For those just beginning to contemplate applying for federal disability insurance benefits, it can be tempting to try to press forward on your own. After all, there is nothing to stop you from doing so, it will probably take you a little less time and you'll save the money on attorney fees. ![laweducationseries5.jpg]()
But you aren't likely to succeed - and it could take them a year or more of trying to find that out. In fact, more than half of all first-time SSDI claims are denied. Los Angeles Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits Attorney Vincent Howard of HOWARD LAW knows that applications filed by individuals as opposed to lawyers are potentially less successful not because they aren't legitimate - but because they fail to prove it.
Statistics have shown than those who have an attorney at the hearing stage are twice as likely to be approved as those without legal representation.
Even those who are successful may not get as much back pay as if they hadn't had an attorney.
When you consider the cost of losing, it makes a lot more sense to boost your odds by hiring a skilled lawyer.
The mistake many people make is assuming that just because their disability is real and serious and they have a doctor's note saying so, that's all they'll need. If only it were that easy.
It's understandable that the vast majority of SSDI applicants have no idea how to prepare for a disability hearing - they've never had to do it before. We have. We know what administrators are looking for, and how to help you be ready.
Specifically, we are committed to gathering as much objective, convincing medical evidence to support your case as possible. The first step we take is looking at your medical records to assess whether they are incomplete or inconsistent or if there are gaps in your treatment history. These would all be potential grounds upon which to deny your claim.
You can obtain these records yourself, but usually, we can get them more quickly (with a great deal less hassle for you) and we also are keenly aware of when it's time to have them updated.
If we find some of the evidence is missing, we will advise you to schedule certain appointments so we can help you fill in the gaps.
Once we have all of the appropriate records, we will contact your doctors in order to get a written form from them regarding your condition and also your inability to work. Again, you can technically do that yourself, but doctors tend to respond more quickly and thoroughly to requests from attorneys than from patients.
When it comes time for a hearing, almost all clients are nervous. It's understandable - the spotlight is on you, and your credibility is being questioned. We'll advise you on what to expect, and may even go through a practice run if necessary. We'll also inform you of what not to say - statements that could inadvertently hinder your case.
And finally, at the hearing, we will ask questions of the vocational expert hired by the administration to issue an opinion on your condition. Almost always, this individual is going to argue against your receiving benefits. We work aggressively to counter those claims and win you the benefits you deserve.
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But you aren't likely to succeed - and it could take them a year or more of trying to find that out. In fact, more than half of all first-time SSDI claims are denied. Los Angeles Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits Attorney Vincent Howard of HOWARD LAW knows that applications filed by individuals as opposed to lawyers are potentially less successful not because they aren't legitimate - but because they fail to prove it.
Statistics have shown than those who have an attorney at the hearing stage are twice as likely to be approved as those without legal representation.
Even those who are successful may not get as much back pay as if they hadn't had an attorney.
When you consider the cost of losing, it makes a lot more sense to boost your odds by hiring a skilled lawyer.
The mistake many people make is assuming that just because their disability is real and serious and they have a doctor's note saying so, that's all they'll need. If only it were that easy.
It's understandable that the vast majority of SSDI applicants have no idea how to prepare for a disability hearing - they've never had to do it before. We have. We know what administrators are looking for, and how to help you be ready.
Specifically, we are committed to gathering as much objective, convincing medical evidence to support your case as possible. The first step we take is looking at your medical records to assess whether they are incomplete or inconsistent or if there are gaps in your treatment history. These would all be potential grounds upon which to deny your claim.
You can obtain these records yourself, but usually, we can get them more quickly (with a great deal less hassle for you) and we also are keenly aware of when it's time to have them updated.
If we find some of the evidence is missing, we will advise you to schedule certain appointments so we can help you fill in the gaps.
Once we have all of the appropriate records, we will contact your doctors in order to get a written form from them regarding your condition and also your inability to work. Again, you can technically do that yourself, but doctors tend to respond more quickly and thoroughly to requests from attorneys than from patients.
When it comes time for a hearing, almost all clients are nervous. It's understandable - the spotlight is on you, and your credibility is being questioned. We'll advise you on what to expect, and may even go through a practice run if necessary. We'll also inform you of what not to say - statements that could inadvertently hinder your case.
And finally, at the hearing, we will ask questions of the vocational expert hired by the administration to issue an opinion on your condition. Almost always, this individual is going to argue against your receiving benefits. We work aggressively to counter those claims and win you the benefits you deserve.