The majority of initial applications for Social Security disability benefits are denied; once notice is received the applicant is faced with appealing this decision. There are a number of stages in the process, the first of which is to request that the Administration reconsider their decision; rarely does this result in a reversal. The second stage is when most reversals take place; this is a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge with you and your Social Security lawyer in Oak Ridge present.
Although the wait for a hearing can take as long as a year, once you and your lawyer are with the judge the whole thing can be over in less than an hour. These hearings are quite informal, far different than what might be expected in a court of law.
What happens at the hearing?
As well as you, your lawyer and the judge; there is normally a vocational expert and a court reporter at the hearing. Depending on the nature of your case there may also be a medical expert in attendance. In many cases your Social Security lawyer in Oak Ridge will also be in the company of vocational and medical experts that can support your assertions.
The hearing is often opened by the judge asking you questions about the work you last did as well as work that you did in the past. Based on the answers you give, the judge often defers to the vocational expert in an attempt to find if there is any work that a person with your specific limitations can do.
You will be given an opportunity to speak to the judge, you can describe in detail how your disability affects your ability to work, if your lawyer is of the impression that your supporting experts can help your case, they too will be invited to speak.
If your appeal indicates to the judge that you are truly disabled or you have a serious medical condition you have a very good chance of winning your claim.
A skilled Social Security lawyer in Oak Ridge can make the difference between winning your claim for disability benefits or once again having them denied. You are invited to contact the Law Offices of Miller & Drozdowski, P.C. to discuss your claim.
