There have been a lot of newspaper stories recently about Social Security Disability.
The stories focus on Judges who approve too many cases, and lawyers who take advantage of the system, and how Social Security may run out of money in the next 5 to 10 years.
The media focus, Congressional inquiries, and background noise may result in policy changes and changes in the law, and ultimately may influence Administrative Law Judges in individual cases.
Some recent changes are restrictions in how much access a claimant has to the Appeals Council for appeals from Social Security Disability denials, and not giving the name of the Judge until the day of the hearing.
Future changes may tighten the definition of disability.
A practical affect may be that Judges are looking over their shoulder when they make favorable decisions.
The subtle pressure is to deny the case when in doubt.
Questions about your Social Security Disability claim? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.