DOES THE JUDGE MATTER IN AN SSDI CASE?

Most Social Security disability claims that actually get approved and paid will go before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for a hearing. Usually, the judges who hear cases in extreme northern Alabama are headquartered in Florence, AL at the office of Hearings Operations.

These judges follow the same set of rules and laws but their award rates are all over the place, as you will see from this chart.

ALJ Approval Rate*

• Digby, Patrick R. 31.83%

• Green, Gloria W. 56.59%

• Lewis, Jason A. 52.44%

• Richey, Mallette 38.30%

• Weaver, Cynthia G. 17.17

• Williams, Lori J. 36.43%

• Wright, Douglas A. 73.56%

*Data Source: http://www.ssa.gov/appeals/DataSets/03_ALJ_Disposition_Data.html

This pattern will hold true in any hearing office because judges take different approaches to deciding a case.

It's important to know what evidence is needed for a Social Security disability case. It's also important to present evidence to the judge acceptably. Then, of course, there is all the red tape, forms and deadlines to deal with.

Many claimants find it very helpful to have a lawyer or advocate helping with their claims. There is research suggesting that claimants who are represented are 3 times more likely to be approved than those who go it alone.

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The Forsythe Firm

7027 Old Madison Pike NW

Huntsville, AL 35806

PHONE (256) 799-0297

"We Never Charge You a Fee Unless You Are Approved with Back Pay!"