Let Gerald M. Welt, a Las Vegas Social Security Disability Attorney, Prepare You For Your Hearing
The Social Security Disability hearing you have requested is called an “Administrative Hearing.” Although testimony is taken under oath, strict rules of evidence do not apply, and in general, the hearing will be much less formal than a District Court hearing.
The hearing is conducted by a Federal Administrative Law Judge from the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review of the Social Security Administration. The Judge's job is to make an independent, unbiased decision based on the evidence in your case. This evidence consists of medical records, documents and testimony.
What to Expect
A hearing to decide whether an individual qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits is an informal, private process. You, your attorney, the Judge, a hearing monitor, and any witnesses are typically the only individuals in the room. You must present your testimony in the hearing under oath.
The Judge presiding over your case may request a statement from a specific physician of yours or an independent medical expert to act as a witness in your case. It is also possible for the Judge to request that a vocational expert provide a statement. These are all elements to help determine whether you are disabled according to the Social Security Disability government regulations and whether you qualify to receive benefits.
The purpose of your testimony at the hearing is to supplement and corroborate the medical records and reports, which are a part of the hearing file in your case. A hearing gives you the best opportunity to prove that you should receive Social Security Disability benefits.
Preparing for a Disability Case
Preparing for your disability case is your responsibility and Gerald M. Welt, a Las Vegas Social Security Disability lawyer, will guide you through the process. In a Social Security Disability benefits hearing, the Judge will ask you about these and other elements of your life:
Current medical conditions and list of medications
Previous medical conditions
Vocational abilities
Education history
Any work training you have received
Your work experience
Any information you can provide as to the limitations you have experienced due to your disability
Once this and other information is presented, the Judge considers your case, may ask for additional witnesses or statements from third parties and will issue a decision. If you are denied benefits at this level and if your attorney feels that it is justified, you may appeal the decision. This final appeal is a lengthy process and you and your attorney should research and discuss your options.
