Hello, I am new here and was trying to get some input from those who had ben through this process. From reading some posts, it seems that a lot of people went to this ALJ hearing and testified, and a vocational expert was present. I just had my hearing this past week, and there was no vocational expert. I am wondering if this is a positive or negative. I am taking it as a negative, as there was no expert to say that I couldnt do any kind of other job in the local marketplace. According to my representative, he said my testimony was very clear and concise, and explained my limitations fully, which my medical records also backed up. He basically said the only way the judge could rule against me, is if he thought I was blatantly lying, but since my testimony was in accordance with the medical opinion, the doctors, in essence, would have to be lying as well, so that part at least looks good. Just worried about there being no vocational expert. If anyone has any info on this, i'd appreciate your input. Thank you.

Hi rtist,

I don't want you to feel bad that no one has responded yet. Many may be like me and not know the answer to your question.

I had a VE at my ALJ appt. I don't know what, if anything, it might mean if the SSA didn't arrange to have one at your hearing, or if one was booked by unable to attend at the last minute.

Did the questions that you were asked/testified to specifically cover that you are unable to stand/walk/sit or concentrate on a job for several hours at a time ?

That's ok, I wasn't sure how common this was. The vocational expert was not there, but the judge was very thorough. He asked how long I could sit, stand, etc.. I brought up the fact that I have panic attacks in public places, and he then asked how I would do if someone sat me down at a desk with no one around and gave me a task to accomplish, would I be able to do it, considering that I was by myself. I said I would try but ultimately, i'd lose focus and concentration, which is true. I think the hearing went well, the lawyer I had said it went well, so i'm trying to stay positive. It's this wait now thats stressing me out.... Im just about at wits end, having used up all my resources trying to bide my time, and now im reading sometimes it takes months for a decision, and its pretty stressful.

I am no expert by any means, but if there was no VE, it sounds like you have a good chance. The judge must briefly read the file before he/she sees you and decides if you need a VE...does that make sence? Please, no one jump down my throat if I am wrong.
My VE said nothing, asked no questions at all. I was awarded benefits in 2010.

It sounds to me like a good sign.

Good luck to you!!!

Having a VE at an ALJ hearing is done at the request of an Administrative Law Judge.

Not sure what determines to have a VE at an ALJ hearing. Perhaps the type of job you had? Your age?
At my ALJ hearing, I had a VE.

I do remember the VE took notes the whole time of the hearing & the judge asked the VE a lot of questions.
My hearing lasted 2 1/2 - 3 hours.

Hi,
I'm glad I just decided to pop into neurotalk. It's been 5-6 months since I logged in and you're talking about vocational experts and such. My hearing prep is on the 11th and my hearing is on the 21st. I'd appreciate any input.
Thanks
Beth