Social Security disability lawyers must bear in mind that part-time past work at SGA can be past relevant work. I had this issue come up in a hearing recently, and it could have derailed the claim, had I not been prepared for the issue.
Social Security considers whether or not you can return to
The 2012 waterfall chart has been published by the Social Security Administration, and is available on its website: 2012 Disability Decisions (link opens a PDF).
The chart shows that the ALJ allowance rate for Social Security disability hearings is down to 52% nationally. This should not be surprising to anyone practicing in this area, but
Sometimes when Social Security denies a disability claim after an initial review, the denial letter states that the disability applicant could return to past relevant work. In addition to developing the medical evidence, these claims require a detailed look into the vocational evidence.
Social Security treats people differently based upon their vocational backgrounds.
Here in Maine, we have the original L.L. Bean retail store, which has a well-deserved reputation for outstanding customer service and a knowledgeable staff. We visited over the weekend, and got outfitted for Spring tricycle season with our (almost) 3-year old daughter.
Whenever I experience great customer service, as we did at the L.L. Bean
As I review Social Security disability files to prepare for hearings, I have noticed that the “Summary Earnings Report,” which is found in the “D” exhibits in the disability claim file, is sometimes incomplete. Lately I have had several claims where the report only dates back 15 years from onset.
In one respect, an earnings
Sequestration's mandatory budget cuts are scheduled to take effect tomorrow, March 1, 2013.
The press has reported that "Social Security will not be affected." This is not completely accurate. While it is true that the payment of benefits will not be affected, the sequestration cuts will affect all other aspects of the SSA, including
I see on the record decisions for Social Security disability claims in two different circumstances.
An "on the record" (OTR) decision refers to Social Security disability and SSI claims pending at the hearing level at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) that are granted on the record prior to a hearing. An on the record decision can
Linked below are recent articles of note regarding Social Security and Social Security disability.
For the past two years or so I have published these "roundups" every other week. However, there are not always notable articles written on that schedule. Going forward, I anticipate publishing a Social Security disability blog roundup on a monthly basis
The onset date is the beginning of your Social Security disability claim. It is the date when your impairments prevented you from working at the level of substantial gainful activity.
In our current climate for Social Security disability claims, onset dates have been under pressure from both DDS and from administrative law judges. Even very
The 6-year term of Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue is complete on Saturday January 19th, and he will depart the SSA. Here is a timeline of Mr. Astrue's term compiled by Charles Hall.
Despite strong progress addressing the hearing backlog of disability claims, Mr. Astrue may be best remembered by Social Security disability lawyers for