Just another update,

Well I just sent the stupid lawyer packing! I tried to call him this morning and he wouldn't take my call nor would his paralegal. In desperation, my wife got me the number to the SSA Office of Hearings and Appeals in Mobile Alabama. I called them and talked directly to the person handling my case. This lady told me that the lawyer has not submitted any thing to them other than updated medical records that I got from the VA myself.

He has not submitted anything for an expedited hearing or reconsideration or anything. She also got somewhat ticked when she found out that the original denial was based on the least severe of my disabilities. She said she couldn't believe that they didn't request records about the osteoarthritis that lead to the knee replacement which they have now. Anyway, we talked and I told her about the lawyer. I never said anything about firing him to her, but out of the blue she said it was my right to do so.

She told me that she had all she needed and was going to hand deliver my file to an attorney there in their office. She did say she couldn't guarantee anything but she thought it was pretty much self explanatory. Why should I give a lawyer 25% of my money when he hasn't done anything. I did all the leg work, chasing down medical records and forms from doctors just to have him put them in another envelope and mail them to SSA or ever how they do that.

I sent the lawyer a formal letter telling him I no longer needed his service because I was highly disatisfied with his service at this point. I sent a copy of the letter to SSA like the lady told me to. I may not win, but at least by God some body will open their eyes and look at it.