Social Security Disability Hearing - What happens
Posted on Apr 11, 2011 5:36pm PDT
For the most part, a large percentage of social security disability claims are denied during the initial application. Once your claim for social security disability is denied, your attorney must file a Request for Reconsideration or a Request for Hearing, depending upon where you reside.
It typically takes about 12 to 18 months to receive an actual hearing date once you apply for one. It is important to have an experienced social security lawyer who can accompany you to your social security disability hearing. During the
hearing you will appear before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), who will take your testimony with regard to your medical condition and how it limits your ability to work.
You want to be prepared before you appear at this hearing. The social security disability hearing is your chance to tell your story in person. It makes a big difference when you are sitting before an ALJ explaining your day to day routine versus writing it down on an application or a Disability Report where it can be difficult to fully explain. Afterall, not every day is the same, and it can be bneficial to explain to a judge how you are affected by certain types of exertional activity such as walking, sitting, standing, bending, and stooping.
Many claimant who apply for social security disability benefits are taking prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. Many of these medications have side effects such as drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and other symptoms that also affect your ability to function.
It is important to be prepared by an experienced social security lawyer who can go over your testimony prior to a hearing and make sure you are not leaving out any relevant information.
A vocational expert (VE) and/or medical expert (ME) is also usually present at the social security disability hearing. The VE wil be asked to testify as to your prior work history and what if any skills you may have that are transferable to other types of work. The ALJ will also ask the VE to identify jobs in the national economy that are available based upon a person's age, work history, exertional level, and education. The medical expert will be asked to give an assessment of your medical records and make a determination if you meet a medical lisiting as well as offer any insight in to your medical history and diagnosis.
The social security disability hearing is most likely the most important aspect of your claim. it is important to have an exeperienced social security disability attorney to make sure that your rights are protected throughout the procedding.
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at The Bernstein Law Offices to find out how we can assist you in preparing for your social security disability hearing. Also, you can
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