Has the Social Security Administration denied your initial application for disability benefits? If so, you may need to request an administrative hearing to appeal the decision. Although the Social Security Administration does not require you to have legal counsel to do so, an experienced attorney can give you a better chance of success in a Social Security disability hearing.
What Happens at a Social Security Disability Hearing
If the Social Security Administration denies your disability benefits application, you can appeal its decision and request that an administrative law judge review the matter in a Social Security disability hearing. At the hearing, you can present evidence, witnesses, and legal arguments to convince the ALJ that you qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The hearing will also be attended by vocational experts and healthcare providers or other medical experts.
During the hearing, the ALJ will focus on issues such as the nature and severity of your medical condition(s), your work history, your current functional capacity, and your ability to work with or without reasonable accommodations. Although a disability hearing has a much more informal feel than a trial, your success still depends on your ability to prepare compelling evidence and arguments for why your application should not have been denied.
The Role of a Disability Lawyer
An SSD attorney can help you prepare for an administrative hearing in various ways, such as:
- Gathering additional medical records and other supporting documentation to bolster a claim
- Helping you prepare testimony if you decide to testify at the hearing
- Developing a comprehensive argument for your right to disability benefits
- Collaborating with medical and vocational experts to obtain expert testimony in support of your case
- Cross-examining opposing medical and vocational experts at the hearing
- Presenting legal arguments tailored to the Social Security Administration’s disability benefits regulations
An SSD lawyer is a valuable ally during the appeals process because they understand the procedures involved in administrative hearings and know the specific terminology used in disability benefits cases—terminology that often confuses claimants. Specifically, they can help you by:
- Avoiding common mistakes that can jeopardize an administrative appeal, such as missing appeal deadlines or failing to provide sufficient evidence to overcome the reason(s) for the initial denial
- Knowing what kinds of additional evidence can bolster an SSD claim and helping you gather these items
- Providing emotional support by preparing you for what to expect during an administrative hearing
- Helping you provide persuasive testimony and responses to possible questions the ALJ might ask you during a hearing
- Presenting a compelling case in support of your claim for disability benefits
Can You Represent Yourself?
The Social Security Administration allows applicants to represent themselves at administrative hearings and present evidence, witnesses, or arguments to the administrative law judge. However, attending a Social Security disability hearing without legal representation puts you at greater risk of losing your appeal. The administrative appeals process in SSD claims can involve highly technical laws and regulations, as well as complex medical issues. A lawyer who has experience handling SSD appeals can reduce the stress of the administrative appeals process while giving you a better chance of securing the benefits you deserve.
Contact an SSD Lawyer Today
Are you appealing the denial of your SSD application in the Metro St. Louis area? Don’t make the mistake of trying to represent yourself, as this could put the outcome of your appeal in jeopardy. Instead, contact Crowe & Shanahan today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Social Security disability attorney serving both Missouri and Illinois residents. We can represent you during your hearing and give you the peace of mind you deserve during this stressful time.