Decisions on Disability Applications
Many disability claimants think that there are just two possible outcomes: denial or approval. This is not exactly true. While most people receive either an approval or a denial, there are other outcomes possible. Approved SSD claims may receive a favorable notice of decision, which may be either fully favorable or partially favorable.
Whether or not a decision is fully or partially favorable can have a big impact on the amount of money you receive. Knowing about these outcomes is a good idea — just in case one of them happens to you.
Fully Favorable Decisions
If your decision is fully favorable, the judge has granted disability benefits back to the date your disability began. The judge will write a hearing decision letter, telling you the reasons for the ruling as well as the established date of onset. This established date of onset is the date the government considers your disability to have begun. Usually this onset date is the same onset date you stated in your initial application.
Partially Favorable Decisions
If your decision is partially favorable, the judge has granted you disability benefits, but not back to when you think your disability began. These decisions usually happen when the judge has reviewed the evidence and believes one of two things:
- You became unable to work at a date that is later than the one you stated in your application.
- You were once disabled but now are not.
You will only receive Social Security Disability benefits for the time period the judge believes that you were disabled. So, your partially-favorable decision can mean that you will not receive full back benefits. It can also mean that you will not receive ongoing monthly benefits, but will receive a payment for a specific limited time in the past.
To learn more about these outcomes or to get help with your Social Security Disability claim, contact Social Security Disability lawyer Cynthia Berger and her support staff at our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, law office. Talking with an attorney can help you learn your options and protect your interests.
