Changes Are Coming to the Social Security Disability Program

The United States Senate recently held hearings on the Social Security Disability Program. A minority staff report was prepared and released as a result of the hearing.

The report makes the following recommendations:

• Require Government Representative at ALJ hearing. Congress will have to designate funds for such a program.
• Strengthen Quality Review of Administrative Law Judge Reviews.
• Close the Evidentiary Record one week prior to the Administrative Law Judge Hearing.
• Strengthen use of medical listings.
• Expedite an updated job list to identify jobs that claimants with limited disabilities can perform.
• Training for ALJ in analysis of obesity, drug and alcohol cases.
• Improve the usefulness of Consultative Examinations.
• Reform the Medical and Vocational Guidelines.

It is clear that Congress will take some action to change the Social Security Disability Program as it exists. It is unclear exactly what changes will be made. In any event, future Social Security Disability cases will be more difficult to win.

To increase your chances of winning your Social Security Disability claim it is important for you to hire an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to get you the Social Security Disability help you deserve. Please call us at 1-800-882-5500 or fill out a form on our website for a FREE claim evaluation.