Consider the results achieved along with all of the other factors.
Do not permit this factor to completely override the others.
EXAMPLE: In two separate claims, a representative provided the same services (in terms of extent
and type, complexity, skill, etc.). SSA made a favorable determination on one claim
and an unfavorable determination on the other. You would not disregard the other factors
and authorize the fee amount the representative requests in the first, but authorize
no fee in the second, simply because of the outcome.
Do not authorize the fee primarily on the basis of the amount of benefits awarded
(or lack thereof); the amount payable is unrelated to the extent or quality of services
the representative provided.
EXAMPLE: A thoughtful assessment of the claimant's description of symptoms prompted the representative
to develop evidence for a medical condition which the field office (FO) and DDS had
overlooked. This established the claimant's entitlement to disability insurance benefits.
When evaluating, you credit the favorable results the representative achieved. You
also credit the representative's demonstrated skill and competence in a case that
was complicated by the claimant's stressing symptoms of a nondisabling medical condition
and SSA's failure to recognize the significance of the claimant's other symptoms.