Jerry Lutkenhaus

After celebrating 50 years of legal practice, I am now taking only selected cases.

• Free Consultation
• Contingent Fees

Iowa

Since 1974

Virginia

Since 1974

Owner

Law Office of Jerry Lutkenhaus

1984 - Current

Law Office dedicated to provide aggressive legal services for the injured and disabled worker in the areas of Virginia Workers Compensation & Social Security Disability

Managing Attorney

Central Virginia Legal Aid Society

1978 - 1991

University of Iowa

J.D. (1973) | Law

1970 - 1973

Activities: Student Legal Clinic

Iowa State University

B.S. | History and English

1966 - 1970

Honors: Phi Alpha Theta Honorary

Highest Rating for Legal Excellence AV

Martindale Hubbell

2017

This reflects their highest rating for legal ability & ethics.

Superb Rating 10.0

Avvo

2017

Service Award

West Richmond Rotary

2014

Slected as Best Attorney for Workers Compensation in Central Virginia

Richmond Magazine

1999

This was based on a survey of 2,000 lawyers in the Richmond area.

Service Award

Central Virginia Legal Aid Society

1991

Virginia Workers' Compensation Inns of Court

Member

2015 - Current

Henrico Bar Association

Member

1992 - Current

Virginia Trial Lawyers Association

Member

1991 - Current

National Organization of Social Security Represenatives

member

1985 - Current

Richmond Bar Association

Member

1978 - Current

Social Security Tips for Workers Compensation Lawyers

Virginia Trial Lawyers Association

November 5, 2012

Virginia Workers Compensation Tips

NBI

April 4, 2004

Social Security Disability for Workers Compensation Lawyers, VTLA, Richmond, VA

November 14, 2015

Virginia Trial Lawyers Association

Social Security Representative

Nationial Organization of Social Security Representatives

Q. Do I qualify for SSDI in my specific case?

July 11, 2025

A: It is very difficult to get Social Security Disability for a non-psychotic mental disorder like depression. At a minimum you would need a psychiatrist or psychologist to explain why you cannot do a simple uncomplicated non-stressful job. At your age your doctors would have to rule out jobs such as laundry folding, ticket taking, mail sorting, etc. The doctors would also have to explain why with treatment and medication you cannot do the simple non-stressful jobs.

Q. Am I eligible for SSDI after strokes and mental health issues?

July 11, 2025

A: At age 62, you can apply for both Early Retirement and Social Security Disability. The Disability is about 20-25% higher than your Early Retirement Social Security.

If your doctors agree that your medical conditions prevent the work you have done for the last 5 years, then you have a good chance of getting Disability. It would be helpful if the doctors would specify what job functions you can no longer do. I find it easier to prove disability for a physical impairment rather than a mental impairment. Also, your age at 62 helps you with a physical impairment but not with a mental impairment. However, if the mental impairment reduces you to simple uncomplicated work, then that would be extremely helpful if you have only done skilled work in the past. ... Read More

Q. What does Appeals Council review mean in Social Security benefits denial?

July 11, 2025

A: If your case has bring reviewed by the Appeals Council, then your lawyer may have asked for this review. It is very unusual for the Appeals Council to review a case on its own.

If the Appeals Council finds an error by the Judge, then the Appeals Council will send it back for a new hearing. This does give you and your lawyer a chance to present new and better medical evidence of your disability.

Unfortunately, the Appeals Council only finds errors by the Appeals Council in 10-20% of the cases that are appealed. You should consult with your current attorney about your chances.