Like all federal government programs, the rules and regulations that apply to Social Security are excruciatingly complex. Many applicants for disability benefits will make the initial application unaided, many will also request a reconsideration if their application has been denied. When it reaches the stage where your next step is a hearing, it is advisable to hire a disability attorney in Winfield. Although the SSA say that the hearing is “informal,” to someone that is unaccustomed to dealing with matters of this nature will find it anything but. There may not be any formal rules of evidence such as there are in a court of law but you must still put forward a well thought out case, supported by iron-clad medical evidence and cross examination of the government’s expert witnesses.
Expert witnesses:
Don’t be surprised to find that the Administrative Law Judge has invited medical and vocational experts to question you.
Medical expert:
The SSA often bring in a medical expert to determine if your disability is one listed in the “Blue Book” and whether it meets the qualification criteria. This so called Blue Book is a detailed listing, complete with qualifying criteria for those conditions considered by Social Security to be disabling in nature.
As your disability attorney in Winfield is every bit as familiar with the contents of the Blue Book as the medical expert, should the expert refuse to acknowledge your disability you can expect your attorney to cross examine the witness.
Vocational expert:
The vocational expert may be called upon to give an opinion on whether you can perform the tasks that you have done in the past or if there are any jobs that you can do taking into account your disability. Once again, your attorney has the right to cross examine this expert to ensure that every aspect of your limitations due to your disability have been taken into account.
Just as the Administration has the right to introduce their expert witnesses, so do you. If your attorney is of the impression that testimony direct from your attending physician is in order, he will arrange it.
A seasoned disability attorney in Winfield will be of tremendous assistance during your appeals hearing. To discuss your case in detail you are invited to contact the Law Offices of Rabin, Kodner & Brown at their website http://www.rabinsslaw.com/.
