In many cases, the answer is yes. An administrative law judge (ALJ) will decide cases based on the medical evidence in the file – this includes x-rays and other imaging exams, lab panels, treatment notes, and written statements from the claimant and the claimant’s treating physicians, and likely your testimony. Your testimony is offered with…
At most New Orleans Social Security Disability Hearings and Metairie Disability Hearings, a vocational expert testifies about the occurrence of occupations for a person given your limitations. The VE will listen to the testimony and respond to questions from the judge and your attorney (or yourself). Can you derive any clues from the VE testimony…
Many Social Security Disability applicants in the New Orleans area and beyond are confused when they receive a partially favorable decision. Two common questions I hear are “Can I appeal a Partially Favorable decision by an ALJ?” and “If I appeal the decision, can I lose my awarded benefits?”. A partially favorable decision occurs when…
You have had your hearing. You get your decision in the mail. You open it up and right under your name and address you hopefully see: “NOTICE OF DECISION – FULLY FAVORABLE.” You may also see: “NOTICE OF DECISION – PARTIALLY FAVORABLE,” or “NOTICE OF DECISION – UNFAVORABLE,” “NOTICE OF DECISION – DISMISSED.” What does…
The job of an ALJ (Administrative Law Judge) is to review the facts of your case in conjunction with the applicable law and determine whether or not you qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. The law is pretty developed and Social Security has procedures on top of procedures to ensure that a consistent decision…
The average processing times for the Louisiana ODAR offices continues to decline according to the most recent report dated September 24, 2010. The processing time is the time it takes from your appeal submission until you receive a decision from the ODAR office. The processing times for Louisiana Social Security Disability and Louisiana SSI claims…
Basic Facts: My client was a married 37 year old female, with three children. Her past relevant work was as a receiving coordinator and a sales associate at a retail store, and fast-food manager/working supervisor. Disabling Condition: She left her last job due to severe fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and weakness. The claimant had two…