Guiding You Through the Social Security Appeals Process
If your application for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been denied, you are entitled to a hearing to appeal that decision. This is the stage of the process where, statistically, you are most likely to win a reversal and get approved for benefits.
At Watson & Linder in Springfield, Illinois, we help clients throughout Central Illinois prepare for their disability benefits hearings. You do not need to be stressed out about this hearing if you have an experienced attorney representing you.
Contact us to set up a free initial consultation. We handle Social Security cases on a contingency fee basis, so you will pay us nothing unless we help you win your appeal and you receive benefits.
Making Sure Your Medical Records Are Complete
Many people's initial applications for Social Security disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income are denied because their doctors — who are used to giving medical advice directly to their patients — simply tell them that they are too disabled to go to work.
Unfortunately, the SSA will not take your doctor's word that you are disabled. A properly developed medical record is key to getting a fair result at your disability benefits hearing.
Your medical records should include a doctor's opinion of your functional limitations, meaning exactly what types of activities you are capable or incapable of doing due to your disability.
If your application has been denied, we will carefully examine your medical documents to make sure they are in good shape for your appeals hearing. We have a nurse consultant on staff at our firm to review medical records and suggest additional tests and clarifications.
Documenting Every Aspect of Your Claim
Many disability claims — especially those that are initially denied — are based on a combination of the applicant's disability status, age, education and work experience. To prepare for your hearing, we will collect all available evidence in support of each of these elements.
If you are interested in appealing a disability benefits claim denial, contact us to discuss what our experienced disability benefits lawyers and skilled paralegals can do to make sure you are prepared for your hearing.
