Meet our team

The Disability Law Center Of Robert S Piazza Jr PC

The Top Social Security Disability Law Firm in maryland

 Founding Attorney Mr. Robert S. Piazza

Mr. Robert S. Piazza is a former National Social Security Disability Vocational Policy Chief. After he retired from the Social Security Administration in 1982, he decided to help people who could not always fight for themselves.


While working at Social Security, he contributed to writing many regulations that are still in use today. With his extensive knowledge of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, he built a strong reputation and trained many Administrative Law Judges all over the country.


Mr. Piazza continued to practice law even after he was diagnosed with leukemia in 1993. He mentored his son Vincent from 1994 until 1997 when he passed away.

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Managing Attorney Mr. Vincent J. Piazza

Mr. Vincent J. Piazza is the managing attorney at the Disability Law Center Of Robert S Piazza Jr PC. He graduated from Calvert Hall High School in 1979 and went on to earn an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland in 1984.



He received his first law degree from the University of Baltimore in 1990 and his Masters of Law degree from Georgetown in 1991. He graduated with honors and served as an associate editor of the Law Review. He was admitted to the Maryland State Bar Association in 1990 and the DC Bar in 1991. He was also an attorney advisor to the Honorable John Peyjak in Washington DC.


Vincent Piazza joined his father in the practice of disability law in 1994. To this day, he carries on his father’s commitment to helping people. He is the only board-certified Social Security disability lawyer in Maryland.

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Associate Attorney Genevieve Vallar

Genevieve Vallar has always been dedicated to helping people fight for their rights. She joined the Disability Law Center Of Robert S Piazza Jr in 2007.


After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, she went to the University of Baltimore School of Law. She received both her JD and LLM law degrees from the latter and joined the Family Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association.


Ms. Vallar has interned for the Honorable R. K. Hardgadon on the MD District Court and the House of Ruth, a women’s program in Baltimore City.

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Physician Assistant Kathryn Piazza-Appel

Kathryn Piazza-Appel graduated from the University of Maryland in 1977 and became certified as a Physician Assistant (PA) in 1981 after completing training at Towson University/Essex Community College.


Inspired by her father to help others, she practiced and taught geriatric medicine and has been a PA for over 30 years. In 1996, she joined her father Robert and brother Vincent at the Disability Law Center Of Robert S Piazza Jr PC. She oversees the office and manages the review of all the medical records. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable staff.

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  • What is the difference between Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?

    SSDI benefits are calculated based on an individual's contributions to Social Security during their employment history. These benefits are comparable to what they would receive at full retirement age. In contrast, SSI is a needs-based program that considers an individual's income and resources. For assistance with SSI claims in Baltimore, MD, please contact our office.

  • Who is generally entitled to either SSDI or SSI?

    Eligibility for SSDI or SSI typically requires an individual to have a severe physical or mental impairment that prevents them from working in any occupation for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. Our experienced Social Security disability attorneys in Baltimore, MD can help determine your eligibility for these benefits.

  • What is the criteria for receiving SSDI benefits?

    To qualify for SSDI benefits, individuals must have contributed to Social Security for at least 5 out of the last 10 years and currently have a medically verifiable impairment that prevents them from working. The evaluation process considers factors such as age, education, and work history. Our firm has been assisting Baltimore, MD residents with Social Security disability claims since 1982.

  • Is an individual permitted to work while collecting SSDI or SSI benefits?

    In certain situations, Social Security allows individuals to work at a substantial gainful activity level while receiving disability benefits for up to 9 months, known as a trial work period. Our experienced Social Security disability attorneys in Baltimore, MD can provide guidance on navigating this aspect of the system.

  • Are individuals entitled to SSDI or SSI benefits from the date they are found disabled by the administration?

    SSDI benefits become payable 5 months after a disability determination, but no more than 1 year prior to the current application date. SSI benefits are payable from the month following the application filing or the date of disability determination, whichever is later. For a free consultation regarding your Social Security disability case in Baltimore, MD, please contact our office.

  • Are children ever entitled to benefits under a parent's earnings record?

    Children over 18 may be eligible for benefits under their parent's Social Security record if their disability onset occurred before age 22, and if their parent is entitled to disability or retirement benefits, or is deceased. According to recent statistics, approximately 1.4 million children receive such benefits. For more information, consult with our Social Security disability attorneys in Baltimore, MD.

  • Is it true that individuals are not entitled to SSDI or SSI if they are engaging in "substantial gainful activity"?

    Generally, individuals are ineligible for SSDI or SSI benefits if they engage in substantial gainful activity for more than 3 months. Substantial gainful activity is defined as work for pay or profit, with the amount linked to the consumer price index. For detailed information about your specific situation, consult our experienced Social Security disability attorneys in Baltimore, MD.

  • What should I do if Social Security denies my claims for SSDI or SSI benefits?

    If your initial application for SSDI or SSI benefits is denied, which is common, you should appeal the decision within 60 days. This 60-day deadline applies to all levels of appeal, including reconsideration, hearing, and Appeals Council levels. Our Social Security disability appeals lawyers in Baltimore, MD can assist you with this process.

  • For what period of time can I receive SSDI or SSI disability benefits?

    SSDI and SSI disability benefits continue as long as the individual remains disabled and unable to work. At retirement age, SSDI benefits transition to retirement benefits. SSI benefits continue until significant medical improvement occurs or the recipient's income and resources change substantially. For assistance with SSI claims in Baltimore, MD, please contact our office.

  • Do I need a lawyer?

    Statistical evidence shows that individuals represented by attorneys in disability claims have a higher success rate. As experienced Social Security disability lawyers in Baltimore, MD, we can assist with obtaining medical records, communicating with treating physicians, analyzing your case in light of Social Security regulations, preparing you for court appearances, and effectively cross-examining vocational experts.