Request for Reconsideration Denied? Next Step:

Disability Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Don’t get discouraged if your Request for Reconsideration was denied. Only about 11 percent of claims are granted at that level. Your best chance for approval is during a Disability Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

Don’t worry. We’ll be with you every step of the way. The attorneys at McDonald Law Firm will fully prepare you for your Social Security Disability hearing. We will represent you during the proceeding and present the strongest, most persuasive case possible.

What is an Administrative Law Judge?

The Social Security judge will decide your Disability claim appeal. Administrative Law Judges are appointed by the federal government and work at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR), which has locations throughout the country.

When someone has been denied Social Security Disability benefits after filing an initial application, they have 60 days to file an appeal. The first step of the appeal process is a Request for Reconsideration. If they are denied again, they may request a Disability Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Most states have multiple hearing office locations and your hearing will usually be held within 75 miles of your home. Your hearing will take place before an ALJ who had no part in your initial decision or the reconsideration of your claim. You will receive a notice, at least 20 days prior to your hearing, advising you of the date, time and location.

What does an ALJ look at when evaluating your Disability claim?

Before the hearing, the ALJ will review all of the evidence in your Social Security Disability case file, including medical records, work history and information about your daily activities. It is important to note that prior to your hearing, you are allowed to submit additional evidence outlining your Disability to the Administrative Law Judge.

At the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge will question you (under oath) about your Disability and Social Security claim file. They may also question Medical or Vocational Experts. A Medical Expert (ME) provides an expert opinion regarding your medical records. A Vocational Expert (VE) is used when an ALJ must determine whether you can perform previous work or any other work. You or your lawyer are also allowed to question these experts.

After your Disability Hearing, the Administrative Law Judge will issue a written decision once all the evidence has been thoroughly reviewed. A copy of the decision, or dismissal order, will be sent to you and your representative.

You need a Social Security Disability attorney on your side.

Going before an Administrative Law Judge can be an intimidating and overwhelming situation. It’s in every claimant’s best interest to find an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to represent them in their Disability claim appeal.

At McDonald Law Firm, we work with each and every one of our clients to ensure they are fully prepared when appearing before an Administrative Law Judge. We’ll make sure you feel comfortable testifying and that the ALJ has all of your up-to-date medical information.

Our team of dedicated Disability case managers and attorneys will work tirelessly to get you the benefits you deserve. Call us today at 855-702-9061 to get started.