The Social Security Disability Lawyer

Answer 1

Hiring an attorney for a Social Security Disability case can increase your chances of success. Social Security Disability begins with a simple question: "Can you work?" Unfortunately, the manner in which the question is determined is far more complicated. The statutes, regulations, administrative rulings, court holdings and procedural requirements are enough to frustrate anyone.

The Basic Premise of Social Security DisabilityTo be successful on a disability claim, the applicant must not only be prevented from performing their past work, but any other work that is available on a national basis. For example, an applicant is a carpenter by trade. A physical disability prevents returning to that profession If Social Security determines that the carpenter can perform less demanding occupations, it will deny the application.

Disabilities are broken down into two main sets, physical disabilities and mental disabilities. Often there is a combination of both physical and mental disabilities that will prevent an individual from working.

Physical DisabilitiesThe Social Security Administration has a long list of physical disabilities, and how they must be treated, depending on the age, education, past work experience, and the severity of the physical disability. The listing is commonly referred to as the grid. The Administration will have to determine whether the claimant's level of exertion is sedentary; light, medium, heavy, and very heavy. Heavy and very heavy levels are not considered disabled, unless combined with some form of nonexertional limitations. Sedentary, light and medium limitations may qualify for disability, depending on the claimant's age and past work skills Mental ImpairmentsThe Administration also has a listing of mental impairments covering a wide array of mental disabilities. The severity of the impairment is classified as slight, moderate marked and extreme. With any mental impairment, the keys to determination are how the disability affects the claimant's ability to function in an employment setting. Ability to follow instructions, concentrations, antisocial behavior or the ability to arrive timely to work all need to be considered by the Administration Why an Attorney Can Become ImportantAn experienced disability attorney will understand which factors are important for Social Security purposes. Well meaning claimants often omit symptoms or indicators of disability on their evidence submitted to the Administration. Even many doctors are not familiar with Social Security procedures. Thus, they may simply may a general statement that a claimant is disabled, which is insufficient for Social Security purposes. The attorney will be able to assist both the claimant and the claimant's medical providers to present the best evidence possible for the claim.

Answer 2

A Social Security Disability lawyer specializes in helping individuals navigate the process of applying for and appealing disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. They provide legal representation to clients who are seeking to qualify for disability benefits due to a medical condition or disability that prevents them from working. These lawyers can help gather necessary documentation, prepare appeals, and represent clients in administrative hearings.