Joseph Frydman, Esq.

For over 13 years, I worked for SSA’s Appeals Council. Initially, I examined and evaluated requests for review of ALJ decisions. I learned the applicable laws and policies. I also learned which arguments were most effective before the Appeals Council.

After a couple of years and hundreds of cases, I was promoted to the Appeals Council’s Division of Civil Actions where I analyzed SSA cases that were involved in federal court litigation. In particular, I reviewed requests for extension of time to file a civil action; certified record issues; OGC’s requests for voluntary remand; court remands from around the country; and ALJ decisions after a court remand. My caseload gave me a unique view of the entire SSA appeals system. My cases also highlighted the specific reasons why OGC declined to defend a case and why a federal court issued a remand.

Because of the quality of my work, I was also assigned to numerous special projects. My favorite project was training. Through the years, I facilitated and developed training for new Administrative Appeals Judges, managers, senior attorneys, and new attorneys. I also created substantive modules for ALJ training regarding medical evidence, opinion evidence, and evaluating an individual’s drug and alcohol abuse. In addition to training, I investigated complaints of ALJ bias, reviewed allegations of claimant fraud, and drafted numerous policy provisions.