What Is a Fully Favorable Disability Decision?

A fully favorable disability decision is when the Social Security Administration (SSA) agrees that you are disabled and approves your claim for benefits, including back pay. It also means the SSA agrees with the date you said your disability began. This is called the “onset date.”

The decision also means the SSA has found you to be disabled according to its rules and will approve you for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Our experienced South Carolina Social Security Disability lawyers can navigate the process, avoid mistakes, and work toward a fully favorable decision. We know how important these benefits are to you, and we’re here to help. Learn more when you call us for a free consultation.

How does the SSA Decide if My Disability Case Is Fully Favorable?

The SSA looks at three main things to decide if your case is fully favorable:

Medical Records that Prove Your Disability

You must show medical evidence that proves you have a serious condition. This evidence can include doctor’s reports, test results, hospital visits, and treatment plans.

Your Work History and How Your Condition Prevents You from Working

The SSA checks your past jobs to see what kind of work you did. You must show how your condition keeps you from doing that work now or any other job.

The Date Your Disability Began (Alleged Onset Date)

This is the date you say your disability started. The SSA must agree with this date to approve a fully favorable decision.

Example:

You tell the SSA you became disabled on January 1, 2023. The SSA agrees you have a disability and accepts January 1, 2023, as your start date.

How Fully Favorable and Partially Favorable Disability Decisions Differ

When the SSA decides on your disability claim, it may issue either a fully favorable or a partially favorable disability decision. 

Fully Favorable Disability Decision

A fully favorable decision is the best outcome you can get in your Social Security Disability case. It means the Social Security Administration (SSA):

• Agrees that you are disabled: The SSA reviewed your medical records, work history, and other evidence and has decided that your condition meets its rules for a disability.
• Accepts your alleged onset date (AOD): This is the date you told the SSA your disability began. The onset date is important because it determines when your benefits start. If the SSA agrees with your date, you will receive the full amount of benefits.
• You will get full benefits, including back pay: Back pay is the money owed for the months between your onset date and the time the SSA approved your claim. You will receive all of this money without any reductions. You will also start receiving your monthly disability checks in the future.

A fully favorable decision matters. The date your disability began affects how much money you get. If the SSA changes it, you could lose months of back pay.

Partially Favorable Disability Decision

A partially favorable disability decision means the SSA agrees that you are disabled, but it does not fully agree with your claim. Specifically:

• It changes your onset date: The SSA might decide your disability started later than the date you claimed. For example, if you said your disability began on January 1, 2023, but the SSA decides it actually began on June 1, 2023, your onset date is pushed back.
• You might get less back pay or fewer benefits: Because the SSA moved your onset date, you lose back pay for the months between your original date and the date they chose. This means less money for you overall.

The SSA might change your onset date if it thinks the evidence shows your condition wasn’t severe enough to meet Social Security’s definition of disability until a later date. This can happen if your medical records don’t show clear proof of your disability until after the date you claimed.

Example:
You say your disability began on January 1, 2023. The SSA decides your disability started on June 1, 2023. Instead of back pay starting in January, you will only get it starting in June. This means you will lose five months of back pay.

How Our Social Security Disability Lawyers Can Help You

Filing for Social Security Disability benefits can be a long and complicated process. Our lawyers focus only on Social Security Disability claims, so we know how the system works and can work to achieve the best outcome, which would be a fully favorable decision. 

When we represent you:

We Will File a Strong, Complete Application the First Time

Many claims are denied simply because of missing information, errors, or incomplete forms. Our lawyers will submit a complete and accurate application on your behalf.

Disability lawyers know what the SSA looks for in a claim. We will explain what evidence is needed to prove you are disabled and how to meet the SSA’s strict requirements.

By submitting a strong, well-prepared claim the first time, you improve your chances of getting approved without delays or the need for appeals.

We Will Gather and Present the Right Medical Evidence

Our Social Security Disability attorneys will gather and present all the medical records, doctor reports, test results, and treatment history needed to prove your disability. Sometimes, doctors don’t know what evidence the SSA needs to see. 

We will work with your healthcare providers to ensure their reports clearly explain how your condition meets the SSA’s definition of disability. 

Disability lawyers organize and present the medical evidence in a way that is clear, detailed, and easy for the SSA to understand, which increases the likelihood of approval.

We Will Prepare You for Hearings and Communications With the SSA

If your case is denied and you need a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), a lawyer can make all the difference.

• Getting you ready for the hearing: We will explain what to expect, help you prepare for the questions you might be asked, and ensure you feel confident and ready.
• Speaking for you: At the Social Security Disability hearing, our lawyers can speak on your behalf, explain your case to the judge, and respond to any questions in a way that supports your claim.
• Handling communications with the SSA: We will manage all communications with the SSA to make sure we don’t overlook any important details.

We Will Fight for Your Onset Date to Maximize Your Back Pay

The date your disability began (called the onset date) is critical because it affects how much back pay you receive.

• Proving your onset date: We will use medical records, doctor statements, and other evidence to prove the exact date you became disabled.
• Maximizing your back pay: If the SSA tries to move your onset date to a later time, our lawyers will fight to protect your original date to ensure you receive all the back pay you’re owed.

What Happens After a Fully Favorable Disability Decision?

Once the SSA approves a fully favorable decision, here’s what you can expect to receive your back pay and monthly benefits. You will also get a letter from the SSA explaining your benefits. Your first payment will arrive, usually within a few months of approval.

If there’s a delay, contact the SSA right away. You can also notify our Social Security Disability lawyers. We can also step in to make sure you receive your benefits.

Call Today for Help With a Fully Favorable Disability Decision

At Pilzer Klein, we focus on helping people understand what a fully favorable disability decision means for their future and how to work toward getting them the best result for their situation. All we do is Social Security Disability, so we know the process well. 

Our experienced lawyers will take the pressure off you and focus on the legal handling of your case so you can focus on your health. Whether you’re applying for benefits or going through the Social Security Disability appeal process, our guidance can be the key to securing a fully favorable decision and avoiding missed benefits you deserve.

If you’re ready to apply for benefits, consider working with us. We will fight for you every step of the way, and you pay us no fee or costs if we don’t win your case. To get started, call us today for a free consultation.