Diana Chaikin

Attorney · Seattle University School of Law

Diana Chaikin is a legal editor specializing in disability law at Nolo. She started writing articles as a freelancer in 2021 and joined the staff in 2022. Diana has worked as a solo practitioner based out of Seattle representing claimants before administrative law judges in Social Security disability hearings.

Education. Diana received a B.A. in Political Science from New York University and a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law, where she served as article editor on the Seattle Journal for Social Justice. During law school, Diana interned at the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska and Corbis Corporation. She also wrote an article on the Visual Artists Rights Act and how it pertains to outsider artists.

Disability experience. Fresh out of law school, Diana worked as Attorney Advisor for the Social Security Administration Office of Hearings Operations (formerly Office of Disability Adjudication and Review). While there, she worked for several administrative appeals judges to ensure disability decisions met the administration’s standard for quality. She then decided to work on the other side of the bench, successfully representing disability claimants for over 10 years before coming to Nolo.

Goals and interests. Diana finds satisfaction in making complex areas of the law seem intuitive to nonlawyers. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), and is on the board of the Washington Lawyers for the Arts.


Articles By Diana Chaikin

Social Security Disability Benefits for American Indians and Alaska Natives
A few special rules apply to Social Security and Medicaid for Alaska Natives and Native American Indians.
What Happens If You Get Denied by the Appeals Council?
If the Appeals Council denies your SSDI or SSI claim for benefits, you have two options.
Can You Get Disability for Low or Poor Ejection Fraction?
If you have a very poor ejection fraction (less than 30%), you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Can You Get Social Security Disability for OCD?
If obsessive compulsive disorder disrupts your ability to work, you may be able to get disability benefits from Social Security.
Can You Get Disability Benefits for Shoulder Pain and Problems?
Shoulder pain and problems can cause functional limitations that might prevent you from working.
What Is a Social Security Disability Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)?
Social Security judges decide disability appeals after reading the exhibit file and questioning the applicant and experts.
Social Security Disability Benefits for Asperger's Syndrome
Applicants whose Asperger's syndrome is severely limiting can get disability benefits.
Getting Social Security Disability Based on a Medical-Vocational Allowance
If your disability doesn't meet a listing, Social Security may award you benefits based on your inability to work.
How Moderate Mental Illness Can Help a Claim for Physical Disability Benefits
People living with chronic physical conditions frequently suffer from depression or anxiety in addition to their physical impairment.
Social Security Disability for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
If you're unable to work due to a TBI, you could qualify for disability benefits.