Dear SkyKing,

I am very sorry you have had such an awful battle and such a long one. It is very good to hear that you FINALLY, after 10 years, were approved.

If attorney #3 did NOT represent you in Federal court, only at your last ALJ hearing, I do not think he would be entitled to an approval on his fee petition.

Let us hope that it is denied and you get your back-pay benefits quickly and that your attorney will be limited to the $6000 cap.

Based on the information you have supplied, he is NOT justified for going beyond the cap., I feel confident that SSA will agree. He has to substantiate his fee to them.

You might want to look into contesting his petition. Good luck and so glad you finally won at least ONE battle. If you can fight for 10 years, you can fight the fee petition.

Good luck to you and keep us posted.