When medical problems leave an individual unable to work, disability benefits can provide the financial assistance that is needed to help cover living expenses. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two disability programs. To be approved for disability benefits, specific medical criteria must be met. A medical guide, called the Blue Book, is used. When a disability claim is denied, an appeal is filed then the case is reconsidered. After a reconsideration is denied, the claim advances to the hearing level before an administrative law judge (ALJ).
Why Might My Claim Have Been Denied?
Disability claims are denied for many reasons, but there are few reasons that are more common than others. Usually, the claim is denied because there is a lack of strong evidence that shows there is a disability. You must have definitive medical evidence to support your claim and show that your condition is so severe that you are unable to work. Your documentation must clearly state any limitations or restrictions resulting from your health problems. Disability Determination Services must understand how your condition affects your ability to function so they can effectively decide whether your condition warrants benefits.
At other times, claims are denied because your income surpasses the substantial gainful activity threshold or you don’t continue to get follow-up care for your health problems. In Hawaii, the initial approval rate for disability benefits is 36.7% while 10.6% are approved on the reconsideration level. At the hearing level, 69.2% of applicants in Hawaii are approved for benefits with all these figures higher than average.
Visiting the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review in Hawaii
If a claim is denied on the reconsideration level, then you can appeal that decision and request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ) at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. The wait for a hearing in Hawaii is longer than the national average, with a disability claim taking an average of 357 days to get a hearing date set. During a disability hearing, you will be questioned by both the ALJ and a vocational expert. These questions are to assess your condition and to determine how your condition impacts your ability to work. Your work history, educational background, age, and medical problems will all be considered using this process. Your disability attorney can help you prepare for the questioning at the hearing.
In Hawaii, the ODAR is in Honolulu. The ODAR has nine judges with an average 14.5-month wait for a hearing, while it takes an average of 492 days to process a claim. Your odds of a successful claim in Hawaii are higher than the national average, with 68% of disability claims being approved in the state. When you have a Social Security lawyer helping you, your odds of a successful claim increase significantly. Your attorney will help you make sure everything is ready for review by Disability Determination Services and by the ALJ.
Getting Help From A Georgia Disability Attorney
Getting your disability claim approved can be challenging, so you need to enlist the help of a Social Security attorney. With the guidance of a lawyer, medical records and documentation can be put in order and made easy to access. Your attorney will gather up all physician notes, surgical notes, x-ray reports, scans, lab reports, and treatment records to show how you are affected by your medical issues. Your attorney can go to the local SSA office and make sure all documents are in your file, handle any appeals, and then represent you at a hearing before an ALJ. There are several SSA offices located throughout the State of Hawaii.
Social Security Administration
300 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96850
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Social Security Administration
970 Manawai Street
Kapolei, HI 96707
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Social Security Administration
4334 Rice Street
Lihue, HI 96766
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m
If you are ready to apply for disability benefits, consult with a Social Security attorney. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page so your details can be forwarded to an attorney for a free case review today!
