It has been our experience that most Judges will offer the claimant’s attorney an opportunity to make an opening statement at the start of a Social Security hearing. However, unless the issues being decided are difficult or unusual, making an opening statement serves no purpose. It is always better to allow the Judge to control [...]
Peripheral Neuropathy And Social Security Disability
February 7, 2012 Leave a Comment
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition of the nervous system that can cause many symptoms including numbness, tingling, and burning. Peripheral neuropathy can be extremely disabling. At the hearing level, the Administrative Law Judge will want to see specific documentation from your physician in order to determine whether you meet Social Security’s disability criteria. Your doctor [...]
Preparing For Your Social Security Hearing: Keep A Journal
February 5, 2012 Leave a Comment
When a claimant retains our firm we make every possible effort to put them in the best position to secure a favorable decision on their claim. A very helpful tip that we often give out after we receive a date for their hearing is to have them keep a journal for two or three days. [...]
Filing Your Social Security Appeal Online
February 3, 2012 Leave a Comment
If you have been denied Social Security Disability benefits, you have a legal right to an appeal. Your appeal must be filed within 60 days of the decision denying your claim. Filing the appeal is relatively simple. The Social Security Administration’s website provided step-by-step assistance for those interested in appealing their claims. This process can [...]
Your Ability To Work With Anxiety And Depression
January 27, 2012 Leave a Comment
A large percentage of Social Security claims either are based on or include a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression. This means that the Social Security Administration is very familiar with the medical components of these conditions. The simple fact that you have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression will not automatically mean that you will [...]
Social Security And Overpayments
December 17, 2011 Leave a Comment
Federal Law allows the Social Security Administration to recover overpayments made to claimants. When an overpayment has been alleged, the claimant may request a waiver. To successfully secure a waiver of overpayment, a claimant must show that he or she was without fault in creating the overpayment and that requiring repayment would contravene the purpose [...]
Workers’ Compensation And “Jobs Express”
December 14, 2011 Leave a Comment
If you are partially disabled as a result of a work related injury, you have a legal obligation to remain attached to the labor market. This means that you must search for employment within your restrictions. The nature and extent of your job search will often determine whether or not you will continue to receive [...]
Private Disability Insurance Reimbursement
November 25, 2011 Leave a Comment
In some cases a Social Security applicant is already receiving payments from a private disability policy. If they are denied Social Security benefits and request a hearing it can be many months before a ruling is made in their case. It is important to understand that some private disability policies include a reimbursement clause which [...]
Medical Opinions In Social Security Cases
November 19, 2011 Leave a Comment
Social Security Judges are asked to consider many opinions when evaluating a claimant’s disability status. However, not all opinions are acceptable medical sources. Medical doctors or doctor of osteopathic medicine are acceptable medical sources. Psychologists, podiatrist, and optometrist are also acceptable medical sources. Other practitioners such as chiropractors, nurse practitioners, and physical therapists do not [...]
“Working” For Social Security Purposes
November 15, 2011 Leave a Comment
One of the criteria to qualify for Social Security benefits is that a claimant be deemed disabled under Social Security’s rules. A person cannot be disabled if they are working regardless of their medical conditions. However, the Social Security Administration will consider someone is “working” if they earn $1,000.00 or more per month. A person [...]
