Generally, the answer is no! The hearing  will take 45 to 60 minutes. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may ask all the questions or let your attorney ask the questions. The ALJ knows what questions he wants answered and does not want to hear your life story.

The ALJ wants to hear about the 5 hurdles I talked about in earlier posts. Nothing more and nothing less.  The time will fly by.

The ALJ makes a decision about your case primarily based on your medical records and your testimony. Unless a friend or family member can add something new, it is generally not helpful to have additional witnesses at your hearing.

It is your time to shine and tell the ALJ the 5 Hurdle story. It is better for the ALJ to hear it from you than anyone else. You are your best witness!

For more information contact Cavey & Barrett, and consider reading this informative free book about Social Security Disability.

Posted May 01st 2008 to Social Security Hearning | Comments (0)| Permalink | Trackback |  Print This Post |  Email This Post

The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may give you notice that a medical witness will be testifying at your Social Security Hearing. That is a signal to get a Social Security lawyer!

In my experience, notice that a medical witness is going to be called to testify by the ALJ is bad news. The medical witness is going to testify about your medical records, your disability, your complaints, and whether your medical complaints are believable.

Your lawyer will look at your medical records and determine why the ALJ wants to have a medical witness at the hearing. An experienced Social Security attorney will contact your treating physician and get the medical evidence necessary to address the ALJ’s concerns. Your attorney will also be prepared to question the medical expert.

Don’t try to question a doctor on your own. You won’t know why the ALJ asked the doctor the questions that were asked, what the doctor said, how the doctor’s answer impacts your case and what to ask the doctor. Don’t make a crucial mistake – there is a reason the ALJ wants medical testimony and it is generally not to grant your claim! For more help and information contact skilled attorney’s Cavey & Barrett and consult this free book on Social Security Disability.

Posted May 01st 2008 to Social Security Hearning | Comments (0)| Permalink | Trackback |  Print This Post |  Email This Post

When you get the notice for your hearing, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will generally tell you if vocational expert (VE) will be testifying.

You will be asked to fill out forms asking about your recent medical treatment, a medication list, and a work history form. Complete those forms accurately and send back immediately.

The ALJ will also ask you to acknowledge you will be at the hearing. Do that ASAP.

The notice that a VE will be present  means potential problems at Hurdle 4, Can You Return to Your Past Relevant Work and Hurdle 5, Other Work in the National Economy.

If you get a notice that a VE will be present, retain an attorney to represent you immediately. You will need an experienced Social Security attorney to cross-examine the VE. The VE must be given the proper questions about your past work history, your current restrictions, your exertional and non-exertional problems like side effects of medication and the impact of pain. You can’t count on the ALJ giving the VE the right question to win your case. The ALJ might ask the VE questions that can be used to deny your claim.

Sharon Barrett and Nancy Cavey know the importance of asking the right questions of the VE at your Social Security Hearing.

Posted May 01st 2008 to Social Security Hearning | Comments (0)| Permalink | Trackback |  Print This Post |  Email This Post

Where you late to your high school graduation? Your wedding?

Don’t get lost and don’t be late.

Use Map-quest and have directions. Plan enough travel time to get lost. Plan to get to the hearing in time to sign in, look at your file, and compose yourself.

Social Security Disability hearings are informal and you do not have to dress up. You may have to wait if the Administrative Law Judge is running behind. The hearing will last about 45 minutes to 60 minutes and the time will fly. Be prepared for your big day! For more help and information search here.

Posted April 24th 2008 to Social Security Hearning | Comments (1)| Permalink | Trackback |  Print This Post |  Email This Post