The Office of the Inspector General made some interesting statistical findings. No. A-07.09-19083 (May 2010 website at SSA.gov/org). Among the findings are the following:

  • Fewer cases for back disorders, osteoarthritis, muscle, ligament, and fascia injuries/impairments, Diabetes Mellitus, and Multiple Sclerosis are approved nationwide at the initial and reconsideration level. There is a higher rate of approval at the hearing offices for these conditions.
  • There is a wide variation of approval and denial rates for individual ALJ’s at hearings offices and between hearings offices. The OIG is requesting more investigation as to these varying rates.
  • There is less representation of claimants at the initial applications level and reconsideration level than at the hearing level. One of the main reasons is that individuals are discouraged by the district field offices, claims representatives, and the toll-free number, from retaining representation. Our law firm will meet with any individual from the time before they leave work due to a disability to plan for filing the application. Our law firm will meet with any individual at the reconsideration and hearings level, Appeals Council level, and Federal Court level. Each client meets with an attorney, not a non-attorney representative or a paralegal, or speak with a switchboard operator to apply for benefits to file an appeal or to accompany the client to the hearing.

Contact a New Jersey Social Security Disability Lawyer

If you want to know more about your rights or face an uphill battle getting the SSD benefits you deserve in the state of New Jersey, contact us today for your free consultation.