The Judge may also request either a medical expert (doctor) and/or a vocational expert to testify at your hearing. The medical expert reviews your medical records in your FILE and provides testimony on how it compares to Social Security's medical rules and his/her opinion of your limitations. The vocational expert is an individual who works to help disabled people return to the workplace. He/she testifies on what kind of work, if any, could be done by you with different types of limitations. To learn more about this process, click here to read What To Expect At The Hearing.
RULES ABOUT ANSWERING QUESTIONS
You must tell the truth. Do not exaggerate your problems at the hearing. Do not make your symptoms better or worse than they are. Tell it like it is. Do not be John Wayne. You are not there for an award for bravery. If it hurts, testify to that fact. If you cannot do something, testify that you cannot do it.
Be specific with your answers. The best way to be specific is by using numbers. The Judge will ask: How long can you stand/sit? How far can you walk? How much can you lift? When you answer these questions use numbers: I can stand/sit for 30 minutes, one hour, three hours or whatever amount of time you can remain standing/seated until your symptoms increase to a point that you must change positions. I can walk ¼ of a block, ½ of a block, one block, three blocks, one mile or whatever is the correct answer. To learn more about this process, click here to read Rules About Answering Questions.
AFTER THE HEARING
After the hearing is done, wait for your representative outside. The representative will explain what went on at the hearing and will answer any questions that you have. The representative can give you an opinion as to whether you won the hearing or not. The decision is not final until you receive the written decision. To learn more about this process, click here to read After the Hearing.
If you are unsure about your legal rights, let Hardy Law Firm, LTD, LLP take your complicated issue and explain it in an easy-to-understand manner. Contact our office in Houston. Call today at 713-263-7707 or 800-947-0477. You may also CONTACT US for more information.
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