Resources
Common vocational issues that come up in Social Security disability cases involved the physical and mental demands of the claimant’s former jobs. Your Ocala disability attorney can explain these issues in further detail. Physical and Mental Demands of Past Relevant Work In the majority of disability cases, the issue of a claimant’s physical and mental demands at a former job does not need to be explained by a vocational expert. The disability examiner generally gets the necessary information he or she is looking for in making a decision based on the information provided the Social Security guidelines. But if either your Ocala disability attorney or the judge has requested a vocational expert at the hearing for another issue, the expert… Read More
Common vocational issues that come up in Social Security disability cases involved the physical and mental demands of the claimant’s former jobs. Your Ocala disability attorney can explain these issues in further detail. Physical and Mental Demands of Past Relevant Work In the majority of disability cases, the issue of a claimant’s physical and mental demands at a former job does not need to be explained by a vocational expert. The disability examiner generally gets the necessary information he or she is looking for in making a decision based on the information provided the Social Security guidelines. But if either your Ocala disability attorney or the judge has requested a vocational expert at the hearing for another issue, the expert… Read More
It is very important that you provide as much detail as possible when answering questions asked by the administrative law judge at your Social Security disability hearing. Your answers will have a direct effect on the outcome of your trial. As such, your Ocala Social Security disability attorney will prepare you for the possible questions that a judge will ask so that you provide the necessary detail the judge is looking for. The ALJ will generally tailor his or her line of questions to claimant’s specific medical condition. If you are seeking disability benefits for the medical condition of shortness of breath, you can expect to be asked the following questions by the ALJ: What causes your shortness of breath?…Read More
A Social Security disability hearing is private and less formal than a typical courtroom trial. But regardless of the informality of the disability hearing, there are still certain procedures that will take place. Although your Ocala Social Security disability lawyer will give you the details, below is a brief overview. Unlike typical courtroom trials, you will not need to be sworn in by a clerk. The administrative law judge (ALJ) will generally commence the hearing by giving an overview of the history of your case and the issues that need to be addressed and decided at the hearing. Some judges also recite what you will need to prove. Instead of providing a simple and well-defined explanation, they give a broad… Read More
Adequate preparation is key to a successful Social Security disability hearing.Ocala disability lawyers will meet with their client prior to their disability hearing to go over the necessary evidence they need, how they should dress, and how they should act at their hearing. Below are some tips you should consider for a successful disability hearing: You need to make sure your medical and employment documents are updated and in order for the day of your disability hearing. Although you do not have to wear a designer suit, you should also not go to your hearing in jeans and a t-shirt. Instead, you should be dressed in business casual attire. Never discuss your case in the hallways outside of your hearing… Read More
The Social Security Administration denies more than two-thirds of all initial claims for Social Security disability benefits. At this point, claimants have the option of either filing a new claim or appealing their denial. Ocala disability attorneys advise claimants to appeal their denials because chances of success are much higher during the appeals process. Deadline to Appeal a Denied Claim Claimants generally have 60 days from the date of the receipt of their denial to appeal their claim. The SSA grants a 5 days grace period because there is a presumption that decisions are received five days from the date on the face of the decision. When the claimant is appealing an ALJ denial to the Appeals Council after there…Read More
One of the most important factors that the Social Security disability examiner will consider in determining whether to award you disability benefits is your doctor’s opinion regarding your medical condition. Your Ocala disability lawyer will assist your treating physician in providing the necessary detailed information and will address any questions or concerns your doctor may have. The following are some common concerns that doctors have. Work-Related Activities A common concern of most treating physicians is that they will harm the patient’s chances of getting disability benefits if they provide information that will show that he/she is capable of doing some work-related activities. Your Ocala disability lawyer will address this concern by assuring your doctor that it will it not harm…Read More
The Social Security disability claims process is very complex. In order to qualify for disability benefits, claimants must meet certain requirements as set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The help of an Ocala disability attorney can be very useful in meeting these requirements to get Social Security disability benefits. The Duration Requirement One of the requirements that claimants must satisfy is the duration requirement. In order to satisfy this requirement, the medical impairment must either be expected to result in death or must have lasted or be expected to last for a continuous period of 12 months. The majority of claimants suffering from severe conditions do not usually have a difficult time meeting this requirement. An Ocala disability attorney…Read More
One of the most important factors in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) disability determination is whether your statements are consistent. This is precisely why you should consult with a Florida disability lawyer prior to filing your claim and getting adequate help to prepare your application. The disability examiner will evaluate the consistency of your statements in describing your pain and other symptoms in your application for benefits, to your doctors, and to anyone else you speak with. If the disability examiner finds any inconsistent statements, it will be a red flag that you are being untruthful about your medical impairment and/or the extent of your pain and symptoms. As such, your Florida disability lawyer will advise you to be honest…Read More
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits, one of the preliminary factors that the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers in determining whether you are eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits is whether you are engaged in substantial gainful activity. To determine substantial gainful activity, the SSA evaluates the claimant’s wages and the nature of his or her medical condition. An Ocala, Florida Social Security attorney will help you determine whether you are engaged in substantial gainful activity. What Is Substantial Gainful Activity? Substantial gainful activity is determined by how much the claimant is earning per month while applying for Social Security disability benefits. As of 2013, if a claimant earns more than $1,040 in a month, he or…Read More