Experienced Veterans’ and Social Security Disability Attorney

Mike Rake is an experienced lawyer who helps people in Ohio with their Social Security Disability and veterans’ disability claims.

With about 20 years in the legal profession, Mike has handled more than 3,000 hearings for people’s appeals of Social Security Disability denials, as well as multiple claims for military veterans seeking the fullest possible benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability program.

He has appealed hundreds of Social Security Disability cases to the federal court level and successfully argued many cases in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Mike has lectured on the topic of disability law at the University of Dayton School of Law and for the National Business Institute. He won the Llloyd O’Hara Public Interest Law Award in 2019 and was named a “Litigator of the Year” by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers in 2021. He is a partner at Horenstein, Nicholson & Blumenthal (HNB).

His ultimate goal is to see people facing difficult times—whose lives and livelihoods are limited by medical conditions—securing financial assistance and increased stability.

His commitment to people in Ohio is also clear through his community work.

Mike and his team at HNB law firm have supported Shoes 4 the Shoeless in the Dayton area; Homefull, working to end homelessness in western Ohio; the Storybook Project, connecting incarcerated mothers and their children; the Gettysburg Men’s Shelter, South Community Mental Health; St. Vincent De Paul; and the PLACES program, helping people with mental health disorders.

He lives in Centerville with his wife and three daughters.

He’s one reason why they say “Helping me, that’s HNB.”

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    Learn More about Mike’s Experience

    Mike’s background makes him just the person you need when you’re seeking disability income.

    Bar Admissions

    • Ohio, 2005
    • US Federal District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, 2008
    • US Court of Appeals for Veteran’s Claims
    • US Court of Appeals 6th Circuit
    • US Supreme Court

    Education

    • Bachelor of Arts, Miami University, 1999
    • Juris Doctor, University of Dayton, 2004

    Professional Associations

    • Dayton Bar Association
    • Miami Valley Trial Lawyers Association
    • Ohio State Bar Association
    • American Bar Association
    • National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives
    • National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates
    • National Alliance on Mental Illness

    Professional Associations

    • Llloyd O’Hara Public Interest Law Award, Access to Justice Awards, 2019
    • Litigator of the Year, American Institute of Trial Lawyers, 2021

    Bar Admissions 

    Bar Admissions

    • Ohio, 2005
    • US Federal District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, 2008
    • US Court of Appeals for Veteran’s Claims
    • US Court of Appeals 6th Circuit
    • US Supreme Court

    Education 

    Education

    • Bachelor of Arts, Miami University, 1999
    • Juris Doctor, University of Dayton, 2004

    Professional Associations 

    Professional Associations

    • Dayton Bar Association
    • Miami Valley Trial Lawyers Association
    • Ohio State Bar Association
    • American Bar Association
    • National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives
    • National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates
    • National Alliance on Mental Illness

    Honors & Recognition 

    Professional Associations

    • Llloyd O’Hara Public Interest Law Award, Access to Justice Awards, 2019
    • Litigator of the Year, American Institute of Trial Lawyers, 2021

    How Mike Rake Helps with Social Security Disability

    Social Security Disability benefits provide monthly checks and access to Medicare or Medicaid health care when health problems stop you from working—and you’re not retirement age yet. This can make a big difference in your life.

    But Social Security has thousands of rules for deciding who wins disability benefits, and they deny an overwhelming number of people.

    A Social Security Disability application involves lengthy forms, sending in medical evidence, and creating a picture for Social Security of how your medical conditions, age, work background and more combine to rule out working. A disability lawyer like Mike Rake can be your guide to this process.

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    Attorney Mike Rake meets with Mark Patton at a conference table, looking at prescription bottles.

    How Mike Rake Helps with Veterans’ Disability Benefits

    When you sacrificed and served your country in the armed forces, and you have permanent health conditions as a result, your country should step up and support you.

    Veterans’ disability benefits can help ensure a secure financial future. But Veterans Affairs could deny your benefits, or give you a lower disability rating than you deserve.

    As a veterans’ disability lawyer, Mike Rake deals with this system for you, helping you prove that your health limitations are service-connected—and helping you appeal for a higher rating and level of benefits.

    Call HNB Now!  
    A man in military fatigues sits at a coffee table talking to a counselor. Horenstein, Nicholson & Blumenthal’s

    Hear from HNB Clients:

    Adrien Kettler
    in Google Reviews

    “Their knowledge, dedication and diligence yielded success with my case. If you want professional representation and a firm that will fight for you, I highly recommend you contact Horenstein, Nicholson & Blumenthal.”

    Client Testimonial for Tim Wilson
    Tim Wilson
    on Facebook

    “HNB has a wonderful team of passionate attorneys who will work hard for you.”