Top 5 Social Security Disability Myths Debunked

• My friend, whose impairments are less severe than mine, was approved for Social Security disability benefits so, that means I will be approved.

The truth is every claim is analyzed differently. Your case will contain different medical evidence [even if you see the same doctors as your friend]. Your medical evidence, along with all the other aspects of your claim file, will most likely be analyzed by a different examiner and / or Administrative Law Judge [ALJ]. Although Social Security has strict guidelines, the examiner or judge reviewing your case may be more conservative or more liberal than the person who examined your friend's case. Therefore, the outcome may be different.
 

• I will be able to EFFECTIVELY represent myself at my Social Security disability hearing.
  
  We do not recommend attending your hearing without an experienced disability attorney or advocate, unless you are trained in presenting and arguing a case to a judge and cross-examining witnesses.

• Seeing Social Security's doctors counts as treatment.

We don't ever get tired of saying this: strong medical evidence is critical to your case. You must make it a priority to receive constant and consistent medical treatment [at least 1 time every 3 months] from the same doctors, if possible.

• You will be approved because you are clearly disabled.

Even if you are clearly disabled, your physical and / or mental limitations must be marked or severe and prevent you from performing ANY job in the regional and national economy.

• EVERYONE GETS DENIED.

Being denied can be avoided with the right guidance.

LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. can help you navigate through the complex disability process so that you steer clear of common pitfalls and increase your chances of winning your claim.)