how to win a disability case without attorney

by Ned Zieme 10 min read

How to Win a Disability Appeal Without a Lawyer

  • Filing for Reconsideration. When filing for reconsideration, the first thing you need to do is make sure you file your request promptly.
  • Requesting for Hearing. Like the request for reconsideration, you only have 60 days to request a hearing with the ALJ. ...
  • Preparing for Hearing. Most denied disability claims get approved during the ALJ hearing. That’s why you need to prepare yourself for it physically and mentally.
  • Representing Yourself at the Hearing. If you don’t have legal representation at the hearing, the judge won’t expect you to act like an attorney.
  • After the Hearing. If you feel like there are questions you haven’t fully answered during the hearing, you can ask permission from the judge to explain it in writing.
  • VICTOR MALCA LAW – A TRUSTED NAME IN FLORIDA. Victor Malca P.A. has over 25 years of litigation experience in Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability lawsuits.

Like the request for reconsideration, you only have 60 days to request a hearing with the ALJ. You can submit the request online or print the forms (Form SSA-3441, Form SSA-827, Form HA-501) and bring it to the SSA office nearest you. They also accept applications by phone. Just contact your local SSA office.Jul 5, 2020

Full Answer

Do I need an attorney to win a disability hearing?

Top Ways to Increase Chances of Winning Disability Claim Ensure That Your Application is Complete. Keep Accurate and Complete Medical Documentation. Maintain a Good Relationship With Your Physician (s) Keep Close Tabs on the Status of Your Claim. Follow up on all Treatment Recommendations. Hire an Experienced Social Security Disability Attorney.

Can I win a disability case without having seen a doctor?

Who can get disability benefits without a disability lawyer? 1. You have a condition which is listed on the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program list. If you are a SSI or SSDI applicant who has a condition ... 2. You have a condition which meets or exceeds a listing on the SSA Listing of ...

What if I go to a social security hearing without an attorney?

There is no guarantee of winning a disability hearing with or without the presence of competent and experienced social security representative or attorney.Individuals who have been denied on their request for reconsideration (the first appeal which comes immediately after a denial on an initial disability application) and have now come to the point of having to submit their second …

How can I make the most compelling disability case?

Occasionally, a disability attorney might pay for you to be examined by a doctor who will submit a report for Social Security. Due to the expense involved, however, most attorneys only elect this option in cases where their clients' problems are obvious but undocumented. In other words, disability attorneys will risk their own (or their firm's ...

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How can I increase my chances of getting disability?

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Disability BenefitsFile Your Claim as Soon as Possible. ... Make an Appeal within 60 Days. ... Provide Full Details of Medical Treatment. ... Provide Proof of Recent Treatment. ... Report your Symptoms Accurately. ... Provide Medical Evidence. ... Provide Details of your Work History.More items...•Oct 20, 2019

How do you win a disability case?

Tips for Winning Your Social Security Disability HearingHire a Qualified Disability Lawyer or Advocate. ... Do Whatever It Takes to Get There. ... Understand That Appearances Matter. ... Be Familiar with Your Case and Your Medical Records. ... Keep in Contact with Your Lawyer. ... Do Not Minimize the Effects of Your Disability.More items...•Aug 10, 2018

What are the chances of getting approved for Social Security disability?

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average acceptance rate of initial applications is 22 percent, and approximately 63 percent of SSDI applications are denied.

What should you not say in a disability interview?

The following five statements should never be announced at your disability hearing.“I can't work because no one will hire me.” ... “I don't know why I'm here. ... “I don't do chores because my significant other, friend or family member does them.” ... “I have never used drugs or alcohol in my life.”More items...•Oct 17, 2014

What do disability judges look for?

Every claimant in a disability hearing will be asked to state their full name, Social Security number and mailing address. You will also be asked how old you are, your date of birth, height and weight.Mar 15, 2022

What does a disabled person do all day?

ADLs are important for many different impairments, and are especially important with mental disorders. ADLs include things like shopping, cooking, getting around (either by public transportation or by driving yourself), cooking, paying bills, being able to take care of your personal hygiene, and so on.

What is the most approved disability?

Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.Dec 16, 2021

What states are hardest to get disability?

Oklahoma is the hardest state to get for Social Security disability. This state has an SSDI approval rate of only 33.4% in 2020 and also had the worst approval rate in 2019 with 34.6% of SSDI applications approved. Alaska had the second-worst approval rate, with 35.3% of applications approved in 2020 and 36.2% in 2019.

Why is it so hard to get on disability?

#1: Lack of Hard Medical Evidence Many Social Security Disability claims are denied due to a lack of solid medical evidence. If you want to qualify for disability benefits you will need to prove that you are unable to work due to your disabling condition.Aug 10, 2018

How would you describe pain to a disability judge?

Pain is often hard to describe, but you should do your best to relate your pain as specifically as possible to the judge. This would include telling the judge what type of pain you experience (burning, stabbing, etc.), how often you experience it, and how you would quantify it (for example, on a scale of 1 to 10).

What can you not say to a disability judge?

Do not say things like, “I want to work” or “If I could work, I would.” By saying such statements, a judge may get the picture that you could possibly work. The point is that there are some people with extreme disabilities who do work but this is not the point that you should be making at your hearing.

Can you get disability for depression and anxiety?

If you have anxiety and/or depression, you may have trouble holding a job or earning enough money to support yourself. The Social Security Administration offers SSDI benefits for mental health-related disabilities, including anxiety and depression.Dec 31, 2020

What is a CE exam?

If your file contains insufficient medical evidence, in many cases Disability Determination Services (DDS) will arrange for you to attend a consultative examination (CE) with a doctor paid by Social Security. With few exceptions, the physicians who perform the "independent" disability exams for Social Security rarely write reports favorable ...

How long does a disability exam last?

Oftentimes the consulting doctor specializes in an area of medicine completely unrelated to your alleged impairment, and performs a perfunctory exam that lasts fifteen minutes or less .

Can you file for disability if you are unable to work?

If you're filing for disability benefits because you're unable to work, Social Security requires that your impairments be documented with medical evidence. The strength of a disability claim often depends on the nature and quantity of the medical treatment received. In some cases, however, an individual may be found disabled even ...

Morristown Social Security Disability Lawyers on Your Team

The best way to ensure that your claim is properly handled the first time is to have an East Tennessee Social Security Disability attorney on your side. With quality representation, you can significantly increase your chance of being approved for benefits.

Contact a Social Security Lawyer for Help Winning Your Disability Claim

Our Morristown attorneys handle Social Security Disability cases from the initial application stage through administrative hearings and federal court. We will properly prepare your application and the medical evidence of your disability.

Can I check my SSDI status?

Checking the status of your Social Security disability claim can help speed up your case. Here's some advice from a former examiner on applying for and winning your SSDI or SSI disability case. Only certain types of doctors are allowed to make disability decisions on certain types of claims.

Is it hard to file for Social Security?

Filing for social security can be a complicated and long process. Here are some common mistakes to avoid. The Social Security Disability Benefits process is frustrating for most people. You have to fill out numerous forms, talk to numerous people about your disability...

How long will it take to process my SSI or SSDI disability case?

One of the most common questions is, “How long will this take to process my SSA disability claim?” Unfortunately the answer really depends on your health condition. The most severe mental or physical health conditions are contained on what the SSA calls their Social Security Administration (SSA) Listing of Impairments (also known as the Blue Book).

Steps to expediting your SSI or SSDI claim if it does not meet a listing

Now that we have determined that your condition does not meet a listing and you will have to file an appeal there are some simple steps that if you have not done them already should be done now to speed up your disability case.

What is the step 3 of the ALJ?

Tell the Judge what it is like to be you: At Step 3 you appear before an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”). It’s at Step 3 that the Agency actually puts you under oath and asks you questions. It is also at Step 3 where you get to tell the judge what it’s like to be you. THIS IS YOUR BEST CHANCE OF WINNING.

How do I contact Social Security Disability?

This is all we do. 1- (804)-733-3100. (We do not charge anything to review a claim.)

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