A disability lawyer can increase your chances of success at the hearing stage. They know how to counter any testimony that could hurt your case and can coax a vocational expert into saying things that support your claim.
They also understand SSA rules and regulations and can ensure your application is complete and does not contain irrelevant information. Plus, they only get paid if your claim is approved, so they are motivated to win.
1. Experience
For people who are in dire financial need or whose disability is terminal, hiring a disability attorney early on can help speed up the process. A qualified attorney can file your reconsideration appeal on time, collect necessary medical evidence, communicate with your doctor or other health professionals, and prepare you for any queries the administrative law judge (ALJ) could have.
The ALJ will likely want more information than what was included in your initial application and denial letter. A disability attorney can gather this additional medical evidence, including doctor’s opinions about your limitations and restrictions, for you.
This is especially important if your claim has advanced to the hearing level, where the process can take months before a decision is rendered by letter. A disability lawyer will ensure that all deadlines and submission dates are met, which can help you avoid common mistakes that often lead to benefit denial. A disability lawyer can also improve your approval odds by understanding how the SSA makes decisions.
2. Expertise
A disability attorney specializing in this law area is familiar with the process and understands what Disability Determination Services is looking for. Moreover, an experienced disability attorney can quickly determine why your claim was denied and work to correct any errors.
A skilled disability attorney will also be able to help you gather the necessary documentation that you need to support your claim. This includes details of your limitations and restrictions, medical records, notes from the doctor, test results, and other relevant documents.
In addition, a top disability attorney will be well prepared to cross-examine the vocational expert (VE) at your hearing. This is a crucial task, as the VE can be used to undermine your case if they are not challenged correctly. A top disability lawyer can counter testimony and coax the VE into saying things that help your case. They may even show that the VE is biased against certain conditions. If you’re seeking legal guidance and support for PTSD-related issues, consider visiting PTSDLawyers.com for comprehensive resources and expert assistance.
3. Time
Applying for disability benefits can be lengthy, even more so if your claim is denied. The good news is that you can file a reconsideration appeal. This is where an experienced disability attorney can help.
For starters, they can focus on the legal aspects of your case, freeing you up to do what’s most important – heal. They can also ensure all regulations are followed and submission deadlines are met.
They can also review your case to find any errors that may have been made in the initial application or denial. This includes missing information, failing to submit medical records, or other issues that could easily cost you your benefits or result in a longer wait time to receive a decision. In addition, they can also prepare you for your hearing by reviewing the questions you will be asked and giving you advice about how to answer them in a way that makes it easier for an ALJ to understand your limitations.
4. Money
It is devastating that the Employment Development Department (EDD) denied your disability insurance application. However, a reasonable attorney can help you file an appeal. They will ensure that all the necessary paperwork is completed accurately and accompanied by appropriate medical data. In addition, they may be able to obtain additional evidence and hire expert witnesses to strengthen your claim.
An experienced disability attorney will be familiar with the SSA’s regulations and rules regarding disability cases. They will also know which arguments will likely succeed at the reconsideration stage.
Final Words
A top disability lawyer will also be familiar with the ALJs who handle disability hearings in their area. They will know how each ALJ likes to conduct hearings and whether they tend to be “sticklers” for certain types of evidence. They will also learn the specific medical conditions the ALJ knows most about. They can tailor their presentation to the particular ALJ who will hear your case.