Finally got a date for ALJ hearing
 

Lawyer called this week and hus has an ALJ hearing in a few months. Can anyone tell us what happens at these hearings? Will there be a Voc expert there or do we need to hire one?

Hus is going for surgery next month to have rods taken out of spine as they didn't help with spinal fusion(his second). Surgeon says 50% of people have more pain with rods in and therefore, sometimes it helps to take them out..

Just concerned with his newest surgery coming prior to hearing et all. Hus is 55 soon to be 56 in 3 months.
Any advise, suggestions?

If they want a VE there they will hire one. You will get a notice if they do in one of your last notice of hearing letters. Your lawyer can tell you all about the process, thats what he or she gets paid for. It is informal, a few tables, a table for you, one for your lawyer, the VE, a person to record it, and the Judge. Dress nice and be polite, adress the judge as your honor. Your lawyer should do most of the talking. The judge will ask hus about daily life, and a few more questions about limitations. In Michigan only the person applying and any witness are aloud in. I would recommend getting a letter from the surgon or family doctor stating the limitations and lack of mobility of hus. some doctors will some won't. Try to get a residual funcional capacity form filed out by your docotor. Your lawyer should help you with that. Because of his age, and the amount of surgery's, I don't see a problem with him being approved. I am only 45 and my last surgery was a triple spinal fusion. I was denied at my hearing, and appealed to the appeals council and won a remand hearing. My last hearing was 11-30-12. We are waiting the decision now. So I have been thru 2 hearings now. If you have any more questions please feel free to ask..... I wish you only the best of luck.