Case Analysis

Here is a timeline on a recently decided case that shows just how flawed the Social Security system is…

1. Application filed in 2005
2. First hearing scheduled in 2007 at a hearings office over 100 miles from the client’s home. Client unable to drive long distance due to condition and can not attend hearing.
3. Next hearing scheduled later in 2007 for the same hearings office. One month prior to hearing, case postponed and transferred to a closer hearings office.
4. Hearing held in March 2008 – Judge awarded client disability from 2004 to 2007, saying client was no longer disabled.
5. Jenkins Block & Associates appeals decision to the Appeals Council in April 2008.
6. After 26 months, the case is finally remanded for a new hearing in June 2010.
7. Hearing scheduled for May 2011
8. Claimant dies in March 2011 – cause of death from one of the original impairments alleged.
9. At hearing in May 2011, spouse appears and the judge finds the claimant disabled from 2004 until DEATH.

It took six years for this case to finally be properly adjudicated only for the claimant to die before getting justice.