It's a known fact that claimants with an attorney/advocate get approved more often for Social Security disability benefits.
Represented claimants win 60 percent of cases.
Unrepresented claimants win only 31 percent of cases.
How does the advocate help you get approved?
There are several things your advocate will do that are essential to winning your benefits:
1. Gathering Medical Evidence. You must have complete records from every doctor, clinic, hospital, emergency room, psychiatrist, counselor or other practitioner. Your advocate will obtain these records and will often spend weeks in doing so. Hundreds of dollars may be spend in gathering records.
2. Analyze the Records - to find an acceptable legal theory of the case. This means, How does the law support your case? How can the law be used to get you approved?
3. Prepare a Brief for the Judge. A brief gives a clear, concise summary of the case and why it should be approved. It tells the judge where to look in the exhibited evidence to find proof.
4. Attend the Hearing. Your advocate attends the hearing with you. The judge will appreciate having someone present who understands the legal issues and can discuss them.
5. Seek Maximum Benefits and Backpay. Your advocate will make sure you get all the benefits you're entitled to under the law, including past due benefits and Medicare insurance.
6. File Necessary Appeals. If you get an unfavorable decision, your advocate will file appropriate appeals to have your case reconsidered.
