The Attorney Advisor Program allows certain staff attorneys to conduct certain prehearing proceedings and issue certain fully favorable decisions on the record (OTR), when appropriate. The Attorney Advisor Program was originally enacted as a two-year temporary program in 2007 and has been continually extended ever since. An attorney advisor may issue a fully favorable OTR decision when a claimant’s severe impairment meets a prescribed listing or when the claimant is at least 50 years of age and is unable to make an adjustment to other work. If an attorney advisor issues a fully favorable decision, then the case will be awarded and closed. If a fully favorable decision cannot be reached, the attorney advisor will document the reasons why a decision cannot be issued, and the case will proceed to a hearing.
On the record decisions issued by attorney advisors are one component of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) backlog-reduction plan, Compassionate and Responsive Service (CARES). Unfortunately, although the program has been extended, the drafting efforts have been put on hold because the SSA has assigned all qualified staff to write decisions on cases that have already had administrative law judge (ALJ) hearings. In fact, as of the end of May 2018, attorney advisors had not written a single decision this fiscal year. However, if a claim is deemed appropriate, your Bailey and Galyen attorney can prepare and draft an OTR request to be reviewed by an ALJ or an attorney advisor.
While this can be a useful tool to expedite a favorable decision, a careful analysis of each claim must be undertaken to determine if such a request is appropriate. If you are over the age of 50, please contact our office to determine your eligibility for the expedited processing of your social security claim.
Now, more than ever, it is crucial that you have an experienced knowledgeable attorney on your side when applying for disability. If you are hurt, injured or otherwise impaired and find yourself unable to work, please contact us at Bailey and Galyen for a free case evaluation.
Contact Our Experienced Social Security Attorneys Today
At our offices, most potential clients receive a free initial consultation. To schedule a meeting with one of our knowledgeable attorneys, contact our office by email or call us at (844) 402-2992. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Appointments are available evenings and weekends upon request.
At Bailey & Galyen, we provide comprehensive legal counsel to individuals across Texas including Arlington, Bedford, Burleson, Carrollton, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Houston, Lubbock, Mansfield, Mesquite, Midland/Odessa, Plano, Santa Fe, Springdale, Sugar Land, Texarkana and Weatherford.
