I recently prevailed in my federal lawsuit against SSA, and was granted a new hearing. It's been ten years so far, covering two separate hearings in front of ALJ's, and two episodes of bladder cancer, including the most recent return of the cancer as at least grade 3 invasive.

I originally filed for disability following a number of work place injuries, after having navigated the work comp system for several years. My official claims emerge from severe chronic degenerative disc disease(cervical spine), chronic migraine, and issues with my arms, hands, and elbows stemming from the disc disease.

At any rate, I prevailed in the federal courtroom, and we were remanded back for a new hearing, I have surgery coming up on the 26th to remove my bladder, prostate, and seminal glands. Just the other day I received a letter from SSA addressed to me and my attorney, advising us that "exhibits were now ready for viewing!"

Does this indicate that the new hearing is now imminent? Thanks....P.S. after a federal judge rules against the ALJ, does that actually increase your odds of winning at the new hearing? I am desperately broke, I have lost everything I ever owned...

I am only guessing but I think being remanded by the Federal court is a good sign. If they believed that prior rulings were correct and valid, they would have denied you and that would have been the end of it. Yes, to your question, that being notified that exhibits ready for viewing is usually right before they send you the date of hearing. You should hear from them again soon as to the date, but how far off the date may be is another matter. Usually in my area, about 60 days from when you get the letter.

I am so sorry to hear of your condition, your upcoming surgery, and your past denials.

I wish you a speedy recovery following your surgery and the strength to continue your fight for your disability benefits.

We will be thinking of you.

I asked you some questions under another thread that you have already answered with this new thread. Sorry I did not see this first.

You should have a pretty good idea of how close you are to being approved if you understand the 5 step process to approval and why you were denied. Did the VE claim you couldn't perform your old job, but could perform only one or two others? Etc.

SSDfacts.com has statistics that may or may not be applicable to your situation.

Hi Direwolf,

I sent you a PM. (Private Message)

Thanks

Dire with your list of ailments why were you not approved along tome ago?