FILING A SUCCESSFUL DISABILITY APPLICATION

A successful disability application has several vital components.  An application should not be quickly "thrown together," for it is a complicated process, especially if it is to have a chance to be successful.  Here are some points to consider for a successful Social Security disability application in Alabama:

• Severity Requirement.  You must show that your illness or impairment is severe.  You also must prove that it results in more than moderate restrictions of function. 
• Duration Requirement.  You must demonstrate that your severe impairment has lasted--or is expected to last 12 consecutive months or more - OR that it is expected to end in death (terminal).
• Insured Status.  It will be necessary to have insured status under Title II disability insurance.  This requires a sufficient work history to have accumulated the required "quarters of coverage."
• Medical Support.  Your claim should be supported by both objective medical evidence (records) and medical opinion evidence.  Opinion evidence is in addition to the usual medical records.
• Vocational Requirements.  A claimant must demonstrate that he/she cannot (a) perform any past relevant work, that is, work performed during the most recent 15 year period, and (b) that he/she cannot perform any other work in the national, regional or local economy. This will require a super-detailed explanation of all past relevant work.
• Knowledge of Social Security Rules and Regulations.  Social Security disability is governed by specific rules found in parts 1-99 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 404 and by the  Hearings, Appeals and Litigation Law Manual (HALLEX). In addition, procedural requirements are specified in the Program Operations Manuals System (POMS).  These are thousands of pages of specific legal information that are unfamiliar to most persons.  A knowledge of these rules and regulations can be of vast importance and add to the success of your disability claim.
• Appeal Process.  In 70 percent of disability cases in Alabama, it will be necessary to appeal the initial decision.  This process requires a knowledge of the rules and regulations specified in the above paragraph.

In short, a successful application for Social Security disability benefits is a very involved process.  That's why most people (about 80 percent) choose to be represented professionally in the appeal process.  Most judges will delay a hearing to advise the claimant of their right to be represented and will wait to give the claimant time to find a representative.
IMPORTANT:  Under Social Security law, you cannot be charged a fee for representation until you win your disability claim.  All work must be performed on the contingency of winning before a fee is due.


THE FORSYTHE FIRM - Social Security Disability Representatives
CALL (256) 431-1599 or (256) 799-0297
You Can Get a Free Case Evaluation - Click Here - See Homepage