What I Can Do

WHAT I CAN DO!

• Advise you with regard to your age, education, and past work history as to what level of “disability” is necessary for success with your claim.
• Advise you as to what evidence is necessary to prove your claim to an Administrative Law Judge and occasionally obtain a “Fully Favorable” decision without the necessity of a hearing.
• Advise you of whether your medical or psychological problem is included in the “Listings of Impairments” and if so, does your level of severity meet the required severity level.
• Advise you as to how you can build your medical record with diagnostic tests, frequency of treatment, and medication that will impress the Administrative Law Judge.
• Encourage you and answer questions during the sometimes long wait for your hearing. At the same time we will become partners in developing your record. Your job is to obtain treatment, go to appointments, and take the prescribed medication, no matter how difficult or time consuming. My job is to monitor your file, meet, guide, and advise while continuing to supplement the record as needed.
• Help you complete the many Social Security forms with answers that address the issues in Social Security lingo.
• See that deadlines are met and do periodic progress inquires. (A difficult and frustrating endeavor.)
• Obtain and review your complete file for mistakes, omissions, or errors.
• Research and analyze all the specific issues pertinent to your claim—not just “disability.”
• Obtain, when possible, specific opinions from your doctors as to your ability to do certain physical and/or mental work related activities.
• In some cases, obtain independent expert opinions, such as a vocational expert, relative to your case.
• Submit written arguments and/or legal citations before and/or after your hearing as necessary to help you obtain a “Fully Favorable” decision from the Administrative Law Judge.
• Prepare you for your testimony at the hearing so that your answers will be pertinent and meaningful to the Administrative Law Judge. You will know exactly what to expect!

In summary, I will use all my knowledge, experience, and commitment to help you obtain a favorable decision in your Social Security Disability or SSI claim.