Good morning!
My law firm handles social security disability claims and Jason Mosteller is the attorney that manages that department for me.
Do I need a Georgia Attorney – Social Security Disability Benefits
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As a result of an injury a few years ago, I had to undergo a surgery.
The doctor fused a couple of my vertebrae in my lower back.
Now the pain has become unbearable and I can no longer work.
I’ve applied for social security disability and was just denied.
Do I need a lawyer?”
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Gary: Well let’s talk about the process. I know the social security administration has a 5 step process they follow to determine if a person is disabled and eligible for disability benefits.
I’d like for us to go over the 5 steps now for our viewers.
Jason: They will look to see if you engaged in “Substantial Gainful Activity” – which means did you work and earn more than $1,040.00 per month in 2013, then you are not eligible to receive social security disability payments.
Gary: Step # 2:
Jason: The applicant’s condition must interfere with the person’s ability to do their job for it to be considered “severe”. The condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months. If it is, then we go to the next step.
Let’s talk about the list for adults.
The list is broken down into 14 categories by body system.
These include musculoskeletal, your senses – including speech, respiratory, and cardiovascular.
If the applicant’s condition is not listed, then the department will determine whether or not the condition is equal to one of those disabling conditions on their list.
Is the applicant able to perform the same work they did in their past?
Tell us about this step.
Jason: If the claims examiner at the social security administration believes that the applicant is able to do the same kind of work they have done in the past, then they will deny their claim for benefits.
Is the applicant able to do any other work?
So if you can’t do the same kind of work you did in your past, the examiner wants to find out if you can do any kind of work? Explain that for us.
Jason: The claims examiner will look at your application. They review your medical condition, your age, what job skills you may have, and your educational background. Then they look to see if they believe you are capable of doing other types of work in the economy. If so, they will deny your claim.
Gary: Assume someone gets through this 5 step process. what are the chances the person will be approved for social security disability on their initial application?
Jason: Very poor. Between 1999 and 2009, on average only 28% of social security disability claims were approved on the initial application.
Gary: What happens if your case falls in the 72% category – where your initial application is denied by the social security administration?
Gary: When should a person get an attorney involved in the social security process?
But please – make sure you speak with an attorney that is a specialist in this area of the social security law.
You have absolutely nothing to lose by calling a lawyer, but think of all you can lose if you don’t!
Just pick up the phone right now and give us a call at (770) 934-8000.
Our intake specialists are standing by right now to speak with you.
You owe it to yourself – to your family – to get the help you need.
Social Security Attorneys
