From preparing the disability application to representing you at the hearing level, a skilled attorney will ensure your case is in good hands. Trained disability attorneys will also advise clients about the optimal timing for a disability application and the rules for meeting the SSA’s definition of disability.
Appeals
A disability lawyer specializing in disability cases has much more experience with the SSA rules and regulations than a general practice attorney. This allows them to build a strong case for you based on your medical evidence, and they can help you navigate the hearing process.
Your disability attorney can file an appeal within 60 days of your denial if you haven’t already done so, and they can prepare for your hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Your lawyer will use their knowledge of the law to help you present the most compelling arguments and supportable evidence to show that your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity.
In addition, this veterans disability lawyer can address issues that may have led to the original denial, such as errors on the application or inconsistencies with medical records. They can also review the decision of the ALJ and, if dissatisfied, file an appeal with a federal district court.
Hearings
If you must go to a hearing with an ALJ, a disability lawyer can prepare you for what to expect and will help you understand your options. They can also prepare supplementary documents called on-the-record briefs. These documents can summarize years of medical records in a few pages and can encourage an ALJ to grant benefits without a hearing.
A disability attorney can guide you to provide honest answers to the questions a vocational expert (VE) will ask during your hearing. The VE is a specialist who can answer questions about what jobs you could do based on your documented symptoms.
The VE often presents the most significant challenge during a hearing because their testimony can carry much weight with an ALJ. A disability lawyer can help you prepare for this by highlighting weaknesses in the VE’s testimony. They can also cross-examine witnesses the VE may call to testify about your abilities.
Documentation
A disability lawyer is an expert at interpreting and explaining complex laws, including the ones related to employer-sponsored group disability insurance. They can help clients fill out applications, gather medical records, and appeal SSA denials. They are three times more likely to win benefits than applicants without representation.
A reputable lawyer will have access to information on your case that the SSA won’t share with you, and they can help you avoid mistakes in the application process, like missing deadlines. They will also make sure irrelevant information is not submitted to the SSA because it can irritate administrative law judges.
Disability attorneys have specialized training in the law, which makes them better prepared to discover legal arguments and cross-examine witnesses. They can also prepare a strong case on your behalf at the reconsideration and hearing levels, which increases your chances of approval.
Expert Witnesses
In cases where certain technical subjects are beyond the scope of comprehension of the judge or jury, an expert witness might be necessary. These individuals offer unbiased, honest opinions based on their medical, scientific, financial, linguistic, and legal expertise.
Their job is to bridge comprehension gaps, clarify concepts, address misconceptions and biases about technical matters, evaluate evidence, and aid the judge in making informed decisions. They also assist attorneys in understanding a case to represent their clients better.
A qualified disability lawyer can advise their client whether an expert witness is needed in a case. They also have the knowledge and experience to hire an expert witness who satisfies court requirements and always remains professional. Expert witnesses Netizens report can help determine and assess various damages, including loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, physical pain, and impairments.
