Hello to all, I haven't posted in a while but I wanted to say that I finally got a letter from Social Security stating my hearing will be November 27th. I am so nervous just keep reading about denials. Please pray for me and if anyone can give me any insight as to what to expect please please write back. I have carpal L, carpal R, 3 level ACDF with titanium plate, Ulnar Nerve release, Bilateral Thoracic Outlet Syndrome bilateral extra cervical ribs, Thoracic outlet release Left side June 2007 Chronic pain. I just feel that I can't go on much longer.

Thanks to all
Beverley

Hi, the hearing is more informal than a regular courtroom hearing. It will be the ALJ, you, your lawyer, which i hope you have one, and maybe a vocational expert. Dont dress too well with too much makeup, dress neatly but dont overdo it. I dont know what your injuries are but if you need to you ask the judge after you are sitting for a short while, your honor can i stand, . Look the judge in the eye when you talk to him/her. Answer only the question asked and get directly to the point, dont add things that are not asked. Be ready for the question what do you do all day......and maybe how did you get here today, good idea to have someone take you. Dont minimize your problems, answer truthfully and describe what your worse days are like. Also be ready for a question on how some of your symptoms keep you from being able to work. If you have any medication bring it with you in the prescription bottles, so that the judge can look at them if they want to. Being nervous is natural so think about your answer before you say anything. Its a good idea to wait a couple of seconds to answer every question so that it doesnt look like you have to make up an answer for a particular question. Dont forget to mention how your medications may be affecting you during the day, tired, lack of concentration etc. when asked about medication. Thats all i can think of right now. Good luck.

It's natural to be uptight when you have to go before an ALJ and explain why you're unable to work.

One thing my ATTORNEY did is that we spent an hour right before the hearing to go over my claim and medical records. This was very helpful for me because I have a TBI/PCS so it's very difficult for me to produce information on the spot.

I would stop reading your denial letters.

One thing I did was to write out on a 3x5 card the my claim was approved and that the ALJ was there to help me and that was my attitude when I went into the hearing.

As it turns out the ALJ had an great deal of knowledge about Traumatic Brain Injury and give me several suggestions from the bench on places to go for treatment . Our conversation was pleasant and productive.

Hey Joe is correct being well groomed on the conservative side is best. Being honest and direct with short answers is also useful.

One thing I did was to go down to the hearing office and walk around you do not want to be late for your appointment and this also take some of the stress off as you know where your going.

My sis took me down to my hearing and it was good to have the emotional support.

One mistake I've seen women make is to say they want to stay home with the kids our grand kids, not a smart statement to make on the record.

Hope this helps Jeffn

don't spend alot of time on your hair and makeup. make sure it is brushed and that is about it. if you go in all dolled up they think you are well enough to work.

agree with all,if I had used a curling iron,I would of been in ER..Short answers
a nervous but positive thought helps,a family member and a lawyer..Now
i'm going to be honest,I nerver had to make it that far,I was lucky my son helped mee with the paper work...But I was there with my husband,loooking
around first helped me,not to be so nervous,he did well..And in my prayers i will ask that you do as well. Please get there ahead of time,,Good luck
to you. Sue Oh yes he got it...

There are two main things I can tell you....
I was told that I could review my medical records before the hearing.
I expected to meet with my lawyer an hour before the hearing to review my file.The lawyer was in another hearing and so was my file!
AS it was my medical file was incomplete.Medical records were sent from one hearing office to another before a decision was made where the hearing would be held!
My case was 1,000 days old by the time the ALJ hearing took place.
So what ever your lawyer tells you....SEE for yourself...ask to look at the records ahead of time!Also obtain a copy of all medical records yourself from all DRs that have treated you.

I was also told that judges don't like certain words.Such as I Can't.Better say I am unable etc....I was told that when asked what I do all day to never say "nothing".Yet to say...
I cook,clean,spend time with my kids,BUT not like I used to!I used to love to cook.Now there are days I can't...opps "unable".

So the short of it is... be yourself...and be your advocate ...lawyer or not!
Let us know how things go...MC

I think everyone for the advice. My diagnosis is 3 level acdf severe cervical degenerative disc disease bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome left side rib resection, scoliosis in thoracic spine along with 2 bulging disc in thoracic spine. Disc above cervical fusion ruptured will need to be replaced, carpal tunnel left and right surgery on both, ulnar nerve left side compression had surgery. I have had 5 operations in the last 3 year, chronic pain, chronic myofascial pain syndrome, depression, anxiety, agoraphobia, medications include oxycontin, prozac, xanax, trazadone, vitamin D deficient now take prescription Vitamin D, Percocet for breakthrough pain,zorcor left arm is dead, dead pulse, chronic pain. I have been diagnosed permanently disabled by my orthopedic surgeon, and my primary doctor I have been treated for many many years I am in pain 24/7 Please pray for me for my up coming hearing with SS judge November 27th I have been waiting for 3 years. Financially devastated, emotionally drained.

Thanks
Beverley

with all that is wrong you should be able to get it hon. good luck and I will keep you in my prayers. I am sorry you are having to take it this far.

To Moneymaker 8

After reading your last post and in order to be prepare yourself for your hearing you may want to write up a 1-2 page summery report listing what you are being treated for the dates you where in the hospital and the medication and the amounts you are using today.

This 1-2 page summery would be a quick reference for you to use at the hearing. Have your attorney review this information before the hearing.

Note going in for your hearing on the 27 is a good date as everyone has just returned form a 4 day Holiday and is rested.

Take care and be well Jeffn