How Long is the Wait for a Social Security Disability Hearing?

In the past couple of years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) had high hopes to improve the wait time for disabled individuals to get a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  Because there were such a large number of backlogged disability appeals waiting to get a hearing date, the SSA’s proposed goal was to improve the Social Security appeals system by hiring more ALJ’s to hear cases, add more hearing centers, and implement technologies that would make it easier to process more hearings across the nation. With these intended plans, the SSA did not foresee the significant budget cuts that would later disrupt these proposed plans. Unfortunately, the backlog of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) appeals has not decreased; in fact, it appears that the number of disability appeals has grown since this initial plan.

In 2011, a study showed that a lack of resources, combined with an increased number of SSDI and SSI claims filed, may be having an impact on the wait time for a hearing. Statistically, the study showed that the number of appeals nationally still pending in the current year was 735,660. In 2010, the number of individuals waiting for a hearing was 705,367.  As you can see, there is a significant increase in claimants waiting for a hearing from last year.

Although there is an increase in the number of backlogged cases, the average wait period for an individual to get in front of an ALJ has decreased from 514 days in 2008 to 369 days in 2010. So regardless, the SSA has been able to improve the wait period from 2008 to 2010.

Unfortunately it is very difficult for a disabled individual to get a hearing scheduled faster than other disabled individuals.  Although, there may be measures that a disability claimant can take in order to increase their chances of being approved for benefits during the initial stages of the claims process, therefore avoiding the need for a lengthy disability appeal.

Many individuals find it beneficial working with a qualified disability attorney during their initial stages of the claims process.  Statistically, individuals represented by a Social Security disability lawyer, or qualified representative; improve their chance of getting an approved Social Security disability claim. The initial application process takes an average of two to four months.  At the Cavanaugh Law Firm, PC, LLO, Mr. Cavanaugh and his staff assist disability claimants with filing their appeal after they have been denied.  It is important to provide the SSA with appropriate medical documentation supporting your disability claim.  Attorney Patrick B. Cavanaugh is an experienced disability lawyer who takes great pride in assisting individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling condition.  If you filed for disability benefits and you have been denied, contact Nebraskaand Western Iowa Attorney Patrick B. Cavanaugh for a free consultation.  Don’t be discouraged by the appeals process, appealing your denied claim just might get you what you deserve.  Call 800-342-3352 today for your free case evaluation.

Social Security Disability Lawyers in Nebraska & Iowa Can Represent You For Many Different Disabling Conditions

The Disability Determinations Section (DDS) of the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at all physical and mental conditions combined when making a disability determination.

Nebraska and Iowa Disability attorney, Patrick B. Cavanaugh, encourages his clients to disclose to him all of their conditions that have an impact on their ability to work.  After questioning his clients, many times Mr. Cavanaugh finds that there are several conditions that when combined create a total picture showing his client is in fact disabled.

A disability claimant may have had back surgery and may be experiencing pain and/or discomfort that may be preventing them from working therefore; they have filed a Social Security disability claim.  Upon further review of their medical records, Mr. Cavanaugh many times notices that claimant is also suffering from other conditions such as, depression, diabetes, and asthma.  If these other issues are severe enough, it may be wise to include these conditions in an argument as to the client is unable to work.  While ones back may keep them from being able to sit, stand, or walk for any length of time, their depression may make it difficult to concentrate on work related tasks, and diabetes may involve neuropathy causing numbness and tingling in their extremities, and asthma may cause shortness of breath in certain circumstances.  Therefore, by considering a combination of all of these impairments, it may be clear a person is unable to maintain substantial gainful activity.

Just stating that you have additional problems is probably not going to be good enough to win your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim.  A medical record from qualified treating medical professionals specializing in the area where your disability exists is usually the best supporting documentation to help prove your disability claim.  At times, general medical practitioners may work to help support your disability claim, but many times an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) wants to examine records from a specialist in the area of the disabling condition you are claiming is keeping you from working.

Nebraska and Western Iowa Social Security disability attorney, Patrick B. Cavanaugh, and his staff can be reached at 800-342-3352. They provide free consultations to those individuals seeking SSDI or SSI benefits.  If you are experiencing a disabling condition that is keeping you from working, call today to speak with Mr. Cavanaugh and his staff.

Can Someone Obtain Social Security Benefits for a Mental Disorder?

People with mental disabilities can apply for Social Security benefits. If you are suffering from a mental disorder and your psychiatrist or therapist talks about a “GAF” score you may wonder exactly what they are referring to. The Cavanaugh Law Firm PC, LLO attorneys talk to potential disability clients on a daily basis about the complex issues that arise during a disability claim.  There may be words that are difficult to understand or abbreviations that are hard to figure out in the disability process.   

A Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score, that is at times mentioned, is a number used to rate an individual’s social, occupational, and psychological functioning.  The numbers range from 0 to 100 and are generally classified in the following way:

• 91 – 100 Superior range of functioning in a wide range of activities.
• 81 – 90  Absent of minimal symptoms.
• 71 – 80  If symptoms are present they are transient and expectable reactions to psychosocial stressors.
• 61 – 70  Some mild symptoms.
• 51 – 60  Moderate symptoms.
• 41 – 50  Serious symptoms.
• 31 – 40  Some impairments in reality testing or communication.
• 21 – 30  Behavior is considerably influenced by delusions or hallucinations.
• 1 – 20  Some danger of hurting self or others.
• 1 – 10  Persistent danger of hurting self or others.

It is important to note that the above is only a general framework defining GAF scores, and more information can be obtained describing each category in more detail.  Nebraska and Iowa Social Security disability attorney, Patrick B. Cavanaugh, urges his clients to seek the care of a qualified mental health professional to assess their mental problems.  GAF scores can be used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in determining the severity of a mental condition.

Mr. Cavanaugh attends numerous Social Security disability appeals hearings in Nebraska and Iowa and, at times, finds the medical expert at the hearing is very interested in knowing how high or low an individual’s GAF score is.  If you are suffering from a mental issue such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, or any other disabling condition, contact Mr. Cavanaugh for your free consultation.  Call 800-342-3352 to discuss your case with Mr. Cavanaugh and his staff.