Disability hearing is the preliminary or the revised decision on a person's disability claim or application. Normally, the hearing tackles the issues of whether the plaintiff can be considered disabled or the plaintiff's distinguished disability must be assessed or revised.
Statistics show that 60 to 70 percent of all initial Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit claims are denied. Nevertheless, an initial rejection does not equate to closure of your claims. There are several options in store for you.
When your initial claim is denied by the SSA, you can file for a motion for reconsideration and a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Technically, a hearing will then follow. After undergoing hefty processes, your most awaited day, disability hearing day will come.
Prior to the hearing schedule, you may have lots of questions in mind about what will happen on the day of the hearing, from the very basic to the most intricate questions. The following may be some of the subject matter of your considerations:
1. Hearing room. Unlike the traditional courtrooms or the one you see on the television, hearing rooms for Disability Hearing is smaller, and is generally held in a conference table. Microphone will be provided for the sake of audibility. Tape recorders will be present as well for the documentation purposes. Spectators are disregarded to observe at the hearing. The set-up is informal so that the claimants will feel relaxed and will build good rapport with the judge.
2. Participant in the courtroom. A judge, a hearing assistant, you, your lawyer, and expert witnesses
3. Expert witnesses. They will help the judge to assess the stemming issues in your case. They will not be there to help or malign you. A judge cannot request for expert witnesses by his choice, rather, a member of the panel is appointed randomly.
4. Vocational expert. Judge calls for a Vocational Expert to assist him classify your previous job and explain your skill level (unskilled, semi-skilled or skilled) along with the exertion level called for this job (sit-down, light, medium, or heavy). This in turn will help the judge to determine whether your impairment claim hinders you from returning to your previous work, whether you have gained skills that would aid you shift to a less demanding job.
5. Medical expert. Judge demands for a medical expert especially if: your medical report is long and complex, you are diagnosed with multiple conditions, or there are discrepancies in your medical record.
6. Testimony. Often, the judge asks you to tell something about your background information (age, education, marital status, living provisions (condominium, apartment, own home, etc.), your previous job, medical problems and activity limitations.
7. Vital reminders. Tell the truth and be precise. When you are asked of something, answer with a "Yes" or a "No". Be very expressive when describing pain. Do not say foul words. Bring with you your medicine, the judge may want to see them. Lastly, be mindful of your attitude. The judge may regard your statements if you behave well and show conviction in succeeding in your claim.
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