A social security disability or SSI hearing is where you go before an administration law judge who’s going to hear your case. I tell my own clients this is your best opportunity to win your case as statistically this is the most likely place where a claim is approved.
As far as what happens at a hearing, the judge will ask you a series of questions about what your limitations are. The judge should have viewed your medical records and will be very familiar with your medical conditions, but the judge really wants to know how those conditions impact and impair you on a daily basis. Get a feel for what it is about your condition that keeps you from working full-time.
Your attorney or representative will then have an opportunity to supplement and ask you additional questions about your impairments. If there’s a vocational expert in the room, then the judge may ask the vocational expert some questions about what types of work that may be available to someone like you with your types of medical problems. Your attorney will also have a chance to ask some additional questions of the vocational expert as well.
Finally, if there’s a medical expert, then the judge may ask the medical expert or doctor some additional questions about whether you meet the medical listings of impairment, and your attorney will have an opportunity to cross-examine them as well.
What Do I Testify About At My Disability Hearing?
Some of the areas that the ALJ may cover with a disability applicant include:
Personal Information and Background
- Name
- Social Security Number
- Age
- Mailing Address
- Date of Birth
- Height
- Weight
Employment Background
- If you are currently working and if so, in what capacity and for whom.
- If you have attempted to work since your disability began and if so, the outcome of the attempt(s).
- Your occupation at the onset of your disability, including the length of your employment, what you did each day, and why you were unable to continue.
- Your work history for the past 15 years, your specific job duties, and dates of employment.
Medical Conditions and Resulting Impairments
- Your medical issues (physical and mental).
- The date of diagnosis.
- How your issues have progressed.
- How your issues affect your daily life and your ability to work.
Working with a capable Pensacola Social Security Disability lawyer prior to your disability hearing can ensure that the process goes more smoothly. You and your lawyer may discuss ways to demonstrate your abilities and limitations. You might also examine medical records and work history to prepare for the hearing. For a free case evaluation contact Ortiz Law Firm at (888) 321-8131.