Looking for disability advocate that does not charge as much as an attorney (Tampa: sales, 2015)

[Vannort54]

Originally Posted by bobboohah

No problem, I was thinking I would really have to watch the fine print if the extra fees and costs will be in the thousands.

Also be prepared for a long wait the average waiting time in the Tampa ODAR is 17 months. Then it could take up to 3 months to get a decision in the mail.

[Spring Hillian]

I agree. An attorney checked very step I made and sat-in at my ALJ appearances.

Originally Posted by bobboohah;41282028

If I am paying the same fee I will without a doubt use an attorney. While advocates may be trained in disability issues, attorneys had to pass the bar and have more schooling so I would have a lot more confidence in them.

[Vannort54]

Originally Posted by Spring Hillian

I agree. An attorney checked very step I made and sat-in at my ALJ appearances.

Hers a good forum for those trying to get ssdi/ ssdi

Ssdi facts forum .

[HWTechGuy]

Originally Posted by kmarc

Here's a little piece of advice: Never, EVER go cheap on this matter. Yes, an attorney takes a commission on retroactive payments. They're worth every penny. And you don't pay anything out of pocket. A friend of mine tried going the cheap route for years, with no success and finally contracted with a reputable firm who got it all straightened out. You may think your case is straightforward, but you'd be surprised how messed up it can get trying to resolve it on the cheap. You run the risk of raising all sorts of red flags in the process.

Just get an attorney.

This is outstanding advice. My wife had to go through this and without a skilled attorney, it would have been an even bigger nightmare than it was and took even longer than it did. And her case was as clear-cut as could be. She got hurt at work due to someone else's negligence.

[bobboohah]

Originally Posted by Vannort54

Also be prepared for a long wait the average waiting time in the Tampa ODAR is 17 months. Then it could take up to 3 months to get a decision in the mail.

I was prepared for a 2 year wait so anything less will just be a bonus. Been just over 4 months so far with the initial denial and reconsideration.

[Vannort54]

Originally Posted by bobboohah

I was prepared for a 2 year wait so anything less will just be a bonus. Been just over 4 months so far with the initial denial and reconsideration.

Yes the first 2 are handled by the state now the ODAR is in charge of everything.

[bobboohah]

Originally Posted by Vannort54

Yes the first 2 are handled by the state now the ODAR is in charge of everything.

I am somewhat tempted to go it alone until I get a hearing date since i know sometimes when it is reviewed at this point it can get approved without a hearing. Would want to make sure an attorney had time to review before hearing though.

[John7777]

Originally Posted by bobboohah

I applied and was denied, asked for reconsideration which was denied and am now at the hearing stage. I have very up to date medical records.

I had a vertebra removed from my neck and two titanium plates installed, I have bullet fragments in my lower back with 2 compressed nerves and a severed nerve, I have transverse myelitis in my mid back and other issues. Yes, I think my case is pretty straight forward.

I even tried to work after recovering from the surgery, made it 8 months but coming home every night putting on heating pads and ice packs so that I could try and make it through the next day was getting old. My off days consisted of me laying around recovering so I could do it again the next week.

I am 50 years old, worked and paid into the system for almost 35 years, if I don't get it at the ALJ level then I'll take it to the appeals council and then the federal level.

Get an attorney. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about. At the ALJ level, it's a crapshoot, at best. What if you get a mean wicked judge? It happens. Some ALJs deny 70% of the cases they hear. They must stay awake nights trying to figure out new ways to be mean. The Appeals Council? You could wait two or three years for them to even look at your case. And even if they accept review, they'll likely remand the case to the ALJ for another hearing, at which point you'll wait another year. Then what? The same ALJ you had in the first hearing would get your case back and they might deny you again. Back to the Appeals Council. And if you think the federal courts will be very sympathetic, think again. Florida is in the 11th Circuit. Not exactly known for being claimant friendly.

An attorney can help make sure you have all your ducks in a row.

[Vannort54]

Originally Posted by John7777

Get an attorney. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about. At the ALJ level, it's a crapshoot, at best. What if you get a mean wicked judge? It happens. Some ALJs deny 70% of the cases they hear. They must stay awake nights trying to figure out new ways to be mean. The Appeals Council? You could wait two or three years for them to even look at your case. And even if they accept review, they'll likely remand the case to the ALJ for another hearing, at which point you'll wait another year. Then what? The same ALJ you had in the first hearing would get your case back and they might deny you again. Back to the Appeals Council. And if you think the federal courts will be very sympathetic, think again. Florida is in the 11th Circuit. Not exactly known for being claimant friendly.

An attorney can help make sure you have all your ducks in a row.

Agree get an attorney now since you are at the ALJ level and get your medical records yourself because it will be faster, but like I said look at the contract very close to make sure there is no fees to get medical records or other reports.

[Spring Hillian]

Originally Posted by Vannort54

Agree get an attorney now since you are at the ALJ level and get your medical records yourself because it will be faster, but like I said look at the contract very close to make sure there is no fees to get medical records or other reports.

ALL medical providers charge for copies of medical record regardless who asks for them. $1-2 a page.
Plus postage.