To illustrate the difficulty of obtaining social security disability benefits, about 2/3rds. of applications are initially denied. Due to the complexity of the application process, it is very important that you seek the services of a lawyer who is familiar with such cases. He understands what is needed to improve your chances of success.
Pain with walking due to either a torn meniscus of the knee or plantar fasciitis can significantly affect one’s ability to stand and walk while attempting to perform work duties. Your attorney can aid you in obtaining all your physician’s medical records which the state disability office requires when making a determination. Generally speaking, if your doctor’s notes show that you have great difficuly walking during the day, then your chances are better for getting disability benefits; however, there are other factors which may result in a denial which your attorney can explain to you. Some of these factors are your age and what type of jobs you performed over your working years.
It is important to know that if your are denied, you can ask for a disability hearing. In this circumstance, you will present your case before a judge, called an ALJ which stands for adminstrative law judge The ALJ decides cases based on what facts are in your file.. It is not required to have an attorney for your disability hearing but it is desirable so to make sure you are given a fair hearing. He will also help organize and present your case in the best fashion. He understands the most favorable way to show why you cannot return to work.
Disability hearings generally last between 20 to 40 minutes. Having an attorney with you who understands disability law will allow you to be sure that your case will be presented in a clear and efficient way as possible.