Upcoming Alj Hearing

[unique]

I have an ALJ hearing in the next three weeks and I'm nervous about what to expect. Can anybody give a word of encouragement about what the hearing consists of what to expect?

[Bonzai]

unique,

Glad to hear you have a lawyer, because the odds of winning go way up. Your lawyer should have told you already what to expect at the ALJ, depending on whether the hearing is for physical or mental or a combination of both. There are Residual Capacity Forms that should be filled out by an IMO, if you have one, that can help your case immensely.

At least this is what I have found through researching what my lawyer told me. I have friends, who are lawyers, although none of them are ALJs. Their words of advice to me are to be respectful, truthful, and let my lawyer do most of the talking to the ALJ.

Hope this helps...

Louis

[maset22]

I just got through my ALJ hearing with my lawyer in Dec 09. and we won fully favorable. My experience was that it lasted about 40 min. My lawyer ask me most of the questions, The Judge ask some at the end. mainly was about my daily living. what can I do for myself, cooking, helping around the house, driving, etc. One question the Judge ask was how far is my doctors offices. I was not prepare for that one. but I guess right. four miles for two of them. I guess that was the Truth meter. In the decision letter, he had mention that He found me truthful and my internal medicine Dr also truthful in His letters and diagnosis of my limitations of my case. and the social security Dr. not so on point. (my words) Every Judge does it different. wish you well.

[unique]

Thanks Louis your comments really helped me to feel less anxiety about meeting before the ALJ. My lawyer stated that he would meet with me twice before the hearing. He is a local attorney and know the judges quite well. I hoped this will increase my chances of winning from what I've heard from others he has a high percentage rate of winning cases. I hope my age of 35 does not lessen my chances of winning. My doctor has diagnosed me with PTSD, paranoia, psychotic disorder and major depression.