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Michael J. Hengst

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Has your claim for Social Security
Disability been denied?

Click to call now (832) 626-0400 for a FREE case evaluation

Has your claim for Social Security
Disability been denied?

Click to call now (832) 626-0400 for a FREE case evaluation

How to Win Your Social Security Disability Case

To Win Your Social Security Disability Case

To win your Social Security Disability claim, you must submit competent medical evidence proving a disability. Not only does the Social Security Administration (SSA) want to know how you are disabled, but also how that disability interferes with basic work-related activities that prevent you from performing even a sedentary job.

The burden of proving the disability falls on you, the claimant. Hiring our lawyers who focus on Social Security Disability Insurance claims is the best way to win your case.

Our knowledgeable Social Security lawyers will enhance your initial application or properly present your claim in the appeal process. These skilled attorneys understand what the SSA is looking for in a valid claim, how to obtain the evidence needed for approval and how to navigate the appeal process.

Local Houston Social Security attorney, Michael J. Hengst possess 25 years of experience representing clients in Social Security claims. This masterful knowledge makes our office uniquely positioned to represent you in your Social Security Disability claim.

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Contact us today for a free consultation with a trusted, experienced SSDI and SSI lawyer. Almost All Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means that you will not pay us a fee unless we win your claim.

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Michael J. Hengst, Houston Social Security Disability attorney, has been fighting for SSDI approval on his client’s behalf for decades. With his direction, you can get your SSDI claim off to a good start and increase your chances of winning.

The Initial Disability Claim Filing

 Your initial filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is the first look the Social Security Administration (SSA) will have at your claim. It is imperative to present a thorough and complete application to increase your chances for approval. Our Social Security lawyers use their knowledge of the application process to collect information and records to aid the SSA with their decision.

Some applicants don’t think they need the assistance of a lawyer in this initial application stage; however, it is beneficial to utilize our lawyer’s years of experience in dealing with the complexity of the Social Security regulations to enhance your application.

Disability Claim Reconsideration Appeals

The first step after your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim is denied is to file a Request for Reconsideration. There is a limited time to file this appeal, and the time starts running from the date the Social Security Administration (SSA) mails the denial letter.

With over 86% of Requests for Reconsideration denied, it is essential to consult with our Social Security Disability lawyer before filing the required paperwork. In fact, our social security attorney will undertake several extra steps to ensure a well-documented Request for Reconsideration is filed on time.

To properly evaluate your Social Security claim, your lawyer might review your file, submit further medical records reflecting the increased severity of the disability, or request your medical professional provide a narrative to support the conclusion of disability.

Our attorney is experienced in Social Security Disability appeals and understand how to properly submit the necessary information to meet the requirements of a Social Security Disability claim.

Our Social Security Disability Attorney will helpAdministrative Law Judge Hearings

If your claim is denied during Reconsideration, your next step in the appeal process for your Social Security Disability claim is a request for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

The purpose of the hearing is to present evidence and testimony supporting your claim for benefits, while rebutting the reasons the Social Security Administration (SSA) used to deny your claim. You may call witnesses to testify in support of your claim for disability, but SSA may also call witnesses to testify to rebut your claim for benefits.

 Once a Request for a Hearing has been filed, our experienced Social Security Disability lawyer may request an On the Record decision by filing a brief detailing why the evidence supports a favorable decision without the need for a hearing.

If necessary, our Social Security attorney may contact the Houston area Social Security Administration (SSA) attorney assigned the client file to ascertain what, if any, further evidence is necessary for a positive determination. This On the Record determination rarely occurs without your attorney first requesting the determination.

If your case proceeds to a hearing, you will be required to appear before a judge and give sworn testimony about your case. As a layperson, responding to the arguments and questioning witnesses may be uncomfortable and unfamiliar. Don’t do it yourself!

Fortunately, our Social Security Disability lawyers have vast experience proving up disability claims in front of an ALJ and cross-examining medical and vocational experts who may be called to testify.

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In the Houston area, there are many lawyers to choose from, but only our Social Security lawyers with their extensive experience should be trusted to represent you and manage your disability claim. Michael J. Hengst is the attorney with the experience necessary to fight for you.

Appeals Council Representation

If your claim is denied by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), your next step is to petition for a review by the Appeals Council. While the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a form for requesting the review, the form alone is not entirely the best way to explain your objections to the ALJ opinion that denied your Social Security Disability claim.

Your claim is best served by submitting a written brief by our Social Security Disability attorneys detailing the reasons why the ALJ decision should be overturned.

The Appeals Council is the last administrative step available to win your Social Security Disability claim. This step needs to be seriously addressed by your attorney with the filing of a convincing brief.

There are several arguments available for the brief, including that the available evidence did not support the ALJ decision. The Appeals Council has the option to uphold the decision, remand your case back to the ALJ for a new hearing, or reverse your case and enter a favorable determination.

Federal Court Appeals

If the Appeals Council denies your claim, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. You must file a lawsuit in federal court no later than 60 days from the receipt of your Appeals Council denial.

Your civil action needs to be filed in federal court in the judicial district where you reside. Appealing your case to federal court is a complex process that needs the experience and expertise of Social Security Disability attorney, Michael J. Hengst.

Our Social Security Disability Attorneys can help you assemble the evidence necessary to prove that your condition meets a listed impairment or navigate the next stage of the application process.

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