What is a Partially Favorable Disability Decision?

If your Social Security claim is ruled Partially Favorable by the Social Security Administration, you still have options. But there is some risk involved.

 

What Does A Partially Favorable Decision Mean to Me?

The team at Casper & Casper has decades of experience representing families and individuals before the Social Security Administration (SSA), and we have the professionals to ensure that you get every benefit you are entitled to.

Different Types of SSA Disability Decisions

Decisions from SAA on your disability claim come in three types:

• Fully Favorable Decision
• Unfavorable Decision
• Partially Favorable Decision

The first two are pretty straightforward: A Fully Favorable Decision means that the Social Security agrees you are disabled, approves your claimed onset date, and you can receive ongoing benefits. An Unfavorable Decision means that the SSA has found that you don’t qualify for disability benefits, and your claim is rejected.

But what exactly is a “Partially Favorable Decision”? This means that the Social Security Administration has approved some of your disability claims, but with some limitations. For example, the SSA may declare a Later Onset Date, which means they may agree that you are entitled to disability benefits, but not for the full timeframe for which you filed a claim. The administration also could determine that you are entitled to disability benefits only for a Closed Period. This means that in their judgment, you were eligible for benefits at some point but have since improved enough medically that you’re no longer entitled to the same benefit.

The administration may also choose a Partially Favorable Decision if it believes you worked after the date your claim lists as the onset of your disability period, or if you had a significant birthday, such as your 50^th birthday, that changes the evaluation criteria for being disabled.

What Are My Options With a Partially Favorable Decision?

First, make sure you fully understand the decision. A conversation with an attorney or a health care adviser experienced in SSA claims can be helpful. What specific parts of your claim were approved? Which were disallowed? What specific factors or evidence were considered in reaching this decision?

You Have Two Choices When You Receive an SSA Partially Favorable Decision

You can accept the decision, meaning that you will receive the reduced benefits described in it, though that will be less than you felt you deserved.

Or, you can appeal a Partially Favorable Decision from the SSA. This allows beneficiaries to point to facts that you believe were not considered or given due weight in the original decision.

What Are the Risks of Appealing a Partially Favorable Decision?

There is some risk in appealing a Partially Favorable Decision through the SSA process. During your appeal, the administration will review the entire claim, not just the parts you dispute from the original Partially Favorable Decision. That’s why consulting with an experienced attorney is always recommended before deciding on how to proceed.

SSA Partially Favorable Decision Summary

A Partially Favorable Decision on your Social Security disability claim means that the administration has approved your basic claim for disability benefits, but with some limitations. You have the right to appeal this decision, but even the appeal carries some risk. It is always recommended that you consult with experienced legal or health care counsel to ensure that you fully understand the decision and your options, so you receive the maximum benefits you’re entitled to.

At Casper & Casper, we have decades of experience handling Social Security Disability claims, with a proven track record in securing the benefits that you’re entitled to. Our dedicated team is capable of finding the experts you need to strengthen your case, and we are committed to a compassionate approach. Give us a call today for a free consultation and begin the first step toward recovery.