BEAT SOCIAL SECURITY'S HIGH DENIAL RATES

It's no secret that Social Security denies most disability claims.

In the initial application process, 70 percent of claims are denied.

It gets even worse at the first appeal, called "Reconsideration," where the denial rate is nearly 90 percent.

The third step, the hearing, is the best chance to be approved. Administrative law judges approve around 50 percent of claims at hearings. However, it can take 2 years are longer to get from the application to the hearing.

HOW CAN YOU COMBAT THE HIGH DENIAL RATES?

1. Be sure your application is complete and fully supported. Fill out all the supporting forms: Function Report, Work History Report, and any other forms Social Security sends you.

2. Get your doctor's support. Social Security approves or denies claims largely based on the medical information they receive. They will get your doctor's records but this may not be enough. Ask your doctor to provide a "medical source statement" which specifies in detail your functional restrictions--in standing/walking, lifting/carrying, reaching, bending, kneeling, etc. If you have mental impairments such as anxiety, depression or panic attacks, your doctor should address these, too.

3. Think about legal help. The GAO, Government Accountability Office, did a study about how professional advocates and lawyers impact Social Security disability claims. The study found that claimants who have professional representation are about 3 times more likely to be approved than those who are not represented.

The Forsythe Firm has considerable experience and an excellent track record with Social Security disability claims and appeals. The firm has represented over 1,000 claimants at hearings before administrative law judges. If your disability claim is important to you (and it is) -- get excellent representation that also takes your case seriously and will set out to get you approved.