WHAT TYPE OF DECISIONS CAN JUDGES MAKE ON YOUR SSDI CLAIM?

After an administrative law judge (ALJ) holds a hearing on your Social Security disability (SSDI) claim, (s)he may issue one of the following decisions:

FULLY FAVORABLE: Every part of the decision is according to what you asked for in your application for disability. Primarily, this means that the judge found you disabled on your "alleged onset date," or the date you stated your disability began in your application. This decision provides the most "back pay" or past due benefits. It also provides Medicare coverage at the earliest possible date.

PARTIALLY FAVORABLE: While the Social Security Administration does not recognize "partial disability," a decision may be partially favorable. This always concerns the DATE that disability began (or ended). The judge finds that you ARE disabled and are entitled to a benefit. However, you will not be paid back to the date you claim to have become disabled. A partially favorable decision does not reduce your monthly benefits. But it does usually allow less back pay (past due benefits) and it will cause you to wait longer to become eligible to Medicare due to the Medicare waiting period.

UNFAVORABLE. This is the one I hate to even mention. This means "you don't get anything:" no back pay, no monthly pay, no Medicare--nothing. Basically, this revolting, disturbing decision means that the judge did not find you to meet the requirements of the Social Security Administration for a disability benefit. Here at the Forsythe Firm we hate these decisions with a purple passion and do everything we can to avoid them. (And we see very few of them)!

If you need help with a disability claim and want the best chance for a Fully Favorable decision, please contact us at the Forsythe Firm. I think if you read our reviews, you will see our commitment for excellence and our passion for winning. We'd like to help you. Start with a phone call. (256) 799-0297.