If you have a medical disability that prevents you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Unfortunately, roughly 80 percent of first-time SSDI applications are denied, often due to a lack of complete work history information or other preventable errors.
If you are anxious about applying for benefits or discouraged because your claim has been denied, you should have a knowledgeable Paducah disability attorney review your situation and discuss your options. An attorney at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can explain how our legal team can assist you in appealing a denied claim. We offer a free case review.
Keep reading to learn more.
What Is the Role of a Disability Lawyer?
The process of applying for disability benefits involves a lot of paperwork. It entails gathering employment records to reconstruct your work history and obtaining medical records that describe your disability.
For many people, the SSDI application process can be frustrating, even overwhelming. Many people with valid claims receive denial letters initially. Our disability lawyers are familiar with the process of collecting records, completing the application forms, and, when necessary, working through the appeals process. With the help of an experienced disability lawyer, you are more likely to be well informed about your options and less likely to submit an incomplete application that can cause delays.
Once you retain the services of a disability lawyer, the SSA will no longer contact you directly. Instead, all correspondence will go to your lawyer. It is the disability attorney’s role to respond to communications on your behalf, so you can focus on your health and family. An attorney can advocate for you in any Social Security hearing or appeal.
A Kentucky Disability Lawyer Can Guide You Through the Application Process
The Social Security Administration has strict eligibility requirements for SSDI benefits. The application process involves completing complex forms and supplying substantial supporting documentation, including medical information. Failing to complete the forms correctly or submitting an incomplete application lacking supporting documents can result in a denied disability claim.
A Social Security disability attorney can help you complete your application forms and gather the supporting evidence to prove your eligibility. They can also help you respond to requests from claims examiners for additional information or documents during the application process. Our disability lawyers know the types of medical evidence needed to support a disability claim. We have handled many Social Security Disability cases and can anticipate the questions that may arise during the initial application process.
Navigating the Disability Appeals Process
The Social Security Administration denies most SSDI applications because of insufficient evidence proving the applicant’s eligibility for benefits. However, applicants can appeal denials. The first step of the appeals process is to request reconsideration of an application. You may submit additional information or documentation to supplement your application, which can help address the reason that SSA claims examiners initially denied your application.
If the SSA denies your application upon reconsideration, an experienced disability attorney can file an appeal and request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Your attorney can present arguments and witness testimony to the administrative law judge showing why your SSDI application should be approved.
If the judge rules against you, you can appeal the decision to the SSA’s Appeals Council. The Appeals Council can either grant the appeal and decide the case, return it to the administrative law judge for further action, or deny it. If the Appeals Council denies your appeal, any further appeals will be heard in federal court.
How Can a Disability Lawyer Help Me?
Some of the specific ways a disability lawyer can support you during the process of seeking SSDI benefits include:
- Completing application paperwork – Your disability attorney can handle the time-consuming aspects of your claim, including tracking down employment records and completing paperwork to ensure your application is complete.
- Obtaining medical evidence – Medical evidence plays a critical role in SSDI claims. A disability attorney can help you obtain medical records and get you a referral to a specialist for a second opinion to supplement your medical file regarding your disability.
- Communicating on your behalf – A disability lawyer can handle all communications with the SSA on your behalf.
- Managing important deadlines – There are many important deadlines throughout the SSDI application and appeals process. An attorney will keep track of the deadlines to avoid unnecessary delays.
- Supporting you during appeals – If your application is denied, a disability lawyer can prepare an appeal on your behalf and represent you at any subsequent hearings.
Increased Chances of Success
The Social Security Administration denies nearly 70 percent of SSD applications every year. However, some applicants can successfully appeal with the help of experienced disability attorneys. Having a disability benefits lawyer from Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer on your side from the start of the process can significantly increase your chances of success. If your initial application is denied, our attorney can file an appeal and represent you at a hearing. According to data from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), people with representatives at appeals hearings obtain benefits at a rate nearly three times higher than those without representation.
Where to Find a Good Disability Lawyer in Paducah, KY
If you’re wondering how to find a good disability lawyer in Paducah, KY, turn to the trusted legal team at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer. Our attorneys are known for summoning Kentucky Courage™ to fight for justice for injured people who are facing difficult circumstances. We are honored to help our fellow Kentuckians seek the disability benefits available by law when they are unable to continue working due to a disability.
We are committed to providing compassionate, professional legal representation to people like you. Contact us today at 877-809-5352 or by filling out our online form for a consultation. We look forward to getting to know you, understanding your concerns, and helping you pursue SSDI benefits.
