Lawyers

Do not give up!

There are 2 levels before the hearing. The people who review the applications are swamped with files. They probably only take a few minutes to determine whether you are eligible.

You cannot quit if you are denied at these levels. You must appeal.

The Administrative Law Judge will give your case the most detailed review than the lower levels. The Judge is a lawyer who knows the Social Security laws and rules.

But what if you are denied at the Hearing level?

You can still appeal after the hearing. It is rare to see a reversal from the Appeals Council, however, remands for another hearing happen more often.

I have also seen cases when a person is denied at hearing, and a new application is filed and Social Security will approve the person for disability benefits.

None of this will happen if you give up.

Social Security looks beyond the diagnosis of back problems.

For example, back strains, herniated discs, discectomies, and fusions.

But the practical aspect of Social Security Disability is that surgeries, especially multiple surgeries, for back problems are important to the Judges.

Ongoing pain management is also important. The prescription of narcotic pain medications can limit your daily activities because of side effects.

Social Security wants to know how a person’s functions are limited.

Does pain reduce your concentration?

Do you spend most of your time reclining or lying down?

Is your lifting limited to small amounts?

Questions about your back condition and Social Security Disability? Feel free to call Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Once you turn 50 years of age the requirements are not as strict for being found disabled.

Why?

Social Security has set its rules to arbitrarily make it easier for those 50 years and above.

The theory is that as we age it becomes more difficult for us to adjust to changes in work environment, and certain limitations make it harder to perform different types of jobs.

This does not mean that you cannot win your disability case if you are under 50 years of age.

In fact, many people under 50 years of age are found disabled. You just need to know what the rules require and what Social Security is looking for.