Alabama Social Security Disability Guide - by The Forsythe Firm - (256) 799-0297.

In about 20 percent of Social Security disability cases, the agency will send claimants to one of their contracted doctors for a consultative examination (CE).  This usually occurs when there is limited evidence from the claimant's own treating doctors. Social Security contracts with doctors in private practice to perform these exams.  Here is generally what to expect at a consultative exam (CE): It will be brief.  The doctor may spend as little as 15 minutes with you.  Usually there are no tests. The doctor has been provided with a checklist of things to look for.  He/She will focus only on what is on the list. CEs are often not helpful for the claimant. Here are a few tips that may help the examination go smoothly: If you cannot attend the examination, call the Disability Determination Service (DDS) which scheduled the exam as early as possible.  This should only be for an unavoidable emergency. Also call the doctor's office.  (...

For years, the Forsythe Firm has been helping north Alabama residents obtain Social Security disability benefits.  And the firm does not collect a penny unless the client is approved and awarded back pay. This arrangement is called a "contingency fee agreement."  Before a fee becomes due, a contingency must be met.  What is the contingency?  That the client is approved and paid past due benefits, often known as "back pay." The Forsythe Firm does all the work without any guarantee of payment.  The client meets for an interview.  The case is evaluated.  If the firm decides to represent the individual, an agreement is signed.  The local advocate files all applications and forms, gathers medical evidence, develops a theory of the case for the decision makers (shows why it should be approved), appeals any unfavorable actions--and appears at hearings with the client if that becomes necessary.  Only when a retroactive benefit check is issued to ...

Most people who apply for Social Security disability these days are represented by attorneys or "advocates" who help them with the pursuit of benefits.  Because the Social Security program is so restrictive, prone to denials, and demanding in terms of proof--claimants usually do not attempt it alone. What are some of the essential functions of the advocate?  I will list a few of the more important jobs: 1.  Deciding whether or not the claimant probably meets the basic rules for Social Security disability benefits.  No one can guarantee that a case will be approved.  But there are some obvious things that make benefits impossible.  For example, if an individual is still working full-time, he or she normally cannot be approved for disability benefits while working.  If there is little or no medical evidence, approval would be very unlikely.  On the other hand, if the claimant meets one of the Listings, there is a high probability of...