If you have a clear cut case, one where you show evidence that you have a serious illness or you are clearly disabled and unable to work and the situation is not expected to change in the next twelve months you probably will not need a disability lawyer in Missouri. Having said this, in many cases the disability is of such significance that hiring a lawyer will ensure the application process runs smoothly and you will not have to deal with it.
When you do need a lawyer:
If your situation is anything different that what has been noted above then hiring an experienced disability lawyer in Missouri can be very advantageous, so much so that it may eliminate the need for lodging an appeal. It may not be fully understood at this stage but almost 75 percent of applicants for disability benefits are denied, leading to a complex and long drawn-out appeals process. A lawyer at the time of your initial application certainly can’t guarantee success but he or she can certainly ensure that everything the SSA are looking for will be included, especially the important medical history and doctors statements.
What if your claim is denied?
Even with legal assistance there is a chance that your claim will be rejected, if it is then you have the right to appeal. There are three steps in the appeals process:
* Request for reconsideration
* A hearing with an Administrative Law Judge, and
* A request for review by the Appeals Council
A disability lawyer in Missouri can sometimes get what is called an “on-the-record decision.” A favorable decision means you can avoid the hearing, speeding up considerably the whole process. If this isn’t possible and you have to attend the hearing your lawyer will ensure you are fully prepared for the hearing when the day comes.
If you are disabled and wish to apply for Social Security disability benefits you should consider hiring a disability lawyer in Missouri. You are invited to a free evaluation of your case, contact Grundy Disability Group, LLC.
