In my Social Security disability practice I frequently see clients who have filed for unemployment at the same time they have filed for disability. On the surface, this seems to be a contradiction – how can you be “ready, able and willing to work” while at the same time be “unable to engage in substantial [...]
I recently received the following question from a blog reader who asked a very interesting question: I just had my second hearing with administrative judge and wanted to add a very brief fact into testimony and was wondering if it is acceptable to write the judge directly. I do have a lawyer, but I [...]
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One of the “dirty little secrets” well known to Social Security lawyers relates to the importance of which judge is assigned to hear your case. The tendencies of the judge assigned to your case is perhaps the most important factor as to whether you will win or lose. I have no doubt that I could [...]
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Recently, I represented a claimant afflicted with cancer who clearly met Social Security’s definition of disability – she had a medically determinable condition that precluded substantial gainful activity and her condition had lasted 12 consecutive months and was longstanding in nature. The judge assigned to this case is a no-nonsense person who took no more [...]
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Attorney Joel Ban, a Utah lawyer who handles both Social Security disability and Veterans Disability claims recently posted a concise and informative article on his blog describing the similarities and differences between the two programs. Joel points out that a VA disability rating of 70% or higher can help your Social Security claim – this [...]
In my practice, I always try to schedule an in-office, in-person meeting with my client prior to his/her hearing. Usually, I try to meet a week or two before the actual hearing date to discuss the hearing procedures and to practice answering the questions that are likely going to be asked. I want my client [...]
As I noted this past November, I am starting to see more instances when a judge will want to change the “onset date” for my client’s disability. What does this mean and should you be concerned? Your onset date (called your Alleged Onset Date or AOD by Social Security) represents that date that you allege [...]
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This afternoon, I tried an SSDI case involving a 53 year old woman claiming disability based on diabetes and associated complications. In reviewing the record it appears to me that my client had been diabetic for several years prior to her diagnosis and has most likely suffered permanent vision and nerve damage. Unfortunately her medical [...]
I recently received a question from a woman named Carol who wants to know if she should wait to file for benefits because she is planning on moving to a different state. She writes: I own a condo in central Florida. My parents live in north Florida near the Georgia border. I plan on moving [...]
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When you appear before a Social Security judge for a hearing, there are four possible outcomes: you will be approved you will be denied your case will be continued to another date for a supplemental hearing the judge will issue a “partially favorable” decision Over the past couple of years I have noticed an increase [...]
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