#SocialSecurityDisabilityAdjudicator

2 min

How to Use an Unsuccessful Work Attempt and Trial Work Period to Your Advantage

It’s probably happened to you before—while screening a case, you notice there is work activity after the alleged onset date. The potential client tells you they had to go back to work to pay bills, which is reasonable. But the question remains: Is this a case worth taking on, and if so, how should you proceed? Before making the decision, it is important to consider whether you can get past Step 1 with an unsuccessful work attempt (UWA) or trial work period (TWP). Use the UWA

2 min

SSD Conferences: Opportunities for Strategic Networking and Enhanced Knowledge

I’m on my way to the 40th anniversary of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) conference in New Orleans. Coincidentally, it is also restaurant week in New Orleans, so I plan on enjoying some delicious food while learning how I can help my clients become more profitable! As a Social Security Disability (SSD) entrepreneur, my work is focused on adding value for SSD representatives and getting a better return on my investment (ROI). I

2 min

Supporting Pain, Fatigue, and Depression in Social Security Disability Claims

Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) and Social Security Administration (SSA) adjudicators appreciate objective medical evidence because it makes adjudicating Social Security Disability (SSD) cases easier. Finding someone disabled or not disabled has significant consequences; many Social Security claimants are living with family, on the brink of eviction, or homeless. Therefore, evidence that helps adjudicators make the right decision as soon as possible is appreciated. However,

3 min

Gaining the Advantage: Understand the Adjudicator Mindset and Use the Disability Determination Exami

Using the Disability Determination Examination can be highly effective. Often, the Disability Determination Services minimizes or entirely d

3 min

The Transition From Working as a Social Security Disability Adjudicator to a Social Security Represe

My previous experience as a disability adjudicator involved adjudicating disability cases and writing ALJ decisions—which gave me an advanta

2 min

Examining the Reconsideration Level, Part 2: Quality at the Reconsideration Level—Challenges and Sol

This is Part 2 of the series Examining the Reconsideration Level. Read Part 1: Trust at the Reconsideration Level—Challenges and Solutions and Part 3: Quantity at the Reconsideration Level—Temporary hiring Based on Production Needs. Balancing quality and quantity in a production-paced work environment is a challenge. As a Social Security Disability adjudicator, this is a lot of pressure—I know this from personal experience. There is only a short amount of time to decide wheth

4 min

Examining the Reconsideration Level, Part 1: Trust at the Reconsideration Level—Challenges and Solut

This is Part 1 of the series Examining the Reconsideration Level. Read Part 2: Quality at the Reconsideration Level—Challenges and Solutions and Part 3: Quantity at the Reconsideration Level—Temporary hiring Based on Production Needs. The Social Security Administration (SSA) deserves credit for relentlessly trying to improve the adjudication process. Over the years, the reconsideration level of the adjudicative process has been reevaluated on numerous occasions. As a Social S

3 min

Improving the Reconsideration Appeals Process

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is reinstating the reconsideration level appeals process for the 10 prototype states by the end of

3 min

Sustaining Quality and Productivity in the Social Security Disability Industry

There are a number of strategies for sustaining quality work, including adding value, being active in the SSD community, providing Social Se

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