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WHAT YOU SHOULD DO FOR AN SSDI APPEAL

If you are denied for Social Security disability, it is important to file an appeal--and do it within the allowed time limit of 60 days.

Here are other things you should do in your appeal:

1.  File a written appeal using the proper forms--available from your Social Security office.  Phone calls are NOT appeals.

2.  Update all your medical information.  Provide names/address/phone for all doctors, clinics, psychologists, hospitals or other medical providers.

3.  Complete the form "Disability Report - Appeal."  This can be online (www.socialsecrity.gov) or on paper.

4.  Explain all your functional limitations and symptoms on the Disability Report.  What keeps you from working:  pain, fatigue, inability to sit, stand, walk?  Be as specific as possible. For example: "After I sit for 30 minutes my legs go numb."

4. Try to get your doctor to complete a form called "Residual Function Capacity (RFC) and provide it to Social Security.

5.   Return all phone calls and forms requested by the Disability Determination Service (DDS) or Social Security quickly.  Each time you are sent a form, your file is flagged and will not be touched again until that requested information is returned.

If you need legal help to handle the avalanche of complicated forms and processes, contact the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville for a free consultation. 

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