Mr. Brian Harmon, EDPNA, MA, CRC, LPC
Disability Representative
Mr. Harmon is the founder of Disability Services of America ®, LLC & Disability Representatives of America, LLC. He is registered as a Disability Representative by the Social Security Administration (EDPNA) and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. He is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Mr. Harmon is a Professional Member of: National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR), International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP), and National Employment Network Association (NENA). Mr. Harmon received his Master of Arts Degree from Northeastern Illinois University and completed post-graduate studies and a Certificate in Forensic Vocational Rehabilitation from University of Florida. He also completed graduate level business courses at Northern Illinois University and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). While attending UIUC, Mr. Harmon lived in Zapopan, Jalisco, Guadalajara Mexico where he learned Spanish. When Mr. Harmon is not helping clients return to work he spends time with his wife and daughter, actively participates in church activities and enjoys traveling and sailing.
We offer a unique ability as your Representative (EDPNA) to help you tell your story of why you can’t work - and why you are eligible for your Disability Benefits. We have represented individuals with disabilities in their application for SSI & SSDI benefits. In order to qualify for SSI & SSDI, you have to first meet the criteria for Disability benefits.
There is a 5 step sequential evaluation process. Step 1 inquires if you have any Substantial Gainful Activity ($1260/month gross income) with some exceptions. Step 2 & 3 inquire about your medical conditions. If you cannot meet or equal the medical criteria for SSI & SSDI at the 2nd and 3rd step of the sequential evaluation process, then you may be denied your benefits. Then the 4th and 5th step involve your ability to return to past work or any other work in the national economy. See the chart below. Mr. Harmon testified as a “Vocational Expert” (VE) in the Disability Court in more than 4000+ hearings classifying individuals past work, and testifying as to jobs available in the National Economy. These steps are the most difficult steps to pass in order to qualify for benefits.