If your claim for Social Security disability benefits has been denied in Kentucky, you need an experienced and skilled disability attorney to guide you through the stages of the appeals process.
The reconsideration review is the first level of appeal in Kentucky. The reconsideration review is also known as the “paper review” because the Social Security Administration (SSA) simply reviews documents that have been filed as part of your disability claim.
If the reconsideration review still results in a denied claim, the next step is to request a hearing before an administrative law judge at an SSA office. Depending on where you live in Kentucky, it may take over a year before you can be scheduled for a hearing. This wait time is due to the significant case backlog.
One of the most effective ways to improve your chances of avoiding the lengthy and complex disability appeal process is by getting help from a skilled Kentucky Social Security Disability lawyer. By working with an experienced lawyer who has handled many Kentucky Social Security Disability cases, you can ensure that you have the best chance of filing a successful disability application or, if necessary, an appeal.
During the hearing, the judge may ask you questions regarding your disability, your medical conditions, and your employment history. The judge may ask about your rehabilitation treatment, prescription drugs, and whether you are experiencing side effects from the drugs. The judge may also ask about your daily life and activities.
If the judge denies your case, you may ask the Appeal Council for a review. During this stage, the Appeals Council may return your case to the judge for a new hearing.
Who Attends a Disability Hearing in Kentucky?
Disability hearings are not held in open court where anyone can attend. Typically, you, your attorney, the administrative law judge, and a judicial staff member will be the only people in attendance. A medical expert may also attend.
Any others, such as family, friends, or co-workers, can attend and give testimony, but only with your permission.
Benefits of Bringing a Lawyer, Witnesses, and Representatives
Hearings are a very important part of your disability case because they provide the opportunity to present evidence in person. It’s critical that you are well prepared for the attorney. An experienced attorney can help you get there.
An experienced Kentucky disability lawyer can help you prepare for the hearing discussing potential questions the judge may ask. During the hearing, your lawyer may ask the witnesses questions. Witnesses may include doctors and medical experts who can testify about your medical condition prevents you from returning to work.
A Kentucky disability lawyer will advocate your interests at the hearing and present a strong argument based on medical evidence and applicable laws. At Paul Baker Law Office, our disability attorneys can help determine if the SSA overlooked evidence that supports a finding of disability and whether the SSA considered the totality of your physical and/or mental limitations when reviewing your claim.
Call Paul Baker Law Office for Help with your Kentucky Disability Case
The skilled and compassionate lawyers at Paul Baker Law Office offer free, no-obligation consultations. We will review your disability case and offer a plan for moving forward.
We don’t charge any fees upfront to begin work on your disability claim. You only pay us if we recover compensation for you. Call us to schedule your free initial consultation today.
