Hi Janke,

When I referred to the common practice of attys not reviewing the case file until shortly before a hearing, I did not mean to imply that nothing gets reviewed before then. They commonly wait until then to develop their strategy of how to present the case before an ALJ and also have it fresh in their mind. Items should be reviewed as they are received and placed into the file. The things being discussed in this tread regarding credits should have been reviewed at the initial visit by the paralegal in my opinion. The initial interview process should have been thorough enough to make proper determinations about eligibility and the viability of pursuing a claim for benefits in my opinion.

You spotted the problem immediately. I would expect that an atty should have done the same. That is why I respect your comments so very much.

Hopeless