If you are looking at your Social Security exhibit file and you notice that all the exhibits are numbered with a letter in front, such as “B1A, B2A, B1B, B2B,” etc, this means that you are looking at the “B” file — a file for the second application for Social Security disability benefits.
In other words, the first time you file for benefits, Social Security creates an “A” file. Since this may be the only file you ever have, it is not referred to as the “A” file. However, if you file a second application, the second file becomes the “B” file. The third application becomes part of the “C” file, and so on.
These letters are just a way to distinguish the file and quickly tell whether a file is an earlier file or a later file.
Note: this system does not always work. I have had clients with 5 or more applications and their file had either no letter or it may have only been the “B” file. So, the absence of a letter does not mean there isn’t a prior file, but if there is a letter, then there definitely is a prior file.
So, do you want it and how do you get it?
If there is Social Security information out there, I generally want it. There are exceptions of course. I do not necessarily want a file from 10 years ago, but a file that is only 2 years old may have some valuable evidence in it. It all comes down to the specific circumstances of the case. Sometimes a client tells me that a prior Social Security examiner gave the client a favorable report, or a prior hearing denial said the client was limited to light work and since the client is now 55 year old, that by itself my let the client be approved. Then, absolutely, I want to get my hands on that file!
This usually just means asking for it. I do this by addressing a request, a letter really, to the judge or the judge’s office. I request that the prior file be made available, or requested (if it is in storage) and I state my reasons for why the file may be important in the current case. I have never seen a judge refuse this request.
Then, follow up to make sure the file has been received, and either request a copy of the file on CD or schedule time to make a copy of the file the ODAR (Office of Disability Adjudication and Review) office.
