Source: 9 Answers To Burning Questions About Social Security – NoPhysicalTermLife.com
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John Hawthorne provides some good information regarding Social Security that you need to know. If you have paid into the Social Security system the required number of quarters, then you will be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits you are unable to work.
I have represented Social Security Disability claimants for a number of years and this is what I would imagine an Administrative Law Judge would tell you about the hearing process.
Q: What is your main job?
A: My role is to come up with a fair decision after applying the facts and Social Security rules and law. This involves asking the claimant a number of questions for approximately one hour, and reviewing the medical records usually covering a two to three year period.
Q: What would you tell someone who is going to appear before you for their disability hearing?
A: The hearing is different from television legal shows or other courtrooms in a number of ways. As the Judge I spend a great deal of time asking the person seeking disability a number of questions. The questions include background questions about their living arrangements, daily activities, ability to perform chores, symptoms and limitations as result of their conditions. I will often ask why they cannot work a job. At the end of the hearing I will ask a vocational consultant how certain limitations effect the ability to perform jobs.
Q: What is the most important thing you look for in deciding whether a person is disabled?
A: The medical records tell the real story. People who do not go the doctor on a regular basis do not have much of a chance to win their case. The law requires a person to prove their case. The observations of medical personnel, medical tests such as an xray, mri, breathing test, or heart test are important ways of proving the basis for pain and limitations. There are certainly other ways such as disability parking placard forms and prescriptions for braces, canes, walkers also.
Q: What advice would you give to someone seeking disability?
A: Make sure get professional help from the beginning. The disability process is long and complex. The Social Security law only allows a lawyer to be paid if they win your case. Social Security Disability benefits, in most situations, cover your lifetime. The attorney fee is a small amount in comparison to lifetime benefits.
As I mentioned this is what I think a Social Security Judge would tell you based on my experience. Specific questions about your case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.
Source: Social Security disability fund benefiting from longer lag times | TheHill
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The bottom line is that the longer the wait to get a response to your disability claim, the more people who give up or die. Horrible way to save money but that is the consequence. More Judges, staff and lawyers needed to run the disability system and get decisions completed faster.
For 31-year-old Wayne Swier, a U.S. Army combat veteran who suffered devastating injuries from an improvised explosive device seven years ago in Afghanistan, this summer should have been a season
Source: For disabled vet, battle rages on as feds deny disability payments | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Sounds crazy but lots of dealings with Social Security are difficult to believe. Make sure you have a lawyer at your side. It does not cost you anything until Social Security actually pays you.
Do not wait to strengthen your Social Security Disability case.
Social Security must make two decisions in your case.
First, are you disabled.
Second, if you are disabled when did you become disabled.
Strong evidence will help get the earliest possible disability onset date.
This means more money for you.
Tip number 1: go to the doctor early and often and tell the doctor about how your condition limits you. For example, my legs swell all the time and I need to elevate them on the couch for most of the day.
Tip number 2: get xrays, MRIs, and any tests that will objectively prove your problems. For example, arthritis shows up on xrays. Spine problems may show up on MRIs. EMGs may show nerve problems. Social Security places a lot of value on objective tests that support pain complaints.
Tip number 3: get prescriptions for canes, walkers, braces. Social Security gives more weight to prescriptions because the doctor is acknowledging your need for assistance.
Tip number 4: get a disability placard for parking. The doctor completes these forms if you have problems walking and standing. Many jobs require extensive walking and standing.
Tip number 5: get help with your disability application and appeals. Social Security will look at every answer you give so make sure that you respond properly.
Questions about your Social Security Disability claim? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.