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FULLY FAVORABLE DECISIONS AT SOCIAL SECURITY

After your Social Security disability hearing the judge may issue a Fully Favorable decision.  This is, of course, what you want.  You open the envelope and on the first page it reads.....

                        NOTICE OF DECISION - FULLY FAVORABLE

But what exactly does this mean?

It means that the judge agrees with the date on which you claim to have become disabled and has agreed to pay benefits back to that date.  The judge has allowed your alleged onset date (AOD) to stand unchanged, which will probably pay you more back pay.

It's possible that the judge might disagree with your disability onset date and change it from the date you allege.  This would result in less back pay or possibly no back pay at all.

How do you protect your alleged onset date to get the most back pay?  You do it by collecting objective medical evidence showing that your impairment was severe and disabling on that date.  This evidence comes from your doctors, clinics, hospitals and other treatment providers.  It's extremely important to look for "older" evidence that dates back to your original disability date.

I'm pleased that the Forsythe Firm has been able to collect millions of dollars in benefits for our clients over the past 20 years or so.  This money often gives families a fresh start financially after an unexpected disability strikes.  

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