Associate Daniel Messenger
Disability Attorney
Law office of Bemis, Roach & Reed
Social Security Disability Attorney
4100 Duval Road Bldg. 1 #200
Austin, Texas 78759
“If you are looking for a law firm to help you with disability look no further. I tried to get disability on my own and it was difficult and frustrating. I found Bemis Roach and Reed online and took a chance. It was the best decision. Thanks to Daniel Messenger I won my case. Also when it was all said and done their cost was extremely reasonable and affordable. “
– Josh P. Yelp 2023.
Daniel has experience in a wide range of legal practice areas including immigration law, corporate law, veterans affairs, labor and employment law, animal law and class-action litigation.
He also worked as chief researcher for a legal academic who published works covering several VA topics, including disability and other issues for those serving in the military.
Born and raised on a cattle farm in Tennessee, Mr. Messenger worked as a third-generation farmer prior to law school.
Daniel worked as a volunteer at Kid’s Club, mentoring and tutoring youth in after-school programs, as a volunteer for Austin Pets Alive! and enjoyed spending time with his dog, Rowdy. Before transferring to Texas State, he played football for the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor where his team won the American Southwest Conference in the 2010. Daniel enjoys reading, running, hiking, and playing music.
In 2017 Mr. Messenger decided to focus his law practice exclusively on Disability Law when he joined the Texas disability law firm of Bemis, Roach & Reed.
His clients have included those seeking long term disability insurance, including ERISA plans, and Social Security disability. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, the Southern District of Texas, the Western District of Texas and the Eastern District of Texas.
- Bemis, Roach & Reed
Highly experienced in Social Security Disability law and Long Term disability – ERISA litigation. - Additional Legal Work
Well rounded experience in several additional legal fields including: Veterans Affairs, Immigration Law, Corporate Law, In-House Counsel, Labor and Employment Law, Animal Law, and Class Action Litigation.
- All State Courts of Texas
- U.S. District Courts, All Texas Districts
- State Bar of Texas
- Board Member for The Public Interest Law Project
- Editor: Animal Law Review, Lewis & Clark, 2016-2018
- Member: The Immigration Student Group
- Chief Researcher for a legal academic that published works on veterans issues including disability.
- Moore v. Kijakazi(SSA)
- Manning v. Kijakazi (SSA)
- Haynes v. Principal
SSDI Migraines and Impaired Cognition Claim
We were hired by a Travis County resident who was suffering from a number of impairments including intracranial hypertension, migraines, and impaired cognition which prevented him from working.
The Social Security Administration originally determined the claimant to have no severe physical impairments and that the claimant could perform a range of light work, consequently he was denied disability benefits. At the hearing our attorney Daniel Messenger presented additional medical evidence and testimony that his client suffered from intercranial hypertension, causing migraine headaches and cannot sustain employment due to dizziness, lightheadedness, memory problems, and deficits in concentration associated with his medical condition.
On appeal the judge found the SSA’s original opinion was incorrect and awarded our client full disability benefits.
SSDI Degenerative Disc Disease, Depressive Disorder, and PTSD Claim
A client from Central Texas had applied for disability for Degenerative Disc Disease,
Depressive Disorder, and PTSD and was denied benefits by the SSA who stated he was still able to maintain employment.
During the hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, Daniel Messenger represented the client and presented medical evidence concerning the client’s back pain as well as findings of PTSD and depression. Taking into account the client’s level of residual functioning capacity, we successfully demonstrated to the vocational expert that, considering the claimant’s age and work experience, there were no available job opportunities suitable for the claimant.
The judge then awarded our client full disability benefits.
SSDI Long-Covid-19 Claim
A client from East Texas hired us to appeal his disability denial.
Unfortunately, he was experiencing degenerative disc disease, post-viral Covid fatigue syndrome, sensorineural hearing loss, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In its denial the Social Security Administration stated that the claimant did not have an impairment or combination of impairments that meets or medically equals the severity of one of the listed impairments and that the claimant was capable of a light residual functional capacity. The claimant’s mental capacity was assessed by the psychological consultants of the SSA, who determined that the client possessed a semi-skilled capacity with moderate limitations in performing detailed tasks. Mr. Messenger presented significant medical and psychological evidence demonstrating that the client had a neurocognitive disorder due to Covid-19 and demonstrated a significant decline in mental functioning following his illness, as well as the development of memory issues.
The judge found that considering the claimant’s age, education, work experience, and residual functional capacity, there were no jobs that exist that the claimant could perform and his appeal was ruled fully favorable and was granted disability benefits.
“Bemis Roach and Reed and their staff were the epitome of professional and caring people which do not always go together. I could not have done it without their help and assistance. I am and was extremely satisfied with their knowledge, professionalism and attention to detail, I would recommend this firm whole heartedly for any legal services that they provide. Thank you sincerely Daniel Messenger and Amber Wooten for all your support and help. Sincerely Tracy”
– Tracy L. Google 2024.
“Overwhelmingly positive and highly effective counsel. Based on a myriad of positive reviews, I contacted Bemis, Roach, and Reed and immediately received expert communication and crystal-clear expectation management. I knew I made the right choice and within two days, we forged a strong attorney-client relationship. Assuming I am one of their many clients, I always felt that I was their priority. A special “thank you” to my dedicated team (Daniel Messenger, Lloyd Bemis, and Amber Woods) for their individual and collective preparation and execution. “
– Matthew K. Yelp 2023.
Your Free Initial Consultation
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At Bemis, Roach and Reed, if we can't help you, we will try to find the right attorneys for you.
We offer each of our prospective clients a free no obligation one hour phone or office consultation to see if we can help you and if you are comfortable with us. We know how difficult a time like this can be and how hard the decisions are. If we can be of assistance to you and help you find a solution to your issue we will, even if that means referring you to another attorney.
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If you could provide us with some basic information about your claim we will get right back with you with a free case evaluation and schedule your Free Consultation Today.
You can also email us at: contact@brrlaw.com
Kind Words from Our Clients
“The attorneys and staff at Bemis, Roach & Reed have provided me and my husband, Jeff, with stellar advice, care, and service. They made navigating the SSDI process easy, painless, and as timely as possible. During this difficult time in our lives it was a tremendous relief to know they were on our side and keeping us updated on next steps and timelines. We also had questions about my husband’s long term disability insurance and they helped us get those questions answered and resolved without any additional fee. I highly recommend Bemis, Roach & Reed.” – Kelli G
“I needed a lawyer for my case and had googled best lawyers. They came up first on my list and decided to give them a call. From the moment I called I knew I chose the right people. They said they would fight for me and fight they did. They knew what they were doing and kept good communication throughout the process. If you need someone that will listen, understand, and fight then these are the people. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.” – Marcel L.
“I’ve had a great experience working with Bemis, Roach & Reed for my disability case. I spent two years fighting on my own, until I was informed to look for a disability lawyer. Right away, sending in questions was a breeze, and from the moment my case was accepted, everything became a major weight off my shoulders. My newest appeal was filed for me, my medical records and case history sorted for me, and I could finally focus on my appointments and treatment with a little less worry. Everything was explained to me in a way that made sense, the process was set out in an easy to understand way. And, just like that, at the beginning of July 2023, my claim was accepted!” – Sunshinemutt