It looks like SSA is starting to move on improvements in their processing of cases.  I recieved a letter the other day from the Social Security Administration that there website to send information including medicals back and fourth from lawyer to SSA is fully operational.  I have been using this system for a little while at the hearing level and it appears like it will be used at the lower levels as well.  This new system does not give us access to the SSA file yet but it does allow for electronic communication and evidence transfer.  So far it is not the system I was hoping for but it sounds like a good start.  The advantages of this system is that it allows for instant transfer of medicals and other paper work to SSA.  This should eliminate the problem of records that are sent in being lost in transfer to the file.  It also gives electronic proof that something was submitted.  One problem that any lawyer who does this work faces is when they need to speak to someone about a case it can be difficult to get to talk to someone who can help with the particular problem.  Hopefully the new system will eliminate the constant phone tag that lawyers and SSA employees often play trying to get a hold of each other.  Now in theory I will be able to ask a particular problem by e-mail and get a response quickly.  I am excited about this because it is one step closer to instant access to the SSA file which will be the biggest improvement SSA can make in my opinion.  

I have recently learned that SSA is getting very close to implementing a new system that will allow lawyers to access clients files over the Internet.  This will have many benefits to SSDI and SSI claimants and to the Social Security Administration.  This will allow lawyers to know what SSA has in their file right away.  The way it is now a lawyer can usually not get the file until it is ready for a hearing.  I believe this new system will help to develop the files so they are ready for a decision much earlier in the process.  If a lawyer thinks a case is particularly strong he will now be able to see what SSA has add anything he or she thinks is needed and then request an early decision.  Anyone who has ever tried to to contact SSA about their case knows how difficult it can be to get information about a file and organize an effort to develop the record.  With access to the file directly a lawyer will have instant access to the file.  I think this will eliminate delays in several ways.  First, as mentioned above the case will be better developed possibly leading to quicker decisions.  Second, it will largely eliminate the calls back and forth to SSA to get information.  Third, if the lawyer has access to the SSA file he can make a decision as to whether a case is particularly strong and if it is send in a brief before a hearing and request a favorable decision.  This will eliminate the wait time for a hearing if SSA finds the medical information and brief persuasive.  So not only will that particular claimant get his decision faster but it will also reduce the backlog at the hearing offices.  Lastly, every lawyer and ALJ knows one of the most frustrating things is when you have a hearing and the file has to be left open for information that has not come in yet from a medical source.  By having access to the file earlier a lawyer can request relevant documents much earlier so there will be less chance the records won't be in in time for the hearing.

Whether you have a lawyer or not you should read this website.  I say this because the better understanding you have of how SSA works and decides your claim the better chance you have to win and win earlier.  Start by reading my page called "are you disabled?".  This will show you the five steps SSA uses to determine if you are disabled.  After you have an understanding of the five steps you can begin to look at the more detailed features of this site.  If you have any questions that you can not find the answer to feel free to e-mail me.  By finding this site you have shown you want to learn about Social Security Disability so take the time and learn as much as you can.  I strongly believe it will help you with your case. 

The Ultimate Disability Guide has won another website award.  I would like to thank the people at IBS Tales for recognizing our site for this award.   "The Hope Award is given to websites that offer positive support and encouragement to people suffering from chronic illnesses, and is awarded by IBS Tales, a site for irritable bowel syndrome sufferers.

To be eligible for the Hope Award, websites must:

offer accurate information and resources for patients encourage sufferers to search for new treatments and hope refuse to accept inadequate medical advice and doctors who tell us to "learn to live with it"!