New Faceless Names at the Appeals Council?
January 21, 2010
Author: Catherine M. Callery (Kate)| Louise M. Tarantino
In the September 2009 edition of the Disability Law News, we reported on changes at the Appeals Council, including how it was progressing with working through its backlog. As part of that effort, the Appeals Council is reportedly training 200 new analysts. Advocates should keep that in mind when writing briefs and memoranda for the Appeals Council. Establishing a good reputation with a new analyst could benefit you for years to come. On the other hand, it will be very hard to change the impression an analyst forms if s/he finds exaggerations or end-runs in the first letters s/he reads from you or your office.
Rumor also has it that the Appeals Council is beefing up its quality assurance role. In other words, it may be taking more own motion reviews of favorable ALJ decisions with which it disagrees. Keep us informed if you begin seeing an increase in “own motion” reviews.
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