If you have applied for Social Security disability benefits only to have your claim denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Although you do not have to hire a disability lawyer to help with your appeal, a knowledgeable lawyer in Lake County can certainly tilt the scales in your favor. There are plenty of statistics showing that a person claiming disability benefits is twice as likely to be successful during the appeals process when represented by a lawyer.
There are multiple stages in the appeals process, the first of which is simply a request to reconsider the initial decision to deny benefits. As there has been no change in status, rarely is a decision overturned at this stage. Most denials of benefits are overturned during a formal hearing with an administrative law judge. It is during the hearing that additional evidence can be presented for consideration. If your lawyer is of the opinion that it can help your case, he or she can introduce expert witnesses to give their professional opinion of your condition and the long-term prognosis.
Gathering All Your Medical Records
One of the reasons claims for disability benefits are initially denied is the fact that there are inconsistencies in the medical records you submitted. Before the hearing, your disability lawyer gathers all your medical records, ensures they are correct, and submits them to the ALJ at the right time. If your lawyer finds that records or reports are missing or incomplete, he or she can get them. If additional evidence is required, your lawyer gets that as well.
Preparing for the Hearing
Although the hearing is informal, there is a chance that you will be nervous. Your lawyer will have been involved in many hearings in Lake County, and he or she knows what to expect and will guide you every step of the way. Your lawyer will ensure that you are well prepared to answer all questions from the ALJ. The chances of success are far greater when you are prepared to defend your claim.
A disability lawyer can help you get the benefits you deserve. If you are looking for a lawyer in Lake County, contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. For details, visit https://www.rabinsslaw.com. Follow us on twitter.
