The fee authorizer will consider the extent of the representative’s services, such
as the representative’s diligence in obtaining the necessary medical evidence, and
the type of services provided by the representative, such as whether the representative
was required to research and apply relevant law or rulings in a manner that assisted
in and promoted the expeditious processing of the case. Other considerations include
whether and how timely the representative:
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arranged any required medical examinations,
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submitted relevant medical or other evidence related to the question of disability
or other factors of entitlement,
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contacted us about the status of the claim, as needed,
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prepared for and participated at the hearing, and
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furthered the timely determination or decision of the claim.
The fee authorizer should also consider whether the representative without justification:
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acted in a manner that delayed the determination or decision, or
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did not provide or delayed in providing information we requested or required.
NOTE: Decision makers must remember that there is no standard value for each type of service,
there are many activities performed by a representative during the course of the administrative
proceedings, and the same activity may be more demanding in one situation than in
another situation. Additionally, decision makers may also need to consider locality
or the particular geographical area when evaluating fee rates for services.
For examples on evaluating services, refer to HALLEX I-1-2-57.