What is an on-the-record review?

On Behalf of | Jun 27, 2022 | Social Security Disability

When appealing a denied disability claim, you can request an on-the-record (OTR) review before the hearing with an administrative law judge. With an OTR review, the judge will evaluate your file based on the medical evidence you provided and can issue a decision before the hearing.

It can help you speed up the process and decrease the time you will have to wait for a decision on your appeal.

How an OTR review works

Once your disability claim is denied, which happens to most first-time applicants, you can request a reconsideration of the initial denial. If you are still unsuccessful, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Usually, it takes time to get an audience with the administrative law judge. That’s where an OTR review comes in. Should you have compelling evidence showing that you are indeed disabled, it is possible to request an OTR review a few days after your request for a hearing has been filed.

Your local hearing office should be your first stop if you are planning on requesting an OTR review. They may either grant or deny it, depending on the facts of your case. If granted and the ruling is favorable, the judge will issue a decision approving your benefits, but if rejected, you will have to go through the hearing phase of your appeal.

Increasing your chances of getting an OTR review

An OTR review request is normally accompanied by a brief that provides additional information that supports your argument. The brief you submit alongside your OTR review request could make or break your case, which is why it is advisable to get the necessary help.

An OTR review can save you a lot of trouble in the sometimes lengthy and complicated appeal process.