Iowa SSD Appeal Hearings Attorney
Assisting Clients When Their SSD Claims Have Been Denied in Iowa
Don’t be discouraged if your application for Social Security benefits has been denied. After an initial denial of Social Security benefits and Iowa’s reconsideration stage, the next step in the appeals process is an administrative hearing. Iowa administrative hearing attorney Hugh Field represents clients in all phases of the process, from the initial application to appeals.
We're here to help! Don't see an answer to your question above? Contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation with our administrative hearing lawyers in Iowa.
Understanding the Administrative Hearing Process in Iowa
An Administrative Law Judge will preside over your hearing. During the hearing, you have the opportunity to present the facts to the judge, and your attorney may interview witnesses and experts, if necessary. Hugh will prepare you and your case to ensure that the facts of your situation are clearly and concisely presented to the administrative law judge.
Maximizing Your Chances at an SSD Hearing with Legal Support
At the hearing, your lawyer will:
- Ask you questions about details of your illness
- Question you about your average day to show why you are unable to work
- Question any witnesses
- Question experts, if necessary
Vocational experts are always called to testify at administrative hearings. During the hearing, the judge may ask the vocational expert hypothetical questions about a person with an illness or condition, your age, education, and Residual Functional Capacity can’t do your past work or any other work that exists in the national economy.
Hugh will work to ensure that the testimony isn’t too technical or that the expert does not answer questions outside of his or her area of expertise.
Ready to Assist: Contact Our Iowa SSD Hearing Attorney
Social Security Disability attorney Hugh Field has represented numerous clients at administrative hearings. We will work with you to prepare for the hearing, including interviewing any possible witnesses and getting the opinions of experts when appropriate. We can explain the appeals process, including the administrative hearing, and answer any questions you may have during a free consultation.
Please contact our law firm today at (855) 801-1633 or contact us online to schedule an appointment for a free consultation with our Iowa administrative hearing attorney.
Why Choose Beecher, Field, Walker, Morris, Hoffman & Johnson, PC?
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Aggressive Representation
We do what it takes to win and don't hold anything back. Attorney Field is prepared to fight for you.
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Clients First
We will always put your and your best interests first. Our clients are always our top priority.
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Decades of Experience
Attorney Hugh Field has practiced law for nearly 50 years and is well respected in the legal community.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 855-801-1633 today!
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When Do Social Security Disability Benefits Start?Benefits will start in the first month of your date of entitlement. It is not given on the day of the finding of disability because there is a five-month waiting period. In addition, back payments are limited to 12 months prior to the application for benefits.
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What Should I Do While I’m Waiting on My Hearing Decision?
While waiting on your hearing decision may be difficult, the Social Security Administration recommends that you take the following steps to ensure that your hearing is processed as quickly as possible:
- Appoint your representative (your SSD attorney) as early as possible so that they have time to review your case and prepare for your hearing
- Do not cancel or reschedule your hearing unless absolutely necessary (this can lead to several more months of waiting)
- Be sure to have your representative submit any pertinent medical evidence at least 5 business days before your hearing
- Keep the SSA informed about any address changes
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Is It Possible To Get a Social Security Disability Expedited Hearing?
It is possible to secure an expedited hearing when your case is classified as a "Critical Case."
In order to qualify as a critical case, the SSA staff must determine that your case meets one of the following qualifications:
- Your illness is determined to be terminal, or untreatable
- Your case has received a 100% permanent and total disability compensation rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Your case has been labeled a Military Casualty or Wounded Warrior case
- Your case was labeled a Compassionate Allowance Case or a Dire Need case
- You (the claimant) have been found to be suicidal, homicidal, or potentially violent
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How Long Is the Average Social Security Hearing Wait Time?Depending on the location of your hearing, average wait times before a hearing is held range between 12-15 months, sometimes shorter or longer. The SSA website provides estimated wait times for appeal hearings based on the location where your hearing is being held.
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What Is the Social Security Hearing Decision Timeline?While the actual decision timeline for your hearing may vary depending on the Administrative Law Judge assigned to the case, and the complexity of your case, the average decision timeline is 60-90 days.
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How Do I Know the Status of My Social Security Hearing?
If you are waiting to find out when your hearing will be scheduled for, you can check the status of this in one of two ways:
- You can wait to receive a notification in the mail about the date and location of your hearing; this will be sent out by the Social Security Administration at least 75 days before the date of your hearing
- You can check the status of your appeal online at the Social Security Administration (SSA) website; the website should provide you with the same information (hearing date, time and location)
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Why Are Objective Medical Findings Important For Your Disability Claim?
Objective medical findings are extremely important for your claim. These are the findings that aren’t in dispute or open to misdiagnosis. The challenge for your doctor is to make the correlation between things like x-rays and muscle aches. Often it will be hard to connect those two findings. However, your attorney will be able to guide your doctor as to how to convey that information.
The best thing your doctor can do is to ask about your limitations. This doesn’t mean agreeing with everything you claim. They need to base their findings on their professional experience.
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How Can a Doctor Influence a Social Security Disability Case?
If you are debating applying for Social Security Disability benefits, it is wise to consult a doctor. However, the doctor’s exams are sometimes limited and do not always provide an accurate picture of the limitations that a person deals with due to their disability.
Doctors are often worried about saying something that will harm a patient’s case. This can include saying that the patient can do certain forms of activities that will indicate an ability to work. However, a doctor's belief may not be the only method for you to receive the benefits you need.
A doctor should simply know that they should not exaggerate. If they say a patient’s issues are worse than they are, they will do more harm than good. This will call into question all the doctor’s statements when a decision is made as to whether the patient will receive Social Security disability benefits.
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How Much Will My Benefits Be?
Your Social Security file will have the amount you are going to receive. It is possible that there will be a recalculation of the amount prior to your being paid. There is also a cost of living raise annually in December.
Your Notice of Award will tell you when your benefits begin and how much you are going to receive, including back benefits.