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HEARING PREPARATION WINS OR LOSES

 

A Social Security Disability Advocate Performs Valuable Work That Often Goes Unseen.

In helping his claimant win Social Security disability benefits, an advocate will perform much work that is not seen by the claimant.  Yet, this work is vital to a successful outcome. The work includes:
  • Finding, preparing and evaluating medical records/evidence.
  • Arranging for any medical examinations that are needed.
  • Making sure that the legal theory of the case is compatible with Social Security disability regulations.
  • Defending the "alleged onset date" to get the most back pay / past due benefit.
  • Filing supporting documents such as briefs, explanations, defenses, etc.
  • Preparing the vocational aspect of the case (past work history).
  • Preparing the claimant to appear at the hearing.
  • Guidance during the hearing before a judge.
  • Filing post-hearing briefs or evidence as required.
  • Making sure the benefits are paid properly and promptly.
You might compare the 45 minutes of a disability hearing to a student taking a test.  The test may only last 45 minutes.  However, the results will likely rest upon how much time the student spent in preparation for the test.  The same is true with a Social Security disability hearing.  Preparation makes all the difference in the outcome!

Charles W. Forsythe, The Forsythe Firm, Huntsville, AL (256) 799-0297
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