

Carol joined our team with 30 years of Social Security experience. She provides representation for individuals applying for Social Security disability and SSI disability benefits. Claimants are interviewed extensively to obtain their medical and vocational history and the limitations they are experiencing. All of the forms and questionnaires required to apply for benefits and to appeal denial decisions are completed. Medical and vocational records are requested and analyzed and presented based on standards required for favorable decisions. Written requests for approval of benefits are submitted for the appropriate appeal level.

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