Compassion and Expertise in Disability Law

I recommend BDL (Bernhardt Disability Law) to those who need a little bit of a breather when it comes to getting on Social Security, my Caseworker was really nice, understanding and was able to break down the things that was needed for a case or even stuff that needed to be read (if your not fully understanding what is being said) and again I do recommend them.

I highly recommend Jake and his associates. They were all so kind during my appeal process and helped me get through my trial. I had no idea what to do, it was my third time applying and appealing, so having them there to help and advocate for my needs meant everything. When he called and gave me the good news that we had won my case, he seemed genuinely excited - he shows true interest and care for what he does. Five stars.

Let me first start by saying that I had been fighting for SSDI for 9 years. I had several lawyers turn me down as a client, that is until I came into the path of Jake Aplin, at Bernhardt Disability Law. When I had our first visit together, I immediately felt taken seriously and cared for. He took the time to talk to me like a person, not just a client. I never felt rushed or a burden. He reassured me that he would fight hard for me, no matter the time it took. And he did JUST that! He ensured all my medical paperwork was complete and ready for trial. He went over and beyond to reach out and see how I was holding up, while we waited for my court date to come. He also made sure that I still had a chance to go to court, after Social Security called me and I told them to go kick rocks, thinking it was a scam call. 😑 I have dealt with so many different lawyers in my life, and I can say without a doubt, that Jake Aplin IS the best of the best! He fought tooth and nail for me, and in the end, got me a fully favorable decision!!! Not only that, but the judge granted that to me, while on the hearing video trial call!!! I can say, without a doubt, if you're looking for a disability lawyer that deeply cares about his clients, does his homework, is extremely punctual, and has an unmeasurable amount of knowledge in his field, then you need not look any further. You found him! Thank you, again, Jake, from the bottom of my heart!!!!!

I'm writing this to say just how AMAZING Jake Alpin and everyone at Bernhardt Disability really are. They were really there for me when I needed it and infact Jake went above and beyond to make sure that I was not only heard, listened to..but truly cared for in my horribly horrific tragedy situation! They aren't just lawyers fighting for what's right they are Good people who actually care about you and your well being, making sure you ARENT just a #..you're a person too with real life problems that may need help! This truly is the BEST experience Ive ever had with any sort of Lawyer. Check them out for yourself and I bet you will be happy! Also..Please leave your comment cuz everyone knows when something is bad..you want people to know...but when it's Really Good.. you want EVERYONE TO KNOW!! Thank you to Jake Alpin and everyone at Bernhardt Disability❤️-- Christie Loening

My review has to take the form of a story, because my journey through the system was unique and unpleasant. Please read on until Dalia and Jake enter the story. I hope it will capture the gratitude and thankfulness that they were the humans they were and when they came into my story. If you are in need of people to represent you with heart and competence - I point you to them. I am (46) at the time of this review. I have had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JIA) since I was 6 years old, I am older than all the modern biologics that arrest the main feature of my illness which is the swelling and destruction of the joints and the mangling of the hands and feet. My illness is visible and aggressive, my wrists circumference is comparable to most 8-10 year old boys that you would meet. Without getting into the details, the paper trail of my illness was lost to time and my ejection from the system. Being a poor and weak (physically) man is not a sympathetic situation - especially in Idaho. I am an oldest Idaho son, I crave full independence - but that is not something this life will allow me to have - I bear a different burden. I wish I lived in a world where people were told that they deserve help - that it is a privilege to help those that work to help themselves in the face of truly adverse and atypical circumstances. My application for disabled adult child benefits began in 2020. In a single phone interview with the local social security office, where I did not understand the intention of the review, I was denied in just a single sentence. I filed an appeal - Denied no expansion of my concerns. I wrote a second appeal (delivered May 2021) requesting a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. I never received a notification that my appeal was filed, that I was in a queue, or that I would ever have a moment to plead my case. I truly thought my file was binned for good by a system that has always demanded that I prove I am continuously destitute in health and resources before it will help. Fast forward to August 1st 2025. I receive a notice in the mail from the Social Security offices printed in Kentucky that I am going to go in front of a judge finally in Boise. I’m in disbelief that more than 4 years later I get the first piece of paper that verifies my appeal. I called the phone number excitedly and interacted with the Boise office. I’m told I can wave my 75 day notice of hearing and speed up the date. In my naive euphoria of finally having a hearing, I hung up expecting my hearing date to be in September, on August 11th I received a date that was barely a week away. August 19th. In the previous week, (before I knew when my date was) I asked people in my life that could point me to lawyers that might fit. I was given two names, a bigger firm in Boise, and Jake Bernhardt. As soon as I got the other office and Jake’s number I made phone calls. If it's not clear, I am able to communicate the details of my circumstance and my case. The larger office denied me outright. I couldn’t get past the receptionist, they wouldn’t even meet me in person. Then I called Jake’s office in a bit of a distressed state and Dalia answered. She listened to everything I said, all the twists, turns, and timelines. Out of all the weeks of the year - Jake was unavailable in the most Idaho place - a raft trip on the Salmon River. Dalia assured me he’d call me at noon the first day he returned and that he would be a resource and guide regardless if they could take my case. On Jake’s advice and competence, we kept the accelerated date. A couple more hurdles where I needed their guidance, advice, and expertise and the finish line has arrived. I’m still in disbelief that I will finally be helped because I deserve it. In the time and place we find ourselves, Jake and Dalia are gifts of humans who I could not have arrived at this place without. My spirit was battered in this process, and without them at the end I might have been stomped on once more. A lifetime of gratitude to them both - what they do is heavy and difficult.

Jake, Tyler and the rest of the firm were fantastic, worked hard to get my determination, which we won :), and made the entire process so much easier for me. I have been fighting for 20 years to get my ssdi, and thanks to Jake's incredible knowledge and drive were able to get my decision in a year and a half. I highly recommend him very highly and am eternally grateful for his entire team!! God bless you all!

I have been fighting with the SSA for 6 years after the VA deemed me 100% unemployable. I tried one of those big firms that guaranteed to get me my SSA disability as the VA told me I could draw. The big firm left me with nothing, then I found Bernhardt law and within 6 months they got me my SSA that I deserved. They went above and beyond my expectations, throughout the entire process. They are amazing and I will be recommending them to everyone who needs help with the SSA process. They were a godsend and now my family can go from surviving to actually living. Thank you so much!!

Jake and his team were amazing! They were able to get me approved for disability. I couldn't be happier. The process was very smooth. They handled all of the hurdles proficiently with SSA. I had had a different attorney with my previous claim with poor results. Once Jake and his team took on my case it seemed to just be easier. They really did work hard to get me my benefits and I could not be more grateful. A big thanks to Jake, Tyler and the whole team. I literally couldn't have done it without you!

All around amazing. Explains and goes over everything well, very caring and to the point. Painless process! Thank you guys!

I very highly recommend this law office! My case manager, Lauren, was an absolute blessing to me. She was so very kind, supportive, and professional. Lauren was honest, and while optimistic, made no false promises, which I very much appreciated. She communicated with me, replied to my questions promptly, and never left me guessing. Best of all, Lauren got the job done! It’s obvious that the folks at this law office are dedicated and genuinely care about their clients. Give ‘em a call!