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Thomas Carter O'Brien

Thomas Carter O'Brien

O'Brien & Feiler (formerly Feiler & Associates)
  • Social Security Disability, Military Law
  • Georgia, VA Accredited Attorney
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Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial Media
Biography

Thomas C. O'Brien has represented hundreds and hundreds of Georgia Claimants before Social Security, and actively litigates on behalf of Claimants and medical providers throughout the State of Georgia. Thomas earned a Bachelors Degree in Finance and Business Economics from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Georgia State University.

Education
University System of Georgia - Georgia State University
J.D. | Law
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University System of Georgia - Georgia State University Logo
Fairleigh Dickinson University
MBA | Finance
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Honors: Omicron Delta Epsilon - International Honor Society in Economics Financial Management Association International - Inductee, National Honor Society
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University of Notre Dame
B.B.A. | Finance & Business Economics
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Professional Experience
President/Attorney-at-Law
O'Brien & Feiler (formerly Feiler & Associates)
- Current
Disability, Veterans, and Health Reimbursement Law
Publications
Articles & Publications
Insuring Georgia’s Uninsured Population with the Tools Available Today
Georgia HFMA Scroll, Georgia HFMA, 2010
Speaking Engagements
Introduction to Social Security Cases, Legal Aid CLE, Gwinnett County Courthouse
Gwinnett Pro Bono Project / Atlanta Legal Aid CLE
As the population ages and disability awareness rises, social security touches our cases every day. How does someone qualify? What is the process? How are SSI, SSDI & SSRI different? How do things like alimony, child support, or working affect them? Join Social Security Attorney Thomas O’Brien for a no-experience needed intro.
Awards
AV rating
Martindale
AV Rated - Preeminent in the field of Social Security Disability.
Superb Rated Attorney
Avvo.com
Professional Associations
National Organization for Social Security Claimant's Representatives
Supporting Member
- Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Georgia
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VA Accredited Attorney
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11th Circuit
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Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
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Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Contingent Fees
    Legal fees are limited and approved by the government in each case, and are payable out of back benefits only upon favorable resolution of a client's case.
Practice Areas
    Social Security Disability
    Military Law
    Veteran's Benefits
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Spanish: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
Q. The Appeals Council started reviewing the decision issued by the ALj. Why are they reviewing the ALJ decision ?
A: The Appeals Council can either review an ALJ decision because you requested the review, or they can review decisions of their own volition. In their review, the most common outcomes are to either agree with the ALJ decision, or they can remand the decision back to the ALJ for them to fix any deficiencies in the decision. This can mean a second hearing.
Q. My ALJ disability claim was denied and my lawyer doesn't file beyond that level. Should I give up, continue on with
A: That's not an easy question to answer without more details. Further appeals focus more on the application of the law to your case as opposed to "not seeing the facts your way". As such, the quality of the written decision and the way the judge conducted the proceedings are of significance. For this reason, it is tough to give you an answer, but I will say that the next level of appeal (to the Appeals Council) takes just under a year on average, and you have about an 11% chance of securing a remand (where the case is pushed back to the ALJ for corrective proceedings). If the AC denies you, you can then appeal to Circuit Court. I hope that this is at least somewhat helpful, and wish you well. ... Read More
Q. I was told because I am disabled that I don't have to pay child support is this true
A: Not necessarily, and I would recommend you speak with an attorney local to you. SSI funds may generally not be garnished to satisfy child support obligations, but Disability funds may not be afforded these protections. Both programs require proof of disability. Additionally, an individual under a child support order would be well advised to seek modification of the child support order should they become provably disabled. Simply stopping payments after an award of benefits is not advisable. The particulars of child support law vary from state to state, but disability / SSI is federal, and as such more consistent.

This answer does not constitute legal advice and does not create attorney/client privilege. Individuals are recommended to seek local specialized counsel to address their specific legal needs. ... Read More
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Websites & Blogs
Website
Website
Contact & Map
Owner, O'Brien & Feiler
2629 Sandy Plains Road
Suite 102
Marietta, GA 30066
Toll-Free: (800) 486-7614
Telephone: (770) 579-0799 Ext. 108
Fax: (770) 579-6262
Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: Please call for an appointment!