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 Social Security Claims from A to Z Seminar

Presented by NBI, Inc.

Social Security Claims from A to Z

Course Description

Practical Walkthrough of the Claim Process

Do you have all the SSDI information and skills you need to effectively help clients who often can't help themselves? This practical claims and appeals walkthrough gives you actionable tools for proving specific impairment claims, using the strongest evidence, and navigating the SS ODAR electronic process like a pro. Get up to speed on the current rules and learn how to make the best of every interaction with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Register today!

• Get a quick refresher of what SSDI (and SSI) covers and who is eligible.
• Get a rules and grids update and determine what is key in specific impairment claims.
• Learn how to get the information you need from a claimant and request supporting documentation of disability.
• Effectively navigate the online application process and determine when an appeal is a prudent choice.
• Power up your ALJ hearing presentation techniques with tips from the pros.
• Strengthen each claim with effective vocational expert examination.
• Guard your professional reputation with a legal ethics guide tailored to the SSDI practice.

Agenda

1. SSDI BENEFITS OVERVIEW AND INTAKE QUESTIONS
   9:00 - 10:00, Jennifer Stonage
   
   1. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) Benefits Compared
   2. SSI Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
   3. SSDI Eligibility and Application Procedure in a Nutshell
   4. How SSI and SSDI Interact with Other Government Benefits
   5. Speak the Language of the Practice: Common Medical, Legal and Administrative Concepts, Abbreviations and Acronyms
   6. Claim Intake Questionnaire
   7. Spotting Red Flags: Unanswered Questions, Gaps in Medical and Work History, Inconsistencies, etc.
2. IMPAIRMENT LISTING AND GRID RULES UPDATE
   10:00 - 10:30, Jennifer Stonage
   
   1. Disability Listings Update
   2. DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles), SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) and Other Useful Resources
   3. Mental Health Claims: Personality Disorders
   4. Mental Health Claims: Low IQ
   5. Supporting Orthopedic Injury Claims
   6. Medical Vocational Grids
   7. Sources of Authority: POMS, Hallex, CFR, Case Law and Useful Links
3. APPLICATION AND APPEALS PROCESS
   10:45 - 11:15, Kathryne Hemmings Pope
   
   1. Setting Up an Account with SS ODAR and Online Access
   2. Filing Process and Submission of Documents Step-by-Step
   3. Procedure, Forms, Instructions and Useful Links for Every Step of the Claims Process
   4. What to do About Old Applications
   5. What You Need to Know About Appeals Council and Federal Court Review
4. EVIDENTIARY ISSUES IN DISABILITY CLAIMS
   11:15 - 12:15, Kathryne Hemmings Pope
   
   1. Creating an Exhaustive List of all the Documents You Will Need
   2. Personal Medical History and Treating Physician Opinions
   3. Consultative Exams and Medical Source Statements
   4. Employment History and Earnings Record
   5. Practical Tips for Obtaining Crucial Documents
   6. Submission of Evidence Rules Update
   7. Trial Work Periods and Work Attempts
   8. Representing Indigent Clients and Clients with Diminished Mental Capacity
   9. Troubleshooting Lack of Insured Status
   10. Addressing Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment
5. WRITING THE BRIEF AND PREPARING FOR THE HEARING
   1:15 - 1:45, Richard L. Frankel
   
   1. Developing a Winning Theory
   2. Documenting the History of the Ailment - Forms/Letters from the Medical Professionals for Physical vs. Mental Disability Claims
   3. Drafting the Brief and What Form/Documents Must be Submitted with it
   4. Preparing the Client to Testify
   5. The Master Checklist of the "Must-Have" Documents for the Hearing
   6. Documenting and Explaining Prescription Medications
   7. Addressing Addiction
   8. Other Pre-Hearing Issues: On-the-Record Decisions, Memoranda, etc.
6. HEARING TACTICS
   1:45 - 2:15, Richard L. Frankel
   
   1. Video vs. In-Person Hearings: Pros, Cons, Strategy
   2. Harmful Evidence and Other Rules for Hearings
   3. Maximizing Client Testimony Following the Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process
   4. How to Present Hypotheticals
   5. Effective Use of Exhibits
   6. Addressing Bad Facts of the Case
   7. Always Build a Record for Appeal! - What You Must Remember in the Heat of Battle
7. HOW TO CROSS-EXAMINE VOCATIONAL EXPERTS
   2:15 - 3:15, Richard L. Frankel
   
   1. Challenging the VE’s Credentials
   2. Questioning Vocational Data Sources
   3. Language: Medical Limitations vs. Vocational Limitations
      1. Getting to Know the Dictionary of Occupational Titles
      2. Getting to Know the Selected Characteristics of Occupations
   4. Creating Your Own Hypothetical Questions
   5. Using the VE to Reduce the Number of Jobs by the Vocational Implications of Certain Limitations
   6. Vocational Implications of Pain and Mental Health Issues
   7. Challenging Opinions on the Availability/Number of Jobs: What is Meant by "Substantial Number of Jobs," "Existing in Several Regions"
8. AVOIDING ETHICAL PITFALLS
   3:30 - 4:30, Richard L. Frankel
   
   1. Client Misconduct
   2. Representative Misconduct
   3. Guarding Confidentiality
   4. Addressing Negative Evidence
   5. Limitations on Attorney Fees and Possible Exceptions

More Seminar Information

NBI, Inc. Summary Social Security Claims from A to Z Delivery Method  Seminar Who Should Attend This basic level seminar is designed for: Attorneys Accountants Social Security Disability Representatives Social Workers Paralegals

All Date/Location Information