The statistics are brutal: The Social Security Administration denies about 70% of initial disability benefit applications. Many Poles give up at this point, thinking they have no chance. That is a mistake. The system is designed so that the real assessment of your health condition only happens at the appeal stage.
The key to success: “Objective Medical Evidence”
An official will not take your word for it that your “back hurts.” You must provide objective medical evidence:
- MRI results showing nerve compression.
- Nerve conduction studies (EMG).
- A history of treatment and (most importantly!) a lack of improvement despite therapy.
Your chance before an Administrative Law Judge
The most important stage is the “Hearing.” This is where, with the help of an attorney, we cross-examine a Vocational Expert. Our task is to prove that, considering your age, education, and health limitations, there is no work in the national economy that you could perform. For those over 50: The rules are more lenient (the so-called Grid Rules). It is easier to obtain benefits if you have worked physically and are not fluent in English. We help with obtaining SSD benefits – Check our effectiveness.
