Caution if you are thinking about hiring this lawyer
I was a client with a Summer 2023 hearing date. Donald Busta talks well on the phone, but it feels like they spent far too little time on my case. I waited months between contact points with the firm and only discussed my case the day before my hearing.
We only talked about how I should personally describe my case myself and a work history question. Be aware my medical history has thousands of pages, as I'm a 100% P&T VA-rated veteran. Not knowing the process, I thought everything would run smoothly. After my case was denied, I briefly talked with Mr. Busta about appealing the decision. I agreed. A day or two later, I called his office to request a detailed discussion about the appeal process and to go over the nuances of the case.
I was dismayed because I found out that the appeal did not outline any discrepancies between my medical history and the administration judge's gross misinterpretation of my medical data. For example, my court decision had language claiming that I was female when I was a man. It also claimed that I have had no behavioral health treatment when I have had extensive treatment, which is one of the primary reasons I am 100% P&T V.A. rated. The following week, I had numerous medical appointments due to my deteriorating medical and mental health. This included severe S.I. When I was stable, I called the office to follow up. I was told that Mr. Busta was in a hearing, and I asked if he was available the following day. His secretary said to me that I would get a call shortly. Two days later, I received a USPS-secured letter that my wife signed stating that I was dropped as a client due to the appeal being denied, and Mr. Busta was not confident in my case.
I'm frustrated that I've wasted two years of my life on SSDI when, statistically, my life expectancy is much shorter than the average American. The day I received the letter stating that my case was dropped, I tried to call but was repeatedly told that my case was closed.
I'm at a loss. My mental health symptoms are deteriorating. I honestly can not recommend Mr. Busta at this point.
Updated: I did have a 9 min conversation about my case with Mr. Busta after I sent him this review over email. Basically, all the time effort I put in is a wash. I would avoid hiring Mr. Busta. He was full of platitudes over the phone. I question his professional ethic on my case.
