What is the DEAL?! Why Can It Take So Long To Receive A Decision After Your Social Security Disability Hearing?

Nebraskaand Iowadisability claimants who have endured a lengthy wait for their disability hearing should not be surprised to find themselves staring at their mailbox waiting for a decision to arrive.  Nebraska and Iowa Social Security disability attorney Patrick B. Cavanaugh receives many calls from his clients asking why it takes so long to find out whether or not they have won or lost their Social Security disability appeal.  Mr. Cavanaugh understands it can be a frustrating wait when the bills are due and families are having a difficult time putting food on their tables.

There is always a possibility there is still work to do on your Social Security disability claim after you leave the courtroom.  Perhaps the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is not through reviewing your case.  All Judges conduct hearings differently and some take testimony first and then look deeper into the medical documentation to make a decision.  If there were no experts at your hearing, the Judge may want to ask questions regarding employment to a vocational expert after the hearing has concluded. On the other hand, some Administrative Law Judges have made a decision during the hearing or as soon as you walked out the door.

There can be other reasons for a lengthy wait. It may be a problem of too much workload put on Administrative Law Judges and their staff.  Considering the large number of claims that are backlogging the hearing offices, it would not be too far fetched to think they are having a difficult time keeping up. NebraskaandWestern Iowadisability lawyer Patrick B. Cavanaugh deals with numerous hearing offices and has noticed some offices are simply slower than others.  With that being said, there are certain judges that seem to work at break-neck speed to get decisions out.  It is important to remember though that the Administrative Law Judge is not the only one that has a hand in getting the decision to the claimant.

So what can you do to speed up the process?  In Nebraska and Western Iowa disability attorney Patrick B. Cavanaugh’s experience is, unless you are required to comply with another medical examination or submit additional medical documentation the judge has requested, there really is not much else you can do. Your attorney will work on your behalf and you can have confidence that the Judge in your claim is being thorough and making a fair decision based on the medical evidence and your testimony.

Patrick B. Cavanaugh is local Nebraskaand Western Iowa disability attorney who strives to achieve the best outcomes for his Nebraskaand Iowadisability clients.  Mr. Cavanaugh offers a free case evaluation by calling 800-342-3352. If you have a disability that prevents you from working call Mr. Cavanaugh and his staff for your free consultation.

How does Education Affect my Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at various factors when deciding if you meet their definition of disability. Nebraska and Iowa Social Security disability lawyer, Patrick B. Cavanaugh, often discusses with his Nebraska and Iowa neighbors just what these factors may include. The Social Security Administration will consider a person’s age, education, and work experience when analyzing a claim. 

The Social Security Administration recognizes that individuals with a lower education have fewer jobs in the national economy available to them. This does not mean individuals with a higher education cannot receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. It just may be a little more difficult to win their claim.  The Social Security Administration may take into consideration not only the education level of the claimant, but also the age and prior work experience when making a determination.

It is also important to note the Social Security Administration may also consider any vocational training or schooling an individual may have. This is all in an attempt to evaluate the number of jobs that may exist for a claimant in the economy.  Remember the question is: are you able to work eight hours a day 40 hours per week? To determine that, one must view the whole picture to come up with an answer.

The rule in the 8^th circuit (the judicial region for Nebraska and Iowa) for Social Security disability hearings, is that a vocational expert or “job expert” is present and is required to give testimony with regard to a hypothetical person with your disabilities combined with your age, education, and prior work experience whether there are jobs that the hypothetical person can perform.  Their answers are generally based on statistical analysis and personal experience and observations in their occupation.

Nebraska and Western Iowa disability attorney Patrick B. Cavanaugh handles claims for a wide range of disabling conditions such as diabetes with neuropathy, cancer, fibromyalgia, depression, heart conditions, and epilepsy just to name a few.  If you have been denied your disability benefits or have questions about the claims process contact Mr. Cavanaugh at 800-342-3352 for a free case evaluation.

How does Education Affect my Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at various factors when deciding if you meet their definition of disability. Nebraska and Iowa Social Security disability lawyer, Patrick B. Cavanaugh, often discusses with his Nebraska and Iowa neighbors just what these factors may include. The Social Security Administration will consider a person’s age, education, and work experience when analyzing a claim. 

The Social Security Administration recognizes that individuals with a lower education have fewer jobs in the national economy available to them. This does not mean individuals with a higher education cannot receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. It just may be a little more difficult to win their claim.  The Social Security Administration may take into consideration not only the education level of the claimant, but also the age and prior work experience when making a determination.

It is also important to note the Social Security Administration may also consider any vocational training or schooling an individual may have. This is all in an attempt to evaluate the number of jobs that may exist for a claimant in the economy.  Remember the question is: are you able to work eight hours a day 40 hours per week? To determine that, one must view the whole picture to come up with an answer.

The rule in the 8^th circuit (the judicial region for Nebraska and Iowa) for Social Security disability hearings, is that a vocational expert or “job expert” is present and is required to give testimony with regard to a hypothetical person with your disabilities combined with your age, education, and prior work experience whether there are jobs that the hypothetical person can perform.  Their answers are generally based on statistical analysis and personal experience and observations in their occupation.

Nebraska and Western Iowa disability attorney Patrick B. Cavanaugh handles claims for a wide range of disabling conditions such as diabetes with neuropathy, cancer, fibromyalgia, depression, heart conditions, and epilepsy just to name a few.  If you have been denied your disability benefits or have questions about the claims process contact Mr. Cavanaugh at 800-342-3352 for a free case evaluation.