What do you say at an ALJ hearing?

What do you say at an ALJ hearing?

Specific answers give an ALJ a clear picture of your impairment. For example, if you suffer from back problems and the ALJ asks you to describe the pain, use descriptive words like “burning,” “tingling,” “aching,” “shooting,” or “dull.” Also clearly describe the location of any pain.

How do you win an ALJ hearing?

The following tips can help you win your SSD hearing:

1. Hire an Experienced Social Security Disability Attorney.
2. Make Sure You Attend the Hearing.
3. Appearances Matter.
4. Familiarize Yourself With Your Case and Medical Records.
5. Don’t Minimize Your Disability.

How do you win a disability case for bipolar?

To qualify on the basis of bipolar disorder, you must have at least three of the following symptoms:

1. unnaturally fast, frenzied speech.
2. quickly changing ideas and thought patterns.
3. inflated self-esteem (usually with false beliefs)
4. decreased need for sleep.
5. distractibility.

What are the chances of winning a disability hearing?

Your odds of winning at a disability hearing before a judge are about 50%. If you have a lawyer with you, however, your odds increase to 62%, making your claim statistically more likely to be approved than be rejected.

What can you not say at a disability hearing?

“I can’t find a job.” Anything that implies you would work if you could, such as “Nobody will hire me” or “I’d have to move if I wanted to work,” are huge no-nos. SSD benefits are awarded because your disability makes you unable to work, not because you can’t find a job (that’s what unemployment benefits are for).

Is bipolar considered a permanent disability?

If you are suffering from a bipolar mood disorder, you can apply for the long-term disability benefits if eligible. If successful, these will provide you with monthly income payments during long absences from work to ease the financial pressure weighing you down.

Can bipolar show up on a brain scan?

Brain scans of people with bipolar disorder may have some differences or anomalies. Differences may be physical or show diminished or increased activity in the brain. Currently, doctors do not use brain images to diagnose bipolar disorder.

Is the ALJ required to allow repetitive testimony?

Generally, the ALJ will provide a claimant or representative broad latitude in questioning witnesses. However, the ALJ is not required to permit testimony that is repetitive or cumulative, or allow questioning that has the effect of intimidating, harassing, or embarrassing the witness.

Can a claimant refuse to attend an ALJ hearing?

The claimant requests that the ALJ proceed without his or her attendance, the ALJ has fully advised the claimant of the right to be present and participate in the hearing, and the record demonstrates that the claimant understands the right to be present and the consequences if he or she is not present.

How is ve testimony given at a disability hearing?

The ALJ decides the manner in which VE testimony is given: in person, by phone, by video, or by responding to written interrogatories. Live testimony is the preferred method, but ALJs may use written interrogatories. I handle many disability hearings in Richmond, Norfolk, Roanoke, and Charlottesville.

Can a person testify separately at a hearing?

Usually, each party to a hearing will testify in the presence of the other parties. However, if a party specifically requests to testify separately, the ALJ will allow separate testimony if the other parties consent or the ALJ decides it is appropriate.