Each year, millions of people apply for financial assistance from the Social Security Administration (SSA) due to a significant health condition that limits their ability to work. While many of these individuals are rightfully disabled and in need of help, only a third of claimants are approved at the initial level of the disability claim process.
Individuals who have been twice denied disability benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA) during the initial phases of the application process may request an appeals hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
During an appeals hearing, claimants are asked to answer questions about their health condition, as well as about their past employment history, acquired skills, and experience. In a majority of disability cases, the ALJ requests the presence of a vocational expert at the hearing.
The vast majority of Social Security Disability applicants are initially denied benefits. In fact, claimants have less than a 35% chance of approval during the early stages of the process. Individuals who have been denied benefits do not have to give up hope of obtaining the financial assistance that they so desperately need. Claimants have the option of filing an appeal with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Due to the high volume of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications that cross the desk of the Social Security Administration (SSA), disability claimants often must wait a substantial amount of time for a decision on their claim.
Those who have already faced denials during the initial application and reconsideration process now await an appeals hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ). The good news is that the majority of disability claims are won at this level.
Claimants who apply for financial assistance from the Social Security Administration (SSA) due to a disability may receive a notice to appear at a consultative exam, or CE. A consultative exam is typically requested when there is insufficient medical evidence in your file to determine the existence or severity of a disability. A CE might be required if your treating physician has not thoroughly documented your health condition, if your doctor has not responded to information requests, or if you have not been seen by a medical provider for a considerable amount of time.
The moment that an individual is unable to do a substantial amount of work as a result of a health condition, he or she should apply for Social Security disability benefits. As a result of the high number of disability applicants, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a backlog of cases, often resulting in substantial wait times. The sooner that an individual applies for financial assistance from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, the quicker their application will begin to be processed.
Each year over 133,000 Americans die as a result of a stroke injury. What makes this number so devastating is that the vast majority of strokes are preventable. Strokes are the leading cause of disability in the United States.
Depending on the type and severity, it’s entirely possible that individuals who have experienced a stroke are no longer able to work. If this is the case for you, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
If you have applied for Social Security Disability and have been denied, you have the right to appeal the Social Security Administration’s decision. The first step of the appeal process is to request a reconsideration. The claimant will receive a new ruling by someone who had no part in the first decision. Should you still disagree with the decision, you have the right to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Over 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that occurs in the mouth, sinuses, or throat. While anyone can develop oral cancer, the risk is much higher for those who use tobacco or drink excessive alcohol.
The Social Security disability application process can be overwhelming, especially during a time that your health is suffering. While you are not required to hire a lawyer who specializes in Social Security disability cases, you will likely find it to be extremely beneficial.
A Social Security disability attorney has experience dealing with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, as a result, is very skilled at handling the various issues that may arise throughout the application process.
