What evidence to Social Security judges find most compelling and convincing?
In part two of my interview with former Social Security staff attorney Spencer Bishens, we talk about how a disability judge's background can influence how that judge evaluates a case.
Spencer Bishins is a former Social Security Administration staff attorney, serving as a decision writer and attorney advisor to several disability judges for over ten years. He recently released a book entitled Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it. You can find Spencer's book at his website: Bishinspublishing.com.
Spencer notes that some judges recognize that many disability claimants don't have access to quality medical care, and that years of working physically demanding jobs can take their toll, while others judges don't get this at all.
He recounts his experience with a low paying judge whose approval rates more than doubled after the judge himself experienced medical issues himself.
Spencer also reiterates the importance of presenting yourself as a reluctant claimant who hates the idea of having to pursue disability benefits. You should never give the impression that you have given up and decided that you are disabled - judges pick up on this "attitude of entitlement" and will look for ways to deny such cases.
Finally, Spencer argues that even judges with the lowest approval rates will approve cases if the medical evidence is compelling and he offers suggestions as to what type of medical evidence gives you the strongest odds of winning.
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör
Jonathan Ginsberg. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Jonathan Ginsberg och inte av,
eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.
