If you have received a claim denial notice from Social Security, you are familiar with the language used in these denials: We have determined that your condition is not severe enough to be considered disabling. In deciding this, we considered the medical records, your statements, and how your condition affects your ability to work….Doctors and [...]
Filed under Consultative Examinations, Delays, Disability Lawyers by 
A federal circuit court of appeals has awarded a widow 30 years worth of past due benefits on her late husband’s claim. The case involved the claim of Dr. Richard Frusher, a Rhode Island resident who applied for benefits based on mental illness in 1975. Social Security denied his claim in 1975 and again in [...]
Over the past six months, I have experienced six (6) separate instances of significant problems arising from SSA personnel losing documents or failing to send out notices with deadlines. In three of these instances, neither my client nor I received notice of a reconsideration denial. In another case, my client received the denial but did [...]
Filed under Disability Lawyers by
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 [...]
Filed under Administrative Law Judges, Disability hearings, Disability Lawyers, Earnings requirements by
I am pleased to announce that I have been asked to join the faculty of an innovative and new online learning center called Solo Practice University. Founded by Susan Cartier Liebel, a lawyer and editor of the Build a Solo Practice blog, SPU offers lawyers training about how to go into business – something definitely [...]
Filed under Disability Lawyers by
Jonathan Ginsberg with Social Security CD Over the past year, Social Security has made meaningful strides in reducing hard copy paperwork and improving the efficiency of the disability adjudication process. One of the most noticeable changes has been the gradual elimination of cardboard and paper files, which are being replaced by compact disks. Social Security [...]
Filed under Disability hearings, Disability Lawyers, Starting the disability process by
I frequently get emails from frustrated disability claimants who are upset at the long delays. Often the claimant expresses frustration with his lawyer because of the delays. Earlier this week, for example, I received an email from an individual who is suffering with a fairly significant medical problems and who is about to lose her [...]
Filed under Appeal issues, Disability Lawyers by
My question is this. I had a lawyer in NC for my disability hearing which I lost. His representation was horrible, not to mention his communication with me. Anyway, I told him I no longer wanted his services for my appeal. He said he would file a form with SSA stating that he was not [...]
Filed under Appeal issues, Disability Lawyers by
In my law practice, I have handled both bankruptcy and Social Security disability cases. Unfortunately, with delays in the Social Security system approaching 3 years, more and more of my disability clients find themselves considering bankruptcy. What happens, therefore, if you decide to file for bankruptcy while you are waiting for your Social Security decision? [...]
Filed under Disability Lawyers, Lump Sum Awards by
