If your initial application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is denied, you may file a reconsideration appeal. But if this appeal also gets rejected, you may attend an administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing. Namely, most SSDI claims are won at ALJ hearings, so you will want to do everything to ensure that yours wins too. This is because you only have two more chances after this, which may be more challenging to come out of successfully. With that being said, read on to discover the mistakes you should avoid making during your SSDI hearing and how a seasoned New Jersey SSDI appeals lawyer at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur can help you receive a favorable decision.
What mistakes should I avoid making during my SSDI hearing?
Arguably most importantly, you must remain honest and truthful throughout your SSDI hearing. This is because the ALJ judge has already reviewed your SSDI benefits claim, medical records, work history, and earnings history. In other words, they know just about everything regarding your case before you even present your argument to them. So it is truly not worth it to lie or exaggerate the truth.
For example, you should not stretch how long you have been experiencing symptoms for your physical, mental, or emotional disability. Or, you should not embellish how your disability affects your ability to perform all your previous job functions when it only affects certain ones. This may do nothing but make you look deceitful in the eyes of the judge, making them more inclined to deny your appeal.
In a similar vein, you must be clear and concise when answering the judge’s question. This may entail using descriptive words to depict the symptoms of your disability, rather than just saying they are painful. Plus, you may quantify how often you experience these symptoms and how long they last. Lastly, you may explain the specific treatment plan your medical provider has prescribed, rather than sharing irrelevant information on the at-home remedies you have tried.
What can I do to receive a favorable decision after my SSDI hearing?
Ultimately, the one mistake you most definitely have to avoid is going into your SSDI hearing without a legal representative. Unlike yourself, an SSDI appeals lawyer has attended ALJ hearings numerous times. Therefore, their advice beforehand and their intervention during the proceedings may be an invaluable help to your case. This is all to say that our team will do everything in our power to award you a favorable outcome.
In conclusion, we understand just how delicate this situation may be for you. If you need an emotional support system that doubles as a legal support system, look no further than The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur. Retain the services of a competent New Jersey SSDI appeals lawyer today.
