New Lawsuit Accuses NOSSCR of Retaliation and Governance Violations
Washington, D.C. – A newly filed lawsuit against the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) and its leadership presents serious allegations of retaliation, financial misconduct, and governance violations within the organization. The complaint, filed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia (Case No. 2025-CAB-000940), was brought by Nyman Turkish P.C. and Melissa Nyman, a longtime NOSSCR member and prominent advocate for Social Security Disability claimants.
According to the lawsuit, NOSSCR CEO David Camp and President Paul Burkhalter engaged in financial mismanagement and obstructed efforts to investigate potential self-dealing. The complaint states that Insurance Branch, a former NOSSCR donor, raised concerns about financial improprieties, including sponsorship payments allegedly being redirected to external entities, such as Essex Strategies, rather than supporting NOSSCR’s intended programs. Despite repeated requests from board members for an independent audit, NOSSCR leadership allegedly ignored calls for financial transparency and protected Camp instead of holding him accountable.
Retaliation Against Advocates Calling for Transparency
The lawsuit asserts that in response to demands for an audit, NOSSCR retaliated against key board members who sought accountability. In January 2025, board member Natalie Keeve was abruptly suspended, along with other board members, in what the lawsuit describes as an ultra vires action—a violation of NOSSCR’s own bylaws, which do not authorize such suspensions.
The complaint further alleges that on February 3, 2025, NOSSCR CEO David Camp rescinded the membership of Melissa Nyman without cause or explanation. This decision was arbitrary and violated NOSSCR’s bylaws, which only allow for membership termination under specific conditions—none of which applied to Nyman. The lawsuit contends that this action was a direct retaliation for her law firm’s involvement in exposing financial misconduct.
Severe Emotional and Professional Harm
The lawsuit details the devastating personal and professional impact of Nyman’s membership revocation. The sudden expulsion allegedly caused significant emotional distress, culminating in a medical emergency and miscarriage while she was traveling abroad. Additionally, NOSSCR’s leadership intentionally copied competing disability law firms on the email notifying her of her membership termination, damaging her professional reputation and casting doubt on her ability to represent clients.
“This is an egregious abuse of power,” said Stuart G. Nash, attorney for the plaintiffs. “Rather than addressing serious allegations of financial mismanagement, NOSSCR’s leadership retaliated against those advocating for accountability—going so far as to jeopardize the health and career of a respected disability attorney.”
Legal Claims and Relief Sought
The plaintiffs are seeking:
- Immediate reinstatement of Melissa Nyman’s NOSSCR membership.
- An injunction preventing NOSSCR from taking further retaliatory actions.
- Compensatory damages for financial, reputational, and emotional harm.
- Punitive damages for the intentional infliction of emotional distress.
This lawsuit follows a related case (Case No. 2025-CAB-000647 – NOSSCR Lawsuit), which also accuses NOSSCR leadership of financial mismanagement. The filing further amplifies concerns over NOSSCR’s governance practices and its handling of internal dissent.
“This case is about more than one person—it’s about protecting the integrity of an organization that thousands of Social Security Disability professionals rely on,” added Nash. “We cannot allow a culture of retaliation and secrecy to undermine the rights of advocates and the vulnerable clients they serve.”
About Nyman Turkish P.
Nyman Turkish P.C. is a nationally recognized disability law firm with offices in California, Florida, and Michigan. With a strong reputation for fighting for the rights of disabled Americans, the firm has helped thousands of clients navigate the Social Security Disability process. (Nyman Turkish P.C. – National Social Security Disability Firm)
About NOSSCR
The National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) is a nonprofit association founded in 1979, dedicated to supporting Social Security Disability attorneys and advocates. It provides legal resources, education, and legislative advocacy to improve disability programs. Recent lawsuits have raised concerns about financial transparency and governance issues within the organization. (National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) – NOSSCR Lawsuit 2025)
📌 Track the Cases Here:
🔗 D.C. Superior Court Case Link – NOSSCR LAWSUIT #001 (Case No. 2025-CAB-000647)
🔗 D.C. Superior Court Case Link – NOSSCR LAWSUIT #002 (Case No. 2025-CAB-000940)
