I am so stressed out. I just had my hearing and I am still so worked up. I don't know how to take how the hearing went. My attorney has been pretty strict with medical records and getting information over to the SS office. I felt o.k. with him. The hearing started and he started to read opening remarks and he was shaking all over the place, his voice was cracking. I just sat there and said to myself "you got to be Effing kidding me". Anyhow, the judge only asked a few questions most concerned why I had earnings in 2011. It was a very large severance check then he asked what my former tasks were at my former job.

There was a VE there and the judge asked him if I could do my former job the VE said no, then the judge asked if I could do anything. The VE said a video servailence person and a ticket taker. Then the judge said he was going to pose Hypotheticals. The judge asked 1 hypothetical question stating was there a job for someone who can only lift 10 lbs, stand for 5 minutes or miss 3-4 days a month and the VE said no. The judge said he had no further questions.

He then asked my lawyer if he had any questions and he was a mess, stuttering and referring to my RFC's from my doctor. He asked the VE to read. THe judge then in a stern voice said what are you talking about. The VE doesn't have access to that information you need to pose the questions yourself. He stuttered through with questions and the VE said there were again no jobs.

I have no clue on how to take the hearing. He was useless. My nerves are shot.

Dear Anonymous 728,

WOW, what else can I say. It sounds like the VE was more of an advocate for you than your attorney. From what the VE said, it sounds favorable but no one ever knows until they actually get "the verdict".

I am so sorry you were not better represented. I hope you get a "fully favorable" decision despite your attorney's apparent inexperience.

My hearing is week after next. I sure hope my attorney does a better job.

Did you get to speak with your attorney AFTER the hearing? What did he have to say for himself?

I certainly can understand how your nerves are shot. How much interaction did you have with the attorney prior to the hearing? How often did you speak or meet?

I have only met with my attorney twice. The first time when I enlisted his services and a second time to deliver MORE and most recent medical records for him to submit to SSDI.

Please keep us posted. Wishing you a speedy response and a favorable one.

I spoke to her afterwards and she said that she never gives an opinion because she doesn't want anyone to come back to her later if it went the other way. She didn't talk long but she had another client going in to see the same judge after me. She just said to me I feel bad for her, she has to follow you.

I met her about 3 or 4 times before the hearing, she seemed good to me. very confident with me. It wasn't until she got in front of the judge she was blundering.

I did read somewhere that if a judge only asks 1 hypothetical question and the VE says that there are no jobs it usually ends in a favorable decision.
I guess it is a waiting game now.

My nerves are shot because I am just out of money now. My bills are piling up. I have 1 piece of jewelry left that my grandmother gave me when I was a kid. It is a gold chain with a gold cross. I am holding on to it until the last minute. If this doesn't go through in time I will have to sell it just to put a gift under the tree for my kids.

Try not to stress. It seems likely you'll be approved. Worst case scenario you'll have to appeal.

This link will help your argument if you're denied: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surveil...system_monitor