If you are unable to work because of health reasons, you might want to apply for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees Social Security Disability, which provides monthly benefits to disabled workers provided they meet specific medical criteria for approval. Disability claims are complicated, and most claims are denied.
There are several common reasons for denying a disability claim. Usually, it focuses on the claimant not being able to provide thorough documentation to support the claim. Disability Determination Services must have definitive medical evidence supporting your claim. Documentation needs to show the diagnosis, the symptoms, the treatment, the side effects, restrictions, limitations, and paint an overall picture of how your life is affected by your health problems. Disability Determination Services must understand how your ability to work is impacted and why you cannot continue with your employment.
Other reasons for denial include applicants working enough to surpass the substantial gainful activity income limits or the claimant failing to get follow-up medical care. In Georgia, only 26.9% of disability claims receive approval on the initial application level while 11.8% are approved on the reconsideration level. When the claim reaches the hearing level, 54.9% are approved in the state.
Visiting the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review in Georgia
When a claim for disability is denied, an appeal is filed. At that time, there is a reconsideration of claim. Often, the reconsideration receives a claim denial as well. You will once again appeal that decision and request a hearing before an ALJ at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). During the hearing, you will be questioned by the judge and a vocational expert.
These questions will be to determine how you are affected by your condition and indicate any limitations and restrictions. Your work history, skill level, educational background, age, medical conditions, and so forth will all be considered in determining whether you are eligible for benefits.
Throughout Georgia, there are several different ODARs. The Atlanta Downtown ODAR has 19 judges. Claimants can expect to wait 19 months to get a hearing date. The average claim takes 689 days to process, which is 107 days longer than the national average. That ODAR has a 47% approval rate for cases. The Savannah ODAR has 11 judges and it takes an average of 19 months for a hearing to be set.
The average processing time for a claim is 628 days in Savannah. Savannah has a 46% approval rate for claims. There are 10 judges at the Covington ODAR where there is a 19-month wait and 637-day processing time. About 50% of cases are approved there. Clients represented by an attorney are much more likely to have their claims approved.
Getting Help From A Georgia Disability Attorney
It can be difficult to have a disability claim approved. Because the majority of disability claims are denied, you should hire a disability attorney to help you through the process. An attorney will help you get all your medical records and other documentation in order, which will build a strong case to show your restrictions and limitations and improve your odds of benefit approval. To accurately review your case and assess your condition, Disability Determination Services needs to be able to access all your medical records, including lab reports, scans, x-rays, physician notes, and surgical reports.
A Georgia Social Security attorney will accompany you to your local SSA office and make sure your file is organized so Disability Determination Services can effectively review it and make a fair decision. Your lawyer will communicate with the SSA representatives as well. Your attorney can also represent you at the hearing level, ensuring you are prepared for questioning and that evidence is available. Several SSA offices are located throughout Georgia.
Social Security Administration
401 W Peachtree Street NW Suite 2860
Atlanta, GA 30308
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Social Security Administration
115 Robert C Daniel Jr. Parkway
Augusta, GA 30909
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Social Security Administration
1650 Prince Avenue
Athens, GA 30606
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
If a medical problem has made it impossible for you to work, schedule a free consultation with a Social Security attorney today! Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form and your details will be shared with a Georgia disability lawyer.
