Diana Chaikin

Attorney

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

Can You Get Disability Benefits if Your Child Has ADHD or ADD?
SSI disability benefits may be available for children who have severe limitations as a result of ADHD or ADD.
Veterans Disability Compensation for PTSD
If you have PTSD that was caused or got worse by your time in service, you can get a VA disability rating.
What Is Combat-Related Special Compensation?
Combat-related special compensation (CRSC) is a monthly benefit for eligible retired veterans with service-connected, combat-related disabilities.
How to Appeal if the VA Denies You Disability Benefits
If you applied for veterans disability compensation benefits and the VA sent you a letter denying you benefits, you have the right to appeal the decision.
Getting Veterans Disability Compensation for Respiratory (Breathing) Problems
VA disability benefits are available for numerous conditions that affects breathing, including chronic bronchitis and bronchiolitis.
VA Character of Service Determination
Veterans with bad paper should consider asking for a character of service determination instead of a discharge upgrade or record correction.
Getting Veterans Disability Compensation for Heart or Cardiovascular Problems
Veterans with service-connected heart and cardiovascular conditions may be able to get a VA disability rating.
Getting Veterans Disability Compensation for Skin Conditions Related to Military Service
Veterans with serious skin conditions from exposure to dangerous chemicals while serving can receive disability compensation.
Getting Veterans Disability Compensation for Depression
Veterans struggling with depression may be able to get a VA disability rating based on how severe the symptoms are.
How the VA Rates a Service-Connected Mental Disability
The VA rates all service-connected mental illnesses by the severity of limitations and symptoms.