Interested in learning more about what you can do to increase your chances of winning your disability hearing? As a Supplemental Security Income attorney, I can tell you that there are several things that you can do to increase the chances of winning a disability hearing.
First, medical documentation of your condition(s) as well as how it limits your ability to work. For example, I get people that call our office stating that they have been diagnosed with this condition or that condition, such as diabetes. Now diabetes can be a very severe condition, or it can be a very mild condition. The diagnosis is only part of the equation. How your diabetes limits you is the other part. Is it controlled? Are you insulin dependent? Do you have neuropathy?
Judges love “objective medical evidence”. MRI’s, X-Rays, blood tests, EKG, EEG’s. If you have a mental health claim or a claim such as chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia, which don’t have blood tests, you are going to need a lot more treatment documentation generally.
Second, a solid work history. There isn’t a whole lot you can do about this, but people with strong work history are given a lot more credibility with most Social Security ALJ’s.
Third, and this is very important. Help your disability lawyer. You help your disability lawyer by keeping him/her updated with your current contact information if you move or change phones.
You help your disability lawyer by understanding that Social Security doesn’t have to prove you are disabled. It is the burden of the person claiming they are disabled (you) to prove that person (you) is disabled.
You help your disability lawyer by being available. Nothing raises a red flag in my office more than someone who claims to be disabled that we can never reach or is never home when someone does answer.
You help your disability lawyer by informing them of treatment. On May 1, 2017 a new Social Security rule took effect that requires that all evidence be submitted or that the ALJ be notified you expect additional evidence at least 5 business days prior to your hearing. There are few exceptions. Many judges are being VERY strict on this. This can derail your case right at the end. If your disability lawyer does not know about the treatment, can you really blame them when you lose?
You help your disability lawyer by letting your disability attorney determine what is relevant evidence and what is not. As I stated above the absolute worst thing you can do is not tell your disability lawyer about treatment because “I didn’t think it was relevant”. An example we see of this is the client thinks their back issue is the worst thing they have and then win the case because their cardiac issue is so bad. Or another example is where “the doctor told me there was nothing she could do for me”. It can still be extremely relevant to the case. You hired a disability attorney for a reason. Let him or her do their job.
You help your disability lawyer by understanding this is a long process. Hiring a lawyer does not jump you in line to get a hearing. Calling and complaining about the wait to your lawyer does nothing to help your case. You help your case by documenting your conditions with the doctor. Use the wait to your advantage.
Think you may qualify for disability in Missouri or Arkansas? Would you like a free evaluation by an experienced Social Security Disability Lawyer to know your chances? Want answers on what you can do to benefit your family?
The Krebs Law Firm LLC offers a free case evaluation if you have questions about your Social Security disability claim. Many people may be worried that they do not have the money to pay for a Missouri disability lawyer or Northwest Arkansas Social Security disability lawyer, but we only handle Social Security cases on a contingent fee basis.
In other words, there is no fee unless we are successful in getting you the benefits that you deserve. If you would like to speak to Jason Krebs simply call (417) 883-5886 or Toll Free 1 800 345-0535 for your free case evaluation or to discuss your appeal today! Do not delay as you only have 60 days to ask for a reconsideration if you live in Arkansas and 60 days to appeal in Missouri.
Please note that filing out this form does not mean my office has accepted representation and no attorney client relationship is formed by submitting this form.
Also filing out this review form is not filing your appeal and this website in no way related to the Social Security Administration.