West Virginia residents who submit applications to the Social Security Administration for disability benefits will have to answer numerous questions about their medical and work histories as well as their medical treatment sources. The answers they provide will be entered on a disability report form to be filed with their disability claim and application.
Once all of the necessary information has been gathered, it will be transmitted to a disability determination services agency in the applicant’s state of residence. The applicant’s case will then be assigned to a disability examiner, an individual whose function is similar to that of an insurance claims adjuster.
The duties of the disability examiner include reviewing the applicant’s file, seeking out additional medical proof related to the applicant disability and make a decision according to the rule and regulations established by the SSA. It is not unusual for the disability examiner to get in contact with the applicant to request more information about their medical or work background.
The questions posed by the disability examiner will typically be similar to the information that was gathered when the applicant was submitted. However, the questions asked are meant to gather clarification and additional details. The examiner will try to obtain the necessary information by telephone or mailing a paper questionnaire for the applicant to fill out and return.
Being asked questions at a disability hearing, which is held before an administrative law judge, will be a different experience. Applicants should be aware that it will be a personal interaction between themselves, their attorney and the judge.
An attorney who has experience in Social Security disability benefits may advocate on behalf of a client during a disability hearing to ensure that their rights and interests are protected. The attorney could assist with obtaining the necessary documents that verify a client’s disability.