Gustad Law Group

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims
• Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims
• Personal injury matters involving injuries caused by others' negligence

The firm emphasizes aggressive advocacy, careful case preparation, and compassionate client service. Clients do not pay any attorney's fees unless the firm recovers on their behalf.

Service Area

• Primary offices in Seattle and Spokane, with a dedicated phone line serving Tacoma
• Represents Social Security disability clients throughout Washington and in other states when needed
• Represents veterans in VA disability matters throughout the United States
• Regularly works with clients across Washington communities, including Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Olympia, and the broader Puget Sound and eastern Washington regions

Approach to Representation

• Takes time to understand each client's medical situation, work history, and personal circumstances
• Develops evidence and prepares clients thoroughly for hearings and appeals
• Uses a team-based approach, with long-term staff supporting every stage of the case
• Prioritizes clear, consistent communication so clients know what is happening with their case

Advertising does not indicate a guarantee of results.

• Seattle office: 206-533-2222
• Spokane office: 509-455-3799
• Tacoma line: 253-666-6425

Office Addresses

• Seattle office

7815 Greenwood Ave N Seattle, WA 98103

• Spokane office

1312 N Monroe St, Suite #229 Spokane, WA 99201

(Consultations for the Tacoma area are handled through the Tacoma phone line.)

Website Contact Form

Clients may also reach the firm by filling out the contact form on the Gustad Law Group website, providing:

• Name
• Phone number
• Email address
• A short description of the case

The website explains that submitting the contact form does not create an attorney–client relationship and that information sent through the form is not protected by attorney–client privilege.

Text Message Communications

The website allows people to agree to receive informational text messages from Gustad Law Group. By signing up, clients consent to receive texts (including those sent by an autodialer) at the number they provide. Consent is not a condition of purchase, message and data rates may apply, message frequency can vary, and they may unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP.

Advertising does not indicate a guarantee of results.

Names Washington and Sochi as a service area. Areas beyond these are not published.

• Principal attorney and founder of Gustad Law Group
• More than 25 years of legal practice
• Represents SSDI and SSI clients in Washington, Oregon, California, and in other states when needed
• Represents veterans in VA disability matters throughout the United States
• Maintains offices in Seattle and Tacoma and personally represents clients in Spokane, Washington and Portland, Oregon
• Admitted to practice before the Social Security Administration and recognized for proactive, engaged advocacy at disability hearings

Andrew Clark – Veterans and Social Security Advocate

• Has represented veterans in VA service-connected compensation claims and individuals in SSDI claims for more than 30 years
• U.S. military veteran with past service as an accredited representative for national veterans' organizations, including Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, and Amvets
• Former veteran service officer and state veteran benefits specialist (recipient of a Governor's Award)
• Accredited non-attorney representative with the Social Security Administration
• Service-connected combat veteran who brings personal experience, empathy, and deep subject-matter knowledge to VA and SSDI claims

Angela "Angie" Wallace – Social Security Specialist

• Began working for the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 1974
• Worked as a Claims Representative at SSA, processing retirement, survivors, and disability benefits, until 2005
• Has worked with private law firms since leaving SSA and has been with Gustad Law Group since 2013
• Brings institutional experience, practical knowledge, and detailed understanding of SSA processes to SSDI and SSI claimants
• Provides clients with guidance to help them pursue full disability benefits and stay informed about each step of their case

Team Approach

Gustad Law Group uses a team-based approach that combines attorney representation with the experience of long-term staff members. The firm's goal is to treat clients like people, not case numbers, and to provide informed, attentive service throughout each matter.

Advertising does not indicate a guarantee of results.

The firm's personal injury work includes, for example:

• Motor vehicle collisions, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
• Cases involving nursing home neglect or abuse

Approach to Personal Injury Cases

• Communicates clearly with clients so they understand their rights and options
• Deals directly with insurance companies and opposing parties
• Investigates the facts of each case and gathers supporting evidence
• Pursues compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term needs when supported by the evidence and applicable law
• Takes cases to litigation when necessary

Clients do not pay any attorney's fees unless the firm recovers on their behalf.

Advertising does not indicate a guarantee of results.

The firm handles:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims when work history does not support SSDI
• Children's and other auxiliary benefits tied to a disabled worker
• Appeals at every stage when a claim has been denied or underdeveloped

Stages of a Social Security Disability Case

Gustad Law Group assists at every step of the disability process, including:

• Initial SSDI/SSI applications
• Requests for reconsideration after an initial denial
• Hearings before administrative law judges (ALJs)
• Appeals beyond the hearing level when appropriate

The firm gathers medical evidence, works with treating providers, prepares clients for hearings, and presents cases so that Social Security understands the full impact of a person's medical conditions on their ability to work.

Conditions Commonly Seen in SSDI/SSI Claims

The firm regularly handles disability claims involving, for example:

• Musculoskeletal problems affecting the spine, knees, hips, shoulders, and other joints
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Neurological diseases
• Mental health conditions (such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia)
• Cognitive impairments related to traumatic brain injury or other causes
• Cancer and the effects of treatment
• Autoimmune disorders, chronic kidney disease, respiratory conditions, and complex pain conditions

The key issue in every case is whether medical impairments prevent substantial gainful activity for at least twelve continuous months, under Social Security's rules.

How Gustad Law Group Builds SSDI/SSI Cases

• Obtains complete medical records from all relevant providers
• Works with treating doctors and specialists to obtain opinions that address Social Security's specific functional questions
• Carefully documents past work so vocational issues are properly presented
• Prepares clients for hearings and challenges vocational or medical testimony when needed

Initial denials are common and often reflect incomplete or poorly developed records rather than a truly weak claim. Correcting those problems is a major part of the firm's work.

Olympia and Greater Washington Representation

Although offices are located in Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane, Gustad Law Group routinely represents disability clients across Washington, including Olympia and the surrounding communities (such as Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Rochester, Tenino, Rainier, and Bucoda). Representation can be handled in person or remotely, depending on what best serves the client.

Hearings are often conducted by video or telephone, which can reduce or eliminate travel for many Washington clients.

Fees for Social Security Disability Cases

Representation in SSDI and SSI matters is contingency-based under Social Security's rules. Attorney's fees are only paid if the claim succeeds and are taken from past-due benefits in accordance with federal regulations.

Advertising does not indicate a guarantee of results.

Principal attorney John-Paul Gustad is a VA-accredited attorney. The firm also includes experienced veterans' advocates, such as Andrew Clark, a service-connected combat veteran who has represented veterans in VA disability matters for decades.

Types of VA Disability Matters Handled

The firm handles a wide range of VA disability issues, including:

• Initial service-connection claims
• Increased-rating claims when a service-connected condition has worsened
• Secondary-condition claims (conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability)
• Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
• Aid and Attendance claims
• Independent Medical Reviews (IMR) and support for Independent Medical Opinions (IMO)
• Appeals of denials or underrated claims through the modernized VA review system

Conditions and Exposures Commonly Seen in VA Claims

Examples of issues frequently involved in the firm's VA cases include:

• Hearing loss and tinnitus
• Musculoskeletal injuries affecting the spine, knees, hips, shoulders, and ankles
• Sleep apnea
• Mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety
• Traumatic brain injury and related cognitive problems
• Exposure-related conditions, including:
• Conditions covered by the PACT Act and other toxic exposure rules
• Agent Orange–related disabilities
• Claims related to Camp Lejeune water contamination

Why VA Decisions Are Often Wrong

Even strong claims are frequently denied or underrated. Common problems include:

• Superficial Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations
• Nexus opinions that do not engage with the actual medical and service history
• Overlooked entries in service treatment records
• Lay statements (from veterans, family members, or fellow service members) being discounted
• Misapplication of diagnostic codes or rating criteria

Gustad Law Group reviews decisions for these errors and pursues the appropriate appeal lane—such as Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, or appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals—based on the facts of each case.

Geographic Scope

The firm represents veterans throughout the United States in VA disability matters. Washington clients commonly work with the Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane offices, but representation is not limited by geography.

Advertising does not indicate a guarantee of results.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.