The analysts at the State agency deny too many cases when there is more than enough medical evidence to approve a Social Security Disability ("SSD") claim. Sometimes, the State agency, known as Disability Determination Services ("DDS"), will issue a partially, favorable decision, which means they find the claimant disabled after the date when the claimant maintains they became disabled. This was the case for one of our clients.
We represent a 61 year old police officer from Glenwood Landing, who worked at Ground Zero. Due to PTSD from the work he did at Ground Zero, our client took a job as a handyman. After performing that work for several years, he had to stop because his PTSD, depression and anxiety worsened. He also suffers from musculoskeletal conditions. The treating doctors were very supportive, and we submitted objective and subjective medical evidence to the State agency. The DDS issued only a partially favorable decision. We filed an appeal for reconsideration with DDS, but they denied him again.
Our claimant had a hearing scheduled with the hearing office on Long Island. I submitted an on the record ("OTR") request, explaining that there was no need for a hearing to approve the claimant for the additional benefits. ALJ Allen agreed with my OTR request that no hearing was necessary, and issued a fully favorable decision today.
It is important to retain an experienced, disability attorney who knows what medical information you need from your doctors, to support that you are unable to work a fulltime job based on the restrictions you have from your medical conditions. You need someone to fight for you. Our office, located in Melville, Long Island, offers a free phone consultation. We will fight for you.
