When you appear before a Social Security judge for a hearing, there are four possible outcomes:

1. you will be approved
2. you will be denied
3. your case will be continued to another date for a supplemental hearing
4. the judge will issue a "partially favorable" decision

Over the past couple of years I have noticed an increase in the number of partially favorable decisions I am receiving.  I think this is because my clients, especially low income clients, do not have access to regular medical care and judges are using consultative exam reports to move the alleged onset dates.

Here is an example of what I mean:  a couple of weeks ago, I tried a case before a judge who is generally considered to be very reluctant to approve cases.  At the time of the hearing my client was a month shy of her 52nd birthday.  She had a 10th grade education and past work as a short order cook.  She alleged disability due to uncontrolled diabetes, numbness in her feet and hands, vision issues and pain.

She last worked 3 years previously, when she was 48 years old.

In reviewing this case, I saw it as a "grid rule" case.   Grid rule 201.10 provides that a 50 year old claimant with less than a high school education, semi-skilled work but no transferable skills who was limited to sedentary work due to an exertional limitation would qualify for disability. Read more on Onset Dates, Consultative Exams and Cynical Judges…

Many Social Security disability claimants have been diagnosed with diabetes.  What does it take to win?  Here is a question I received from a reader of this blog:

Jane, my girlfriend of 25 years (54 yrs old) has been diagnosed with Type I Diabetes for 35 years. She has had a number of problems over the years (uncontrollable diarrhea, Retinopathy, Neuropathy) all of which were more or less under control until recently. She has suffered a massive hemorrhage in one of her eyes and is completely blind in one eye. The eye may be able to be helped by surgery but one thing is for certain it will never be as good as it was 3 weeks ago.  Jane has been employed as a land surveyor (self employed last 10 yrs) for 30 years and it is very difficult to carry on with the physical impairments brought on by diabetes.  Given her age I would very much like to get her on a government sponsored disability program so as to supplement my earnings while waiting for SS retirement to kick in at age 62. Do you think I have any chance of this? Given your experience which of the numerous symptoms of diabetes are the easiest to document for a SSDI claim?

Here are my thoughts: under Social Security's definitions, Jane is "closely approaching advanced age" and has a skilled work background, and quite possibly transferrable skills.   Her educational background is not mentioned but I will assume that she has a college education.  As such, it is unlikely that any of the medical-vocational guidelines (the grid rules) will apply.

I would therefore analyze her case as Read more on What Factors Does Social Security Consider in a Diabetes Disability Case…

Hi, i am waiting to see a judge ,my lawyer say's it should be between now an aujust which would be 16 mths.since i filed appeal. I am 53 ,wil be 54 in oct.I Have type 2 diabetes insulin dependent twice daily,high blood pressure,diabetic neuropathy,osteoarthritis in knees an hands,herniated dics in neck that causes both arms to go numb at anytime.I have medical records to back -up all conditions.My meds are humlin-r an humlin-n insulin twice aday,lisinopril 20mg,1 tablet once daily.My pain management doc. treats me for neuropathy and herniated dics,an arthritis with,5mgs methadone 1tablet 4xaday an neurotin 600mgs 4xaday.I will be treated by him from know on.He supports my claim.Wanted to know do i have a good chance at getting my dis.I have excellent work history for the last 8 yrs. says my lawyer.My family doc. knows i am filing dis . but do not know if her office will let her write a letter,her pa asked me was i filing disability an she was in the exam room also, don't know what that ment.At any rate my pain management doctor will support me.Are my chances good?

Read more on 54 Year Old With Multiple Medical Problems – What Strategy Will Work Best at a Hearing…

my husband has juvielle diabetes, depression, numbness in feet, and he can’t do the same work he used to do he has to see a judge in a couple of weeks. He put off getting a lawyer. He has alot of mood swings and can’t hold any job he’s only been able to hold a job for 8 months or fewer and up to a year in the last 15/20 years. He has stomach problems by digesting his food. What do you think about him winning his case? Does he even have a chance by your opinion? –Angie

Read more on Diabetic husband has been struggling for years – has hearing in a few weeks…