March 28, 2024

How You Can Influence Vocational Expert Testimony to Win Your Social Security Disability Hearing

A Disturbing Trend in Social Security Disability Hearings

Over the past few months, I have noticed a disturbing trend in many of the Social Security hearing offices where I appear.   Many of the case files do not contain comprehensive medical records or forms that translate medical problems into specific work limitations.  Why?  Many of the free and low cost medical and mental health clinics that used to service disability claimants have closed up shop.  It seems to me that some of the judges that hear disability cases are turning down deserving cases on the basis of a thin medical file when the reason for lack of treatment is financial, not a function of the claimant’s motivation.

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6 Rules to Prepare for Your Disability Hearing

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Show Notes:

1. understand the main issue in your case – reduce it to one or two sentences

Example:  In 2004 I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.  I continued to work until August of 2006 when I finally resigned because the symptoms and complications of my disease increased to the point where I could no longer get through a workday or a work week.  Specifically, by August of 2006 I was no longer able to walk without a walker, my fatigue had increased to the point where I needed to lie down for 2 hours during the middle of the day.

2. learn about the judge and how he conducts hearings.  Most want to do the right thing but they have very different styles

  • judge who asks you to review fee contract
  • judge who says nothing
  • judge who challenges you – always finds something in the record [Read more…]

Avoid Costly Mistakes at Your Disability Hearing

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