Take a look at these statistics for 2008, which were recently released by the SSA and published by NOSSCR in the May 2009 Social Security Forum.
The top row shows that 36% of the disability and SSI initial applications were granted nationwide. 64% were denied. These are national statistics, but the allowance rate in
We have arrived at reason #10 of our ten top reasons to write a hearing brief.
Reason #10 You will win more claims
Trust me on this. This is the reason that persuaded me to write hearing briefs years ago. We learned that the judges were really reading them. And we won more cases.
We are listing ten top reasons to write a hearing brief.
Reason #9 Your Client Deserves It
Would you ever tell your client that his claim is not important enough for you to spend a few hours writing a pre-hearing memorandum? Of course not. Your client is relying on you to do everything possible to
We are listing ten top reasons to write a hearing brief. Look for a reason a day through the 10th of July.
Reason #8 Get a bench decision
If your claim qualifies for a bench decision under HALLEX I-5-1-17, mention it to the judge. A bench decision can take a little preparation, so give
We are listing ten top reasons to write a hearing brief. Look for a reason a day through the 10th of July.
Reason #7 Differentiate Your Claim
ALJs hear a lot of claims – several hundred a year. I am always concerned about my case getting lost in shuffle. A hearing memorandum provides an opportunity
We are listing ten top reasons to write a hearing brief in the first ten days in July. The list of best practices for claimants' representatives includes a request for concise pre-hearing briefs. Look for a reason a day through the 10th of July.
Reason #6 Have the judge "on the same page"
When
We are listing ten top reasons to write a hearing brief. Look for a reason a day through the 10th of July.
Reason #5 The claim has a glitch
Sometimes a claim has a glitch. Maybe there was work after onset that is close to SGA, or an unsuccessful work attempt. Maybe there is
We are listing ten top reasons to write a hearing brief. Look for a reason a day through the 10th of July.
Reason #4 The Judge wants a Memorandum
A hearing brief can be very helpful to the judge. That's the point, after all. Since the memorandum is part of the disability claim file,
We are taking the first ten days in July to list ten top reasons to write a hearing brief. Although our office is closed today for the 4th of July weekend, the list of top ten reasons marches on.
Reason #3 Test drive your "theory of the case"
Every hearing memorandum should explain how the
We are taking the first ten days in July to list ten top reasons to write a hearing brief. Look for a reason a day through the 10th of July.
Reason #2 Be More Prepared for the Hearing
There is no doubt about this one. Writing a good pre-prehearing memorandum makes you better prepared for