Charlotte SSD Appeals Lawyer

Charlotte SSD Appeals Attorney

Although a significant number of Social Security Disability (SSD) applicants have their initial applications denied, you shouldn’t be discouraged from applying. If you chose to file your initial application on your own, working with an experienced Charlotte SSD lawyer can greatly improve your chances of obtaining benefits through an appeal.

Whether you live in Charlotte, Greensboro or elsewhere in North Carolina, our team at Bridgman Gantt Law Offices can offer you the support you need to effectively navigate all steps in the SSD application and appeals process.

Providing The Resources You Need To Successfully Appeal A Denied Application

With guidance and clear information, you stand a much better chance of winning your appeal. Our lead attorney, Daniel A. Bridgman, along with his team of professional staff members, can provide you and your family with precisely what you need.

By working closely with you, we can ensure that you understand your options, meet all the deadlines and are prepared when going before the administrative law judge (ALJ) or engaging in other important aspects of the process.

Additional resources we offer include:

• Advice on how to file an initial application or an appeal
• A clear outline of all the steps involved in the appeals process
• An explanation of the role of the administrative law judge (ALJ)
• Tips for applying and winning an appeal

We understand that you and your family have enough to worry about when dealing with a disability. That is why we look to alleviate some of the stress by helping you move through the SSD or SSI process as quickly as possible.

One-On-One Service Focused On Helping You

At Bridgman Gantt Law Offices, we understand that there are a lot of lawyers out there who can help you obtain your SSD benefits. But we believe that our commitment to personal service and our ability to come to you –whether you live in Charlotte, Asheville, or Greensboro, North Carolina, as well as Columbia, South Carolina – offer numerous benefits. We service throughout the region, let us know how we can help.

To learn more about us during a free consultation, call 704-815-6055 or complete our contact form.

Advice When Appealing A Denial Of SSD Benefits

Unfortunately, most applicants for Social Security Disability will become familiar with the appeal process. That is because a significant number of initial applications is denied.

You don’t need to manage the appeal process on your own. Our team at Bridgman Law Offices can help you understand your options and move through your appeal as quickly, effectively and successfully as possible.

Whether you live in Charlotte, Greensboro or another North Carolina community or in Columbia, South Carolina, or the Atlanta metro area, we can provide the personalized, hands-on support you need to obtain the benefits you deserve.

Reconsideration

This is the first level of appeal after an initial denial. You have 65 days from the date of your denial letter to file an appeal, which can be done in person, over the telephone or online. You have the opportunity to report any change in:

• Your condition
• Your treatment
• Your daily activity level

With a North Carolina Social Security Disability appeals attorney advising you, you will be able to gather important evidence that supports your claim. Furthermore, you will have an advocate as you go before an administrative law judge.

Your Hearing Before An Administrative Law Judge

This is perhaps the best opportunity for most claimants to gain approval. At this stage, you actually get to speak and explain in your own words how your impairments limit your activities. The hearing is like a trial, but less formal. Once again, you can present evidence of any change in your condition. Your lawyer can also call witnesses to testify on your behalf, such as friends, family members or co-workers who can explain their observations of your disabilities. In addition, expert witness testimony on subjects such as medical repercussions of your disability or jobs that may be available for someone with your specific impairments will factor into the judge’s decision.

The judge is particularly interested in hearing from you. We will advise you to be forthright and honest and to provide credible statements. Don’t minimize your condition, but don’t exaggerate either. This is where many cases are won or lost. Your attorney will help you prepare your comments and represent your interests throughout the hearing.

We Want To Help You Get The Benefits You Need

Don’t become discouraged if your disability claim is denied. The process is long and arduous, but persistence can bring success. By working with our team at Bridgman Law Offices, you will have a wealth of support and resources at your side.

Call us to schedule a free consultation at 704-815-6055. You can also fill out our contact form to send an email. We will respond to your inquiry within one business day. From our primary office in Charlotte, we work with people throughout the state and the region.

The Role Of The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

If you are filing an appeal for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits in North Carolina or elsewhere, chances are your case will go before an administrative law judge (ALJ). ALJs are federally appointed judges who handle SSD claims at the hearings level.

If you have a claim pending, it’s likely that your claim will be denied and you will have to go through the appeals process, which includes going before the ALJ.

What Does The ALJ Do?

When you file an appeal for SSD benefits, the ALJ will review your medical records, work history and the explanations given for denying benefits. At the hearing, the ALJ will attempt to gather as much information as possible about your condition and determine whether you qualify for benefits.

The judge will ask questions of:

• You, the applicant (or your lawyer)
• Medical experts
• Vocational experts

In short, the ALJ will look to gather information about your medical condition, your treatment, prospects for recovery and other important factors. The medical experts will interpret your medical information and provide testimony to help the judge understand your condition. The vocational experts will testify as to whether your condition prohibits you from finding alternative employment.

As mentioned, the judge will also want to hear from you regarding your condition. Your lawyer can speak on your behalf, which will likely improve your chances of having the judge approve your claim.

Your Attorney Can Help You When Going Before The ALJ

At Bridgman Law Offices, we are here to help you make sense of the SSD process. We are a Charlotte-based firm helping people throughout the region get the benefits they deserve.

If you have questions about filing an application or the appeals process, don’t hesitate to call us for a free consultation at 704-815-6055. You can also send an email inquiry by completing our contact form.

Navigating The Steps of Your SSD Appeals Process

You completed your application for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits and are anxiously awaiting a response. If you’re like many people who apply for benefits, you’re going to be met with disappointment.

Although there are numerous people in Charlotte and throughout North Carolina just like you with a genuine need for SSD benefits, most have their initial application denied for a variety of reasons ranging from simple errors on the application to a failure to provide appropriate medical information.

We Walk You Through The Process — Step By Step

At Bridgman Law Offices, our team is here to help you navigate all points in the SSD process. From application to appeal, we provide the information and resources to keep you informed.

Below is a brief outline of what to expect when filing an appeal:

• Denial: Once your application is denied, you can request a reconsideration. It’s important to make this request within 60 days of the date of your denial.
• Request for reconsideration: Your request for reconsideration should provide strong medical evidence supporting your claim for benefits and a clear reason why you think the Social Security Administration (SSA) erred in its denial. If your request is denied, you will have 60 days to request a hearing.
• Request a hearing: When going before the administrative law judge (ALJ), you will have an opportunity to provide new evidence. There are deadlines for submitting evidence that your attorney can help you meet. If your claim is denied by the ALJ, you can request a review with the Appeals Council.
• Going before the Appeals Council: After reviewing your claim, the Appeals Council will do one of three things: deny your claim, approve your claim or send it back to the ALJ for review. Going to federal court: If the Appeals Council denies your claim, you can bring a case to federal court. Again, you have 60 days to file the appeal after the Appeals Council denies your claim. Numerous procedures and deadlines apply to the appeals process. With an experienced SSD lawyer by your side, you can meet the deadlines and benefit from having the support of a team of professionals.

Denied Benefits? Let’s Work Together. Contact us by completing our contact form or calling 704-815-6055. We offer free consultations, work on a contingency basis and will respond to your call or email within one business day. From our Charlotte office, we work with clients throughout the state as well as in Columbia, South Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia.

Getting Through Your Disability Hearing

You have waited a long time for your disability hearing and it is important to make the most of the opportunity. The best way to prepare is to speak with your North Carolina Social Security Disability (SSD) attorney regarding how the hearing works and how you can be most effective.

Below are brief explanations of important steps in the disability hearing process.

What’s The Hearing For?

The first point your SSD lawyer will emphasize is that the hearing is a de novo review; this means your case is heard anew with no regard to previous determinations. As a practical matter, the judge knows you are appealing a denial, but does not know the basis for it. Although the hearing will be conducted in a less formal manner than a trial, there are similarities:

• The introduction of evidence: All the medical evidence submitted when you originally applied for disability as well as any new information will be made part of the record.
• Testimony of witnesses: You and your attorney may have agreed to call witnesses to testify on your behalf. Often, family members, friends or co-workers can provide valuable insight into how your daily life is affected by your medical condition. The judge typically has a vocational expert testify on work you may qualify for and may also have a medical expert testify.
• Testimony under oath: Most judges will ask you questions directly; even if that does not happen in your case, you have the right to speak and you may want to take advantage of that right. If your testimony is forthright and honest and coincides with the medical evidence, it will go a long way in persuading the judge that you are disabled and deserving of benefits.

Once these proceedings are complete, the judge will render a written opinion determining disability.

When You Have SSD Questions, Contact A North Carolina Firm

Although a hearing is different from a trial, it nonetheless requires a skilled lawyer who can guide you through. Call us at Bridgman Law Offices at 704-815-6055. You can also send us an email by completing our online contact form. From our office in Charlotte, we work with people throughout the state as well as those in Columbia, South Carolina, and the Atlanta metro area.