Understanding the Social Security Appeals Process

by | Jan 24, 2014 | Lawyers

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If you are like most people, then you probably don?t understand what filing for disability benefits entails. A competent attorney can fight for your rights, and it is vital to have a professional that can effectively represent your interests. It is especially essential that you have a capable lawyer if you have been denied benefits at least once, because the process of getting approved through appeals can be long and hard. If you want to appeal a Social Security denial in NC, then your attorney will help you determine what approach should be taken to appeal your case. When a person is denied benefits, they have 60 days to appeal the decision. Once you submit a request for reconsideration, the claim will be sent to a different adjudicator than the one that reviewed your case the first time. If your claim is denied a second time, then you may have to go to court to have your case heard before an Administrative Law Judge.

The Importance of a Good Attorney

Your attorney will be important during the hearing stage, because you will need them to know how to navigate the process with you. Your attorney will be able to submit new evidence and help you obtain and submit statements from your doctors, which can improve your chances of an approval. Your attorney will prepare a pre hearing brief, addressing all of the important aspects of your case, and explaining to the judge why you should be approved based on Social Security?s rules and regulations. An attorney will also help you during the hearing proceedings, as they will cross examine vocational and medical experts, ask you questions to support your claim, and present an explanation to the judge as to why you should be approved for benefits. Once your case has been heard, it typically takes about 60 to 90 days to receive a decision from the Administrative Law Judge. This amount of time can vary, depending on the case load of the hearing office.

Gathering Your Medical Evidence

In order to have your best possible chance at an approval for Social Security disability, it is important to have your application completed in full, make sure all supporting medical evidence is received by social security, and try to get a statement from your doctor supporting your case. Having the support of your doctor is a big plus for Social Security applications at all stages, so it is important to have as much documentation from your doctor as you can possibly get. This could include medical statements, test results, and detailed physician notes.? A SSD law firm can help you make sure that all medical evidence is requested and submitted to Social Security, and improve your chances of a successful outcome.

The Clauson Law Firm can help if you want to appeal a Social Security denial in NC. They have years of experience in navigating the Social Security disability benefits claims process.

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