DISABILITY PAYMENT TRENDS DOWN - BUT APPEAL ANYWAY

Only a few years ago, the local disability hearing office was approving around 50 percent of claims that came up for hearings.  We call those the good old days.  Today, the local award rate is around 38 percent, the lowest in the history of the Social Security disability program.  It's part of a national trend.

 The plunge in award rates should not discourage you from appealing your Social Security denial if you truly feel you are unable to work because of a serious mental or physical impairment.  It should make you more savvy and more careful, however, as you fight to win your benefits.  

 If you are not represented you need to research the requirements for Social Security disability benefits.  You have to know what must be proven in order to win.  Don't leave anything to chance--hoping that everything will just work out right.  It probably won't.  There is the truth you can prove and the truth you can't prove.  Set out to achieve the truth with proof.  It's called justice.  And it doesn't happen by chance.
  • Engage the help of a treating doctor.  
  • Beyond routine medical records, get a Medical Source Statement from your doctor.
  • Try to define your Residual Function Capacity before you attend the hearing.
  • Be ready to state your specific symptoms and why they are severe enough to prevent you from working.  This must be supported by medical evidence (doctors).
  • Learn the most common pitfalls and landmines in Social Security hearings and prepare to avoid them.
  • Almost 90 percent of claimants are represented (and there is a reason for that) - Should you be represented?
  • Consider a local representative that you can talk to and meet with easily.  The 1-800 guys out of Las Vegas or Miami may sound good but they'll be hard to meet with. And your hearing will be right here in North Alabama!

 

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