Veterans or disabled military personnel get denied for disability benefits for the same reasons other people get denied.
1) The state system which makes disability decisions uses a flawed process that denies up to one-half of all applications erroneously.
2) The initial decision making process errors on the side of Social Security. They assume there is too much fraud and abuse in the system, so they are overly skeptical--even of legitimate claims.
3) Their attitude seems to be: Deny the claim, let a Social Security judge sort it out.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Appeal the denial as soon as possible but absolutely within 60 days of the decision notice. After that, you lose appeal rights.
Get a professional to walk you through the appeal and hearing process. It is a legal process where you must prove that Social Security made a mistake and you are legally entitled to benefits. It is complicated.
Submit additional medical evidence that the original decision makers may not have seen. This will include more recent medical records and, especially, opinions from your treating physicians. Your attorney or advocate knows exactly what the appeals judge needs/wants.
Prepare well for your hearing. Your advocate/attorney is instrumental in this preparation because he/she has attended hundreds or thousands of these hearings and knows the ropes.
Take advantage of any regulation that helps you (a) get an earlier hearing and (b) allows you to collect maximum back payments. For example, a veteran with a 100 percent permanent, total VA disability rating can qualify for expedited processing which saves months or years. However, you must petition for this and submit documentation.
The Forsythe Firm here in Huntsville is experienced with veterans/military claims. We will provide a free consultation and assist qualified claimants with no upfront cost and no fee until approved and paid. We are located next to Redstone Arsenal, Gate 9, at the intersection of Old Madison Pike and Governors West (directly in front of Bridge Street). It would be our pleasure to assist you.
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The Forsythe Firm
Social Security Disability Advocates
PHONE (256) 799-0297
SOCIAL SECURITY JUSTICE FOR VETERANS
FREE CONSULTATIONS PAY US ONLY IF YOU WIN!
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