DISABILITY JUDGES IN ALABAMA & THEIR PAY RATES

Most Social Security Disability (SSDI) cases wind up before an administrative law judge, who will decide whether or not to approve and pay the claim.

The approval rate of north Alabama judges varies widely from judge to judge, as the following data shows:

ALJ	Approval Rate
Digby, Patrick R.	31.83%
Green, Gloria W.	56.59%
Grimes, James	N/Available
Lewis, Jason A.	52.44%
Richey, Mallette	38.30%
Weaver, Cynthia G.	17.17
Williams, Lori J.	36.43%
Wright, Douglas A.	73.56%

*Data from http://www.ssa.gov/appeals/DataSets/03_ALJ_Disposition_Data.html

The important thing is to be sure your case is prepared well and presented to the judge in the best manner possible.

Being properly represented plays a huge part.  

WHAT WILL A DISABILITY JUDGE CONSIDER?

Most people who apply for Social Security disability will wind up before a judge, who must decide if they qualify for benefits.  What type of things will the judge consider?

In addition to your medical record, there are several factors that a judge will look into:

1.  Your Work Record.  Judges like to see claimants who have a long, steady work history.  This gives the claimant a great deal of credibility.

2.  Are Other Family Members on Disability?  Judges don't like to see a household where multiple members of the family are on disability benefits.

3.  Have You Tried to Keep Working?  Judges will ask how you have tried to stay in the workforce.  They want to know about medical treatment, physical therapy, rehabilitation or looking for an easier job that you may still be able to perform.

4.  What Are Your Hobbies and Recreational Activities?  You say you are not able to work, but how do you spend your time?  Do you go to ballgames, hunt, fish, travel or engage in other hobbies?  Do these recreational activities indicate inconsistency with the idea that you are disabled?

5.  Do You Have Unreported Wages?  Judges want to know if you have worked "under the table."  They usually view this as dishonesty because no FICA or federal tax were paid on these earnings.  Such work may also indicate that a person really isn't disabled, since they have been working.

6.  Do You Have Transferable Skills?  You may have performed a job in the past that you are no longer able to do.  In that job you may have used skills that can be transferred to easier jobs that you can still do.  A vocational expert at your hearing will assess any transferable skills and the judge will decide how those skills affect a disability decision.
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THE FORSYTHE FIRM
7027 Old Madison Pike   Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
CALL (256) 799-0297

Email Us:  forsythefirm@gmail.com

Free phone consultations available     No fees unless you win!

ARDMORE DISABILITY ATORNEYS & ADVOCATES

Ardmore, AL and Ardmore, TN are served by the Forsythe Firm, helping Ardmore residents get the Social Security disability benefits they deserve.

Sure, you could go to an out of town firm and hire someone you will never meet.  But why not hire an expert who lives and works near your home?  

We offer:

1) Local appointments right here in north Alabama.

2)  Free consultations by phone or in person.

3)  Contingency Fee:  You pay us nothing up front, and never pay us a fee until your benefits are paid.

4)  One advocate who will stay with you and your case until it is resolved.

5)  The ability to reach your managing advocate with one phone call.  Yes, we will answer you call.  Yes, we do return calls if you miss us.  We'll be here for you!

Some things Ardmore residents should know about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):

1.  Denials are very common and do not mean that you can't get a benefit.

2.  Most claims are approved in the appeal process, not by filing an application alone.

3.  Most claimants choose to get professional help when trying to get benefits.

4.  You cannot be charged a legal fee if unless you win your claim.  Any fee charged by your attorney/advocate must come out of your back pay.  No back pay, no fee.

5.  If you initial claim is denied, you only have 60 days to appeal.

CONTACT THE FORSYTHE FIRM AT (256) 799-0297.

EMAIL US AT forsythefirm@gmail.com

DISABILITY COUNSELORS AND ADVOCATES FOR ARDMORE