Osterhout Berger Disability Law is here to assist you throughout the disability benefit process, whether you are applying, filing an appeal, or are at any other stage. If you’re seeking competent legal counsel and representation, know that we have years of expertise and are here to guide you through the process of obtaining the disability benefits you deserve. Our team is proud to serve Aliquippa residents and fight on their behalf.
Applying for SSD Benefits
When you decide to file for Social Security disability payments, there are several methods to get started. Specifically, you can apply online, visit a Social Security Administration office in your region, or contact us at Osterhout Berger Disability Law so that we can ensure that your application is completed correctly from start to finish. There are several procedures involved in filing a disability claim, and the fact is that the majority of individuals are refused, but you may increase your chances of success if you choose to utilize our services since we know how to verify that the information you submit is accurate.
One of the first stages in filing a claim for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration is to give information about your medical history and the specific ailment for which you’re seeking benefits. Among other things, the SSA will want to know which physicians you’ve visited and the names of the hospitals where you’ve gotten treatment, regardless of whether you went there for a routine appointment or to a hospital you don’t usually attend due to an emergency. Additionally, the SSA will want to hear about all therapies you’ve done to attempt to ease symptoms or cure the illness. During this stage of the procedure, you’ll need to sign release documents authorizing hospitals and clinics to disclose your medical information lawfully.
Additionally, you may be asked to complete questionnaires regarding how your symptoms and the disorder itself influence your daily life. For instance, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, the Social Security Administration will want to know how it affects your ability to perform particular duties and where you suffer discomfort.
While your doctor may have performed a battery of tests and administered a variety of treatments, you may still be needed to undergo a consultation exam. This sort of assessment is conducted by a doctor who has been approved by the Social Security Administration and is intended to gather further information about your disease and how it affects your everyday life.
Appealing a Denial
Even if your best efforts do not result in a positive resolution for your case, you have the right to appeal. You must be aware of numerous phases throughout the process.
The first stage is to determine if the Administrative Law Judge committed an error. Osterhout Berger Disability Law stays current on recent federal court appeals, as this is an area where ALJs occasionally make errors. You’ll appear before an appeals council at this point, but keep in mind that the objective of this procedure is not to demonstrate that you have the ailment and that it significantly impairs your everyday life to the point of unable to work. Rather than that, the goal of this step of the procedure is to demonstrate that the ALJ made an error in deciding your claim. Additionally, you should be aware that you must complete this documentation within 65 days of a claim being denied. Further, this step might take many months to even years to complete.
Regrettably, the majority of the time, the appeal is refused at this stage. It would be best if you considered bringing your case to federal court as a further step. Again, you must initiate this process within 65 days of receiving the Appeals Council’s refusal.
Additionally, you should be aware that at both of these stages of the process, you will be unable to submit new medical evidence demonstrating that your health has deteriorated or that you have developed a new medical condition. However, if you can prove that new evidence became available after the ALJ first decided on your matter, you may be entitled to submit it if it is considered to be relevant to your case.
What We Do To Win Your Case
When it comes to increasing the possibility that your disability insurance claim will be approved, partnering with Osterhout Berger Disability Law is one of the finest options since we can assist you with a variety of services. First, we will assist you by thoroughly describing the process to ensure that you are never left in the dark. When you’ve never filed a disability claim with the Social Security Administration, it might be challenging to figure out how to get all of the necessary documents completed on time. Failure to do so may jeopardize your chances of obtaining a good decision, but having someone who has been doing this for years will guarantee that you get all of the necessary information and documents into the right offices on time. We can assist you in better understanding where you are in the process by keeping you informed on the progress of your case. This will be accomplished using a variety of modes of contact, including letter, email, phone call, and text. Additionally, we may assist you throughout the process to develop medical evidence in support of your case, giving you the greatest possible opportunity of obtaining a positive outcome.
When the hearing day arrives, you will be prepared because we will thoroughly prep you for each stage of the process by reviewing the questions that will very likely be asked at the hearing. Representing you on the day of the hearing is equally critical, as you will require someone to handle the technical aspects of your case. Additionally, we’ll file any appropriate documentation and initiate the appeals process if your claim is refused.
What You’ll Need To Do
Because we’ll be collaborating to get the best solution possible for your case, there are a few things we’ll need from you as well. Specifically, we require your availability to get answers to questions and your approval on paperwork throughout the process. Certain items will require your signature, including the transmission of your medical information to the Social Security Administration. We may need additional information from you to expedite and complete your appeal.
Lastly, we need that you adhere to your medical treatment. We can assist you by reminding you, but we rely on your compliance because non-compliance might jeopardize your case. When you disregard your doctor’s medical advice, you create the appearance that your disease is not serious, and this might lead the judge to wonder if all treatment options have been tried. For example, you’ll need to do all of your therapy exercises, take your meds, attend all of your medical appointments, and follow any other instructions given by your doctor.
How We Can Help
There are several ways in which the team at Osterhout Berger Disability Law can help you receive the benefit you deserve. We help individuals who need to…
- Apply for Social Security Benefits and want to ensure everything is done right the first time
- Appeal a denial of Social Security Disability Benefits
If you are facing one of these situations, please do not hesitate in reaching out. Our team of experienced attorneys are here to help, and your consultation is free.
