A long-awaited improvement to the Social Security e-file has arrived. The Electronic Folder now provides access to Sections A and B at Initial and Reconsideration levels. This is great news for Social Security disability Representatives, and also for the staff
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New Chief Judge at Portland Maine Hearing Office
By Gordon Gates
Judge Mary Hubert has joined the Portland hearing office as Chief Judge. Judge Hubert replaces Judge Paul Martin, who had been serving as interim Chief Judge. Judge Martin has returned to his previous post at the Manchester hearing office.
Judge…
A year for an initial determination
By Gordon Gates
I have a client with a claim for disability benefits that has been pending at the initial level of review for over 365 days. That is just too long.
This client applied online with me in my office, on April…
ALJ announces Fully Favorable decision at the end of the hearing
By Gordon Gates
My hearings this week with an administrative law judge (ALJ) to determine medical eligibility for Social Security disability benefits followed the usual pattern: opening remarks by the judge and then the claimant’s lawyer (me), the claimant’s testimony, and then testimony…
Multiple Sclerosis and Social Security disability
By Gordon Gates
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic illness that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. MS occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, known as myelin.
Myelin acts…
There are not additional benefits for being more disabled
By Gordon Gates
I get calls (and emails). People find the blog and get in touch with a question, which is terrific. The purpose of the blog is to help.
Every now and then someone gets in touch with this question: “I am…
Inquire about Unsuccessful Work Attempts when helping a client apply for Disability
By Gordon Gates
I recently helped a client over the age of 55 with their initial application for Social Security disability benefits. I get involved early in these cases because the claimant’s past relevant work is often the most important aspect of the…
Social Security announces a massive reorganization
By Gordon Gates
Charles Hall has the details.
Tips and Best Practices
By Gordon Gates
Social Security has just published Tips and Best Practices for Appointed Representatives (link opens a PDF). It is a wide-ranging guide for Representatives navigating Social Security’s rapidly evolving rules regarding representation, registration, and payment.
The PDF includes information about:
- Representative
…
A winning closing paragraph
By Gordon Gates
When I have a client over the age of 55 with physical impairments, this is typically the final paragraph of my brief for the disability adjudicator or the administrative law judge:
At Step 5 of the sequential evaluation, Mr. Jones…