Obtaining Disability Benefits An Epic Battle Unfolding

Why? Primarily because your claim is entitled to a de novo hearing or new review by a Judge who knows the law and does not work for SSA. Also, you get to testify before the Judge about your inability to work and assess your credibility. Finally, at this stage, hopefully you have obtained sufficient medical reports from your doctors to prove your inability to work.

Now the slingshot is on your side!

Now that you have a vivid picture of how the system works, here are some tips on how you can maximize your chance for success.

1. Appeal every Denial - It bears repeating, DO NOT QUIT after receiving a denial. Now you understand you must get to a hearing. Up to that point SSA and the odds are overwhelmingly against you - receiving a denial may be cause to celebrate because youre a step closer to a hearing.

2. Retain a Disability Attorney - Retaining an attorney who specializes in disability law should substantially increase your odds of winning. Most claimants have no idea what they need to prove to win their case. Practically all disability attorneys work on a contingency fee meaning you only pay a fee if you win your case. Also, Federal law sets the maximum amount the fee can be in handling your case. An attorney will develop your case by obtaining the necessary medical, & billing records and opinions from your doctors that are critical in proving disability. 3. Completing Social Security Forms - You will complete a dizzying array of forms requesting all sorts of information. Be honest and very brief when completing forms. You won't win your case with the information you give on the forms but you could lose it.

4. Involve your Treating Physician - Your treating physician is critical to success. Judges give a treating physician's opinion regarding a patients disability tremendous weight. If your physician is not sympathetic to your claim you may want to make a change to one who is.

And as an inevitable end to this epic dramaDo not worry, history is on your side. If you dont know how the story of David and Goliath ends David won eventually. "