This rule was issued on January 8, 2017 and it pertains to applications filed on or after March 27, 2017. The topic of this rule is so significant that it is strongly advised that those claimants intending to apply now or soon, SSA will no longer have a “treating physician rule”.  Under the treating physician rule, SSA was required to… READ MORE

The Trump administration has already issued orders as to hiring freezes, meaning SSA and other agencies cannot create new positions or replace people who leave their positions.  SSA’s budget is also likely to be cut.  This will mean fewer ALJ’s to replace ALJ’s who die or retire and no more ALJ’s to reduce the huge backlog of cases awaiting hearings. … READ MORE

For years a debate existed in SSA claims as to what evidence had to be submitted to SSA.  The burden of proof has always been on the claimant and counsel to prove the claimant was “disabled”.   A claimant is presumed to be “not disabled” until he or she proves to SSA’s satisfaction that disability exists.  There was no single pronouncement,… READ MORE

Do not be evenly minimally misguided to believe SSA is doing these things in guise of national uniformity, etc…  These changes allow them to deny more claims and to make it harder for you to present your case in its best light. At present the “administrative record” on which your claim is decided is open, meaning additional medical or other… READ MORE

All of the regulatory and policy changes make it now more important than ever that you retain a skilled lawyer to represent you in your disability claim. While one must still submit medical records that prove disability, the need is far greater to explain what these medical records prove and how interfere or preclude working. The lawyer must be able… READ MORE