With approval rates declining for Social Security Disability cases, hiring an attorney or advocate is more important than ever.
Unfortunately, most potential clients who visit our office may be unaware that appointing a representative for their case can increase the possibility of receiving a favorable ruling because of our experience and knowledge which is necessary to effectively present a disability case. Necessary steps such as pinpointing an Alleged Onset Date (AOD), gathering medical records, and preparing the client for their hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) are tasks which our attorney staff perform each day for all of the accounts. When you can breakdown the necessary steps in applying for Social Security Disability, you will more than likely find that it is in the Claimants best interest to appoint an attorney to represent them.
Prior to the Hearing, the Claimant will be fully prepared twice: First by a trained Case Manager and then by the Attorney or Authorized Representative who will represent them at the Hearing. The setting and nature of the proceeding will be fully explained to the client. In addition,And Benefits For All will prepare the applicant by asking the same hypothetical questions that will be asked at the Hearing by the ALJ. When appropriate, it is currently our practice to submit a Pre-Hearing brief to the ALJ in advance of an anticipated difficult Hearing. It has been our experience that briefs serve a valuable function and often result in “on-the record” favorable decisions, thereby eliminating the need for an oral Hearing.
As part of our preparation we will also interview and prepare necessary and cooperative witnesses for the Hearing. This could include, but not be limited to, relatives, friends, private social workers, clergymen, psychologists, and physicians.
When the medical records do not justify a successful appeal, we will also make a recommendation to withdraw the hearing, if justified.
All documentary evidence (medical records, etc.) will have been gathered and submitted with the brief prior to the Hearing. This would include Mental and Physical Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) questionnaire forms and medical records. It is also permissible to submit forms and records at the time of the Hearing and this will also be done, if necessary. In all cases, pertinent medical records and all other documentation will be submitted electronically to the proper OHO office so that it will be associated immediately with the proper SSA Claimant Exhibit File.
Call And Benefits For All today at 1-888-755-0077 for your free screening and consultation!
