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Table of Contents VOLUME 1 1. Initial Client Contact §100 “Disabled” — A Term of Art §110 Determining Disability Under the Regulations and Rulings §120 The Medical-Vocational Guidelines §130 Social Security Disability and SSI: Nondisability Requirements and Other Differences §140 Special Disability Programs §150 The Appeal Process §160 Before the Initial Interview §170 Initial Interview §180 After Initial Interview — Hearing Stage §190 After Initial Interview — Below Hearing Stage 2. Prehearing Procedure §200 Hearing Preparation — Theory of the Case §210 Obtaining Medical and Other Documentation §220 Obtaining and Dealing With Opinion Evidence §230 Analysis of Medical Impairments §240 Mental Impairments, Listings §§12.00-12.10 §250 Pain and Its Impact on Residual Functional Capacity VOLUME 2 §260 Proving a Case for a Claimant Under Age 50 §270 Preparation Tips §280 Preparation Tips as the Hearing Date Approaches §290 Preparing Witnesses to Testify
3. The Hearing §300 Hearing Procedure §310 Claimant’s Testimony §320 Lay Witnesses §330 The Government’s Medical Expert §340 The Government’s Vocational Expert §350 Closing Argument §360 Post-Hearing Development §370 Res Judicata, Administrative Finality and Reopening §380 Deceased Claimants §390 Hearing Checklist 4. Following a Favorable Decision §400 Check the Decision and Contact Your Client §410 Peculiar Problems in Concurrent Cases §420 SSI Issues §430 Calculating the Amount of Back Benefits §440 Payment Issues §450 Reserved §460 Reserved §470 Overpayments §480 Continuing Disability Review and Termination of Eligibility for Disability Benefits 5. Appeals Council §500 Appeals Council: The Decision to Appeal §510 Requesting Review by the Appeals Council §520 Arguing Your Case to the Appeals Council §530 Substantive Issues §540 Appeals Council Action on Favorable Decisions §550 After Receiving an Appeals Council Denial Decision §560 Appealing an ALJ Denial Decision After Federal Court Remand 6. Federal Court Review §600 Considerations Prior to Filing §610 Initiating the Action: Procedure §620 Post-Filing Procedure §630 Practice Before U.S. Magistrate Judges §640 Remedies: Remand and Reversal §650 Substantive Issues §660 If You Lose 7. Attorney’s Fees §700 The Fee Agreement Process for Approval of Attorney Fees §710 Payment of the Fee Under the Fee Agreement Process §720 The Fee Petition Process §730 Submitting a Fee Petition and Obtaining a Fee Authorization From SSA §740 Fee Issues Applicable to Both the Fee Agreement Process and the Fee Petition Process §750 Attorney Fees in Federal Court §760 Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) §770 The EAJA Time Limit §780 EAJA Sample Pleadings §790 Payment of EAJA Fees Detailed Contents VOLUME 1 Preface: How to Use This Book and Other Tips for Improving Your Social Security Disability Practice 1. Initial Client Contact §100 “Disabled” — A Term of Art §101 Regulations and Rulings §102 Statutory Definition §103 The Role of SSA’s Informal Policy Statements §104 The Role of Federal Court Decisions §105 Acquiescence Rulings §106 A Nonadversarial Administrative System §107 Informal Procedures §108 SSA: A Bureaucracy §109 Citations §110 Determining Disability Under the Regulations and Rulings §111 Diagram: Disability Decision and Sequential Evaluation Process §112 The Sequential Evaluation Process — Overview §113 Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity §114 Step 2: The Severity Step §115 The Duration Requirement §116 Step 3: The Listing of Impairments §117 Step 4: Past Relevant Work §118 Step 5: Other Work §119 Summary and Exceptions §120 The Medical-Vocational Guidelines §121 Maximum Residual Functional Capacity Permitted for a Finding of Disability §121.1 Chart: Maximum RFC Possible for Disability Finding §122 Age §123 Education §124 Work Experience §125 A Full or Wide Range of Work §125.1 Definition of Medium Work From SSR 83-10 §125.2 Definition of Light Work From SSR 83-10 §125.3 Definition of Sedentary Work From SSR 83-10 §126 An RFC for Less Than Sedentary Work §126.1 Alternate Sitting and Standing From SSRs 83-12 and 96-9p §127 Nonexertional Limitations §128 Transferable Work Skills §129 Using the Medical Vocational Guidelines as a Framework for Decision Making §130 Social Security Disability and SSI: Nondisability Requirements and Other Differences §131 Social Security Disability — Worker’s Insured Status §132 SSI §133 Retroactivity of Applications and Waiting Period §134 Social Security Disability and SSI: Other Differences §135 Chart: Social Security Disability and SSI Compared §136 Eligibility of Aliens §140 Special Disability Programs §141 Social Security Disability — Disabled Adult Children §142 Social Security Disability — Widow(er)s and Surviving Divorced Spouses §142.1 Form: Determining Prescribed Period and Controlling Date for Widow’s Claim §143 Social Security Disability — Blindness §144 SSI Blind §145 SSI Children §150 The Appeal Process §150.1 Disability Service Improvement (DSI) §151 Initial and Reconsideration Determination §152 Hearing §153 Differences Between State Agency Determinations and Hearing Decisions §153.1 Chart: State Agency and ALJ Disability Decisions Compared §154 Appeals Council Review §155 Federal Court §156 Diagram: The Appeal Process §157 Diagram: How Long Does Appeal Process Take? §160 Before the Initial Interview §161 Office Policy Considerations §162 One Approach to Dealing With Disability Cases §163 Telephone Contact §164 Literature for Prospective Clients §164.1 Memorandum: Common Questions About Applying for Disability Benefits §165 Form: Social Security Disability Telephone Intake §166 Form: Letter to Prospective Client §167 Form: Claimant Questionnaire §168 Form: Claimant Psychiatric Questionnaire Interview §169 Office Organization §169.1 Databases §169.2 Paralegals §170 Initial Interview §171 Observe the Claimant §172 Determine Type of Claim and Procedural Issues §173 Use the Denial Letters to Determine Why the Claim Was Denied §174 Analyze the Claimant’s Answers §174.1 Use Interview and Analysis Forms to Evaluate Claimant’s Case §175 Form: Interview §175.1 Form: Analysis §176 Look for Problem Areas and Opportunities §176.1 Onset Date §176.2 Unsuccessful Work Attempts §176.3 Working Claimants, Closed Period of Disability and Trial Work §176.4 Prior Applications §176.5 Look for Cases Where SSA Misinformation Deterred the Claimant From Applying §176.6 Receipt of Unemployment Compensation Benefits §176.7 ADA Claims §176.8 Evaluate the Listing of Impairments §176.9 Past Relevant Work §176.10 Education §176.11 SSI Issues: Informal and In-Kind Loans §177 Begin Hearing Preparation at the Initial Interview §177.1 Educate the Claimant About Disability Law §177.2 Put the Claimant at Ease About the Hearing Process §177.3 Record Your Impressions of the Claimant’s Strengths and Weaknesses as a Witness §177.4 Identify Potential Witnesses §177.5 Daily Diary §177.6 Make a List of Things to Do §178 Obtain the Claimant’s Signature on Necessary Forms §178.1 Consent Forms §178.2 SSA Forms §178.2.1 Form: Appointment of Representative (SSA 1696) §178.2.2 Form: Request for Hearing §178.2.3 Form: Disability Report — Appeal §178.2.4 Form: Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration §178.2.5 Form: Consent for Release of Information (SSA-3288) §178.3 Attorney Fees Contract §178.3.1 Form: Two-Tiered Fee Agreement §179 Begin Keeping Time Records §180 After Initial Interview — Hearing Stage §181 Form: Letter to Claimant Following Initial Interview — Hearing Stage §182 Form: Initial Letter to Hearing Office (When Request for Hearing Has Already Been Filed) §183 Form: Initial Letter to Social Security Office (With Request for Hearing) §190 After Initial Interview — Below Hearing Stage §191 Form: Letter to Claimant Following Initial Interview — Below Hearing Level §192 Form: Initial Letter to SSA — No Appeal Due, Case Below Hearing Level §193 Form: Initial Letter to SSA — Transmit Request for Reconsideration §194 Form: Claimant’s Consultative Examination 2. Prehearing Procedure §200 Hearing Preparation — Theory of the Case §201 Obtaining a Copy of the File — Below the Hearing Stage §202 Obtain a Copy of All Hearing Exhibits §202.1 Electronic Disability Folder (eDib) §203 Contents of the Disability File §204 Forms Completed by the Claimant §204.1 Application for Benefits §204.2 Disability Report §204.3 Work History Report §204.4 Reconsideration Disability Report §204.5 Disability Report — Appeal §204.6 Daily Activities Questionnaire §204.7 Request for Reconsideration and Hearing §204.8 Form: Disability Report (SSA-3368) §204.9 Form: Disability Report — Field Office (SSA-3367) §204.10 Form: Work History Report (SSA-3369) §205 Earnings Record §205.1 Sample: Earnings Comp Determination §206 Disability Determination and Transmittal §206.1 Form: Disability Determination and Transmittal (SSA-831) §206.2 Form: POMS 26510.045 — Regulation Basis Codes §206.3 Chart: DDS Medical Specialty Codes §207 Residual Physical Functional Capacity Assessment §207.1 Form: Residual Functional Capacity Assessment (SSA-4734) §208 Analysis of Hearing Exhibit File §210 Obtaining Medical and Other Documentation §211 Hospital Records §211.1 Veterans Administration Hospital §212 Doctors’ Records §212.1 Physicians, Osteopaths, Podiatrists, Optometrists §212.2 Psychologists §212.3 Chiropractors §213 Physical and Occupational Therapists §214 Pharmacies §215 Insurance Carriers §216 Former and Current Employers §216.1 Form: Employment Questionnaire §216.2 Form: Monthly Wage Information §217 Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies §218 Law Enforcement Agencies §219 Other Sources §219.1 Social Welfare Agencies §219.2 Other Attorneys §219.3 Schools §220 Obtaining and Dealing With Opinion Evidence §221 The Claimant’s Doctor §221.1 Hearing Testimony by the Treating Doctor §221.2 Taking the Doctor’s “Deposition” §221.3 Specific Questions §221.4 General Medical Report §221.5 Medical Opinion Forms §221.6 Form: Medical Source Statement of Ability to Do Work-Related Activities (Physical) (HA-1151) §221.7 Form: Medical Opinion re: Ability to Do Work-Related Activities (Physical) §221.8 Form: Letter to Treating Source Transmitting RFC Questionnaire §221.9 Form: Medical Opinion Regarding Physical Capacity for Work §221.10 Memorandum: The Role of the Treating Doctor in Social Security Disability Determinations §222 State Agency Doctors §223 Consultative Doctors — Hired by SSA §224 Consultative Doctors — Hired by You §225 Vocational Experts — Hired by You §226 Vocational Experts Called by the ALJ §227 Medical Expert §230 Analysis of Medical Impairments §230.1 Form: Bladder Problem Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §230.1.1 Form: Interstitial Cystitis Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §230.2 Form: Lupus (SLE) Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §230.3 Form: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (Short Version) §230.3A Form: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (Long Version) §231 Musculoskeletal System, Listings §§1.00-1.08 §231.1 Form: Listing §1.04A — Spinal Nerve Root Compression §231.2 Form: Lumbar Spine Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (Without Onset Question) §231.2A Form: Lumbar Spine Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (With Onset Question) §231.3 Form: Fibromyalgia Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (Without Onset Question) §231.3A Form: Fibromyalgia Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (With Onset Question) §231.4 Form: Arthritis Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §231.5 Memorandum: Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Objective Medical Evidence Requirement for Disability Adjudication §231.6 Form: Cervical Spine Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §232 Special Senses and Speech, Listings §§2.00-2.09 §232.1 Form: Meniere’s Disease Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §232.2 Form: Letter to Doctor re: Vision When Claimant Limited to Sedentary Work §232.3 Form: Vision Questionnaire §232.4 Form: Vision Impairment Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §233 Respiratory System, Listings §§3.00-3.11 §233.1 Form: Pulmonary Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (Without Onset Question) §233.1A Form: Pulmonary Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (With Onset Question) §233.2 Form: Sleep Disorders Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §234 Cardiovascular System, Listings §§4.00-4.12 §234.1 Dealing With Exercise Tolerance Test Results §234.2 New York Heart Association Standards §234.3 Form: Cardiac Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (Without Onset Question) §234.3A Form: Cardiac Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (With Onset Question) §235 Digestive System, Listings §§5.00-5.08 §235.1 Form: Crohn’s & Colitis Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §235.2 Form: Hepatitis C Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (Without Onset Question) §235.2A Form: Hepatitis C Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (With Onset Question) §236 Hemic and Lymphatic System, Listings §§7.00-7.17 §237 Skin Disorders, Listings §§8.00-8.08 §238 Endocrine System, Listings §§9.00-9.08 and Obesity §238.1 Form: Diabetes Mellitus Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (Without Onset Question) §238.1A Form: Diabetes Mellitus Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (With Onset Question) §238.2 Form: Obesity Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §239 Neurological, Listings §§11.00-11.19 §239.1 Form: Seizures Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (Without Onset Question) §239.1A Form: Seizures Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (With Onset Question) §239.2 Form: Headaches Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §239.3 Form: Stroke Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §239.4 Form: Multiple Sclerosis Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §239.5 Form: Myasthenia Gravis Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §239.6 Form: Parkinson's Disease Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §239.7 Form: Peripheral Neuropathy Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §239.8 Form: Postpolio Sequelae Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §239.9 Form: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Type 1 Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §240 Mental Impairments, Listings §§12.00-12.10 §241 Procedure for Evaluation of Mental Impairments §24.1 Form: Psychiatric Review Technique (SSA-2506-BK) §242 Mental Impairment “B Criteria” Outline §242.1 Marked Restriction of Activities of Daily Living §242.2 Marked Difficulties in Maintaining Social Functioning §242.3 Marked Difficulties in Maintaining Concentration, Persistence or Pace §242.4 Repeated Episodes of Decompensation, Each of Extended Duration §243 Practice Tips — Meeting the Mental Listings §243.1 Form: Mental Impairment Questionnaire (Listings) §244 Mental Retardation §244.1 Onset Before Age 22 §244.2 An Additional Severe Impairment §244.3 Equaling the Listings §244.4 Borderline Intellectual Functioning §245 Assessing Mental Residual Functional Capacity §245.1 Chart: DSM-II Axis V §245.2 Chart: DSM-IV Axis V §245.3 Form: Medical Source Statement of Ability To Do Work-Related Activities (Mental) (HA-1152) §245.4 Form: Mental Residual Functional Capacity Assessment (SSA-4734-F4-Sup) §245.5 Form: POMS §§DI 24510.060 - DI 24510.065 Mental RFC Assessment §245.6 Form: POMS §DI 25020.010 - Mental Limitations §245.7 Form: Medical Opinion Re: Ability To Do Work-Related Activities (Mental) §245.8 Form: Mental Impairment Questionnaire (RFC & Listings) §245.9 Form: Mental Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (Without Onset Question) §245.9A Form: Mental Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (With Onset Question) §246 Evaluating Ability to Work Based on Mental RFC §247 Stress and Mental Impairments §248 Somatoform Disorders §248.1 Form: Somatoform Impairment Questionnaire (RFC & Listings) §249 Drug Addiction or Alcoholism §249.1 Chart: Is Drug Addiction or Alcoholism a Contributing Factor Material to the Determination of Disability? §249.2 Form: POMS §DI 90070.050 Drug Abuse or Alcoholism Material Determinations §250 Pain and Its Impact on Residual Functional Capacity §251 The Social Security Act and Regulations §252 Desk Guide: Consideration of Alleged Symptoms in the Adjudication of Disability Claims §253 Evaluation of Medical Opinions §254 Credibility §255 Pain Must Be Linked to a Medically Determinable Impairment §256 Issue: Is the Impairment Reasonably Consistent With the Objective Evidence? §257 Form: Doctor’s Opinion re: Consistency of Symptoms and Limitations §258 Chronic Pain Syndrome VOLUME 2 2. Prehearing Procedure (continued) §258.1 Form: Physical Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (Without Onset Question) §258.1A Form: Physical Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire (With Onset Question) §259 Summary: Proof of Pain §260 Proving a Case for a Claimant Under Age 50 §261 Illiteracy §262 Inability to Communicate in English §263 Postural and Manipulative Limitations §263.1 Manipulative Limitations §263.1.1 Form: Manipulative Limitations Residual Functional Capacity Questionnaire §263.2 Postural Limitations §264 Visual Impairment §265 Environmental Restrictions §266 Mental Impairments §267 Part-Time and Sporadic Work §268 Some Additional Possibilities §270 Preparation Tips §271 Learn SSA’s Approach to Vocational Issues §271.1 Chart: Physical Limitations and Their Effects on Ranges of Work §272 Form: POMS §DI 25020.001 — Functional Limitations and Their Effects on Ranges of Work — Physical and Environment Limitations §273 Reserved §274 Impairment-Related Work Expenses §274.1 Memorandum re: Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) §275 Obtain Current Information From Your Client §276 Form: Letter to Client re: Hearing Date §277 Form: Recent Medical Treatment and Examination §280 Preparation as the Hearing Date Approaches §281 Ask for a Prehearing Conference §282 Request an On-the-Record Favorable Decision §283 Never Waive a Hearing §284 Request Subpoenas §285 Submit Additional Evidence §285.1 Office Instructions for Submitting Hearing Exhibits §286 Prepare a Hearing Brief §286.1 Form: Proposed Findings and Decision §287 Prepare Notes for the Hearing §288 Form: Social Security Hearing Sheet §289 Objections to Hearing Issues §290 Preparing Witnesses to Testify §291 Form: Activities Questionnaire §292 Preparing Your Client to Testify §292.1 Allay Your Client’s Fears §292.2 Explain the Theory of the Case §292.3 Explain the Hypothetical Nature of Disability Evaluation §292.4 Minimize Medical Testimony from the Claimant §292.5 Neither Exaggerate Nor Minimize Testimony About Pain or Limitations §292.6 Avoid Rehearsing Testimony §292.7 Encourage Testimony Filled With Examples and Anecdotes §292.8 Explain the Mechanics of Issuing a Written Decision §292.9 Rules for Testifying §293 Memorandum: Testifying at Your Disability Hearing §294 The Importance of Lay Witness Testimony Is Recognized by SSA and the Courts §295 Arrange for Lay Witness Testimony §296 Sample: Letter to Lay Witness §297 Written Statements From Lay Observers §297.1 Form §297.2 Content §297.3 Illustration §297.4 Other Tips §297.5 Sample: Memorandum on Preparing a Letter for Use in a Disability Claim §297.6 Sample: Memorandum on Preparing a Letter for Use in a Disability Claim Involving a Mental Impairment §298 Prehearing Checklist 3. The Hearing §300 The ALJ Hearing §300.1 Disability Service Improvement (DSI) §301 Prehearing Orders §302 Issues §302.1 Unsigned “Reports of Contact” With Physicians §302.2 State Agency Physician RFC Evaluations §302.3 Denial of Right to Cross-Examine Authors of Adverse Medical Reports §302.4 Consultative Physician Reports §303 Just Before the Hearing §304 Hearing Procedure §304.1 ALJ’s Opening Statement §304.2 Video Hearings §304.3 Persons Present in the Hearing Room §304.4 Making Your Own Recording of the Hearing §304.5 Objections to ALJ’s Questions §305 Objections to Exhibits §305.1 Unsigned “Reports of Contact” With Physicians §305.2 Denial of Right to Cross-Examine Authors of Adverse Medical Reports §305.3 Consultative Physician Reports §306 Claimant Representative’s Opening Statement §307 Order of Testimony §308 Claimant’s Experts §309 Closing Argument §310 Claimant’s Testimony §311 Background, Age, Education and Vocational Training §312 Work Experience §313 Medical History §314 Current Treatment §315 Physical Symptoms §315.1 Pain §315.2 Shortness of Breath §315.3 Fatigue §316 Mental Symptoms §316.1 Use DSM-IV as an Outline for Questioning §316.2 Stress §317 Mental Residual Functional Capacity §318 Physical Residual Functional Capacity §318.1 Sitting §318.2 Alternate Sitting, Standing and Walking §318.3 Standing §318.4 Walking §318.5 Lifting and Carrying §318.6 Postural Limitations §318.7 Manipulative Limitations §318.8 Traveling §318.9 Good Days/Bad Days §319 Daily Activities §319.1 Background and General Description §319.2 Activities of Daily Living §319.3 Social Functioning and Leisure Activities §319.4 Personal Care §319.5 Examples of Limited Activities §320 Lay Witnesses §321 Limit the Number of Witnesses §322 Screen Witnesses and Pick the Best §323 Prepare Witnesses but Do Not Rehearse Testimony §324 Seek Testimony From Observation; Avoid Conclusory Testimony §325 Corroborative Testimony §326 Before and After Testimony §327 Anecdotal Testimony §327.1 Seizures §327.2 Breathing Impairment §327.3 Pain §328 Interference With Work §328.1 Co-Worker Testimony §328.2 Company Disability §330 The Government’s Medical Expert §331 Purpose of Medical Expert Testimony §332 Procedure §333 ALJ’s Direct Examination of a Medical Expert in a Mental Impairment Case §334 Critique and Objections to ALJ’s Direct Examination §335 Meeting the Listings §336 Equaling the Listings §337 Residual Functional Capacity Testimony §340 The Government’s Vocational Expert §341 Vocational Issues §342 Proper ALJ Questions to VE §343 Improper ALJ Questions to VE §343.1 Failure to Use Hypothetical Questions §343.2 Qualifying a VE to Interpret Medical Records §344 Improper VE Testimony §344.1 Americans With Disabilities Act — Associate Commissioner’s Memorandum §345 Prepare Your Own Hypothetical Questions for the VE §346 Use of Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) §346.1 Physical Exertion Levels §346.2 DOT Specific Vocational Preparation and Skill Level §346.3 Example of the Use of the DOT: Nurse Assistant §346.4 Pages From DOT and Selected Characteristics §346.5 Example of the Use of Materials Supplement the DOT: Surveillance System Monitor §346.6 The DOT and Sedentary Work §346.7 Some Popular Jobs Which Are Not Sedentary Unskilled Jobs in the DOT §346.8 Use of the DOT in Cross-Examining a Vocational Expert §346.9 Submit a Rebuttal Opinion §347 Past Relevant Work §347.1 Make Sure the Prior Job Really Was Relevant Work §347.2 The Functional Demands and Job Duties of the Occupation as Generally Required by Employers Throughout the National Economy §347.3 When a VE Testifies That a Claimant Can Do a Former Job as the Claimant Performed It §347.4 A Past Job Need Not Exist §347.5 Burden of Proof §348 Using the Grids as a Framework for Decision Making §348.1 Erosion of the Occupational Base §348.1.1 Chart: Analysis of the Light Occupational Base §348.1.2 Chart: Unskilled Light Occupations — Manipulative Limitations §348.2 Basic Rules for Using the Medical-Vocational Guidelines as a Framework for Evaluating Cases Involving Exertional Impairments §348.3 Using the Medical Vocational Guidelines for Evaluating Impairments of Claimants Under Age 50 §348.4 The RFC of Alternate Sitting and Standing §348.5 Using the Medical-Vocational Guidelines as a Framework for Evaluating Solely Nonexertional Impairments §348.6 Court Decisions on Framework Analysis §348.7 Questions to Vocational Expert Laying a Foundation for Argument Concerning Using the Grids as a Framework §348.8 Questions for Vocational Expert About Numbers of Sedentary Unskilled Jobs Within Claimant’s RFC §348.8.1 Form: Request for Subpoena Duces Tecum to Vocational Expert With Attachment §348.9 Questions for the Vocational Expert About the RFC for Alternate Sitting and Standing §349 Transferable Skills §349.1 Definition of Skill §349.2 No Skills Develop From Unskilled Work Nor May Skills be Transferred to Unskilled Work §349.3 Skills vs. Traits §349.4 Skills Acquired vs. Skills Transferable §349.5 Determining Transferability §349.6 Different Standards of Transferability for Different Ages §349.7 Examples of Jobs Discussed in SSR 82-41 §349.8 A Significant Range of Work §349.9 Questions for the Vocational Expert About Transferable Skills §350 Concluding the Hearing and Closing the Record §351 Closing Argument by Claimant’s Representative §352 ALJ’s Closing Statement §353 Post-Hearing Development §354 Close the Record §355 Consultative Exam Ordered by ALJ §356 Post-Hearing Interrogatories to Medical or Vocational Expert §357 Proffer to Attorney §358 Right to Cross-Examine Authors of Adverse Post-Hearing Reports §359 Inquiries About Status §360 ALJ Decision and After §361 Bench Decision §362 Bench Decision Checksheet (Form) §363 Submit a Proposed Decision to the ALJ §364 Writing a Favorable Decision at the Request of the ALJ §365 Submitting New Evidence to the ALJ After a Denial Decision §370 Res Judicata, Administrative Finality and Reopening §370.1 Overview §370.2 Res Judicata and Administrative Finality Compared §371 Time Limit §372 Reopening for “Any Reason” Within Twelve Months §373 Reopening for Good Cause §373.1 New and Material Evidence §373.2 Clerical Error §373.3 Error on Face of Evidence §374 Reopening at Any Time §375 Jurisdiction to Reopen §376 Implied Request for Reopening §377 Res Judicata Dismissals §378 Circumstances Where Res Judicata Does Not Apply §379 Res Judicata or Administrative Finality Invoked by Claimants §380 Deceased Claimants §381 Social Security Disability Substitute Parties §382 SSI Substitute Parties §383 Form: Notice Regarding Substitution of Party Upon Death of Claimant (HA-539) §384 Form: Claim for Amounts Due in the Case of a Deceased Beneficiary (SSA-1724) §390 Hearing Checklist §391 At the Hearing §392 After the Hearing 4. Following a Favorable Decision §400 Check the Decision and Contact Your Client §401 Favorable Decision Checklist §402 Form: Favorable Decision Summary/Worksheet §403 Sample: Letter to Title II Claimant After Receipt of Favorable Decision §404 Sample: Letter to Concurrent Claimant After Receipt of Favorable Decision §404.1 Sample: Letter to Concurrent Claimant After Receipt of Favorable Decision — SSI Stops §405 Sample: Letter to Social Security Office Requesting Copies of SSI Notices §406 Sample: Letter to ALJ re: Failure to Issue Order Approving or Disapproving Fee Agreement §407 Sample: Notice of Intent to File Fee Petition §408 The Bad Address Problem §409 Amending the Decision §410 Peculiar Problems in Concurrent Cases §411 The Odd Way that SSA Processes SSI When There Are Concurrent Applications §412 Check the Link Between SSI Eligibility and T.19 Eligibility in Your State §413 Check for SSI Eligibility During the Five-Month Waiting Period During Which No Social Security Disability Benefits Are Payable §414 Determining SSI Eligibility After the Five-Month Waiting Period §415 The Impact of Welfare Recoupment §416 The Strange Case of the SSI Eligible Couple §417 What Is the Lawyer’s Duty to Advise Withdrawing an SSI Application? §418 Form: Request for Withdrawal of Application (SSA-521) §419 SSI Benefits Should Be Recalculated After Payment of Attorney’s Fees §420 SSI Issues §421 SSI Income: Anything in Cash or in Kind §422 In-Kind Support and Maintenance §423 The One-third Reduction Rule: Living in Another Person’s Household §424 The Presumed Value Rule §425 Loans §426 Sample: Loan Agreement §427 In-Kind Loans §428 Sample: Agreement to Repay Living Expenses Prior to Payment of SSI Back Benefits §429 Installment Payment of SSI Back Benefits §430 Calculating the Amount of Back Benefits §431 Worksheet: Past Due Benefit/Attorney’s Fees §432 Date of Entitlement §433 Claimant’s Benefit Amount §434&n |
