In the June issue of the NOSSCR Newsletter, Vol. 33 No. 6, It was reported that a claimant was allowed to reopen their appeal from 1978. The claimant showed “good cause” under social security ruling 91-5p and replied on “mental illness which prevented him or her from understanding the procedures to appeal and have good cause to file a late appeal.” This decision gives incredible hope to any claimant that has a mental illness or mental impairment; you can argue that good cause prevented you from filing an appeal within 60 days of your denial.

-James E. D. Doern