Sharon Christie from Sharon Christie Law explains what is a partially favorable decision

Here at Sharon Christie Law, we believe it is important that our clients understand the entire Social Security Disability Benefits process, that includes knowing terms such as partially favorable decision. So today we wanted to devote our blog to understanding what a partially favorable decision is and what impact it has on your case for Social Security Disability Benefits.

So when you go to your Social Security Disability Benefits hearing there are one of three possibilities that come from it. As far as what your result will be you, can receive a fully favorable decision, which means that the judge agrees that you are unable to work, and agrees that you have been unable to work from the date that you said you could no longer work. An unfavorable decision means that the judge has decided that while you have certain physical or mental health problems, they are not severe enough to qualify as disabled. The third option is a partially favorable decision. Every once in awhile a judge will come to this outcome, and it means that he or she agrees that your condition prevents you from working but does not agree with the date that you said you became unable to work. A partially favorable decision can be avoided at the hearing when the judge has a discussion with your lawyer about his or her understanding of when you, the client, had become unable to work versus the date that we have indicated. If there is a difference of opinion we have a discussion about that and your lawyer will do their best to see their point of view or determine a new date on when the disability first started. If this does not happen then a partially favorable decision is enacted.

At this point, you will need to talk to your lawyer about whether you want to accept that date or if you would like to consider appealing. By appealing the date of onset of disability now there is some limitations and some risks that you would take if you do file the appeal, but you will certainly want to discuss the pros and cons of both with your lawyer.

About Sharon Christie Law: 

Sharon Christie is the owner and founder of Sharon Christie Law, and is an attorney and former nurse. Her team of professionals and paraprofessionals help people win Social Security Disability Benefits! Our Social Security Disability Law Firm serves clients in Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia, and Washington DC.