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What Happens at a Social Security Disability Hearing?
Typically, social security disability hearings are fairly short and can last anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour. And despite the fact that many SSD claimants mistakenly assume...
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The Importance of Vocational Expert Testimony at a Disability Hearing
The testimony of the vocational expert at your Social Security disability hearing can make or break your case. Here's why.
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Do You Need an Attorney to Appeal a Social Security Disability Denial?
You are not required to hire an attorney to assist you at your disability hearing; but an experienced disability attorney will greatly improve your chances of winning your claim.
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What Can I Do to Improve My Chances of Winning at a Disability Hearing?
It can be very helpful to have a disability lawyer represent you during a hearing, as they are familiar with how hearings proceed and questions that may be asked of you and your witnesses.
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Can Letters From Family and Friends Help My Disability Case at a Hearing?
Applicants for Social Security disability often ask friends and family to write letters in support of their disability case. While the administrative law judge (ALJ) who presides over the hearing often disregards these letters, sometimes well-crafted letters can help win your claim.
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What Is OHO (formerly the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, or ODAR)?
The Social Security hearings office is now called the Office of Hearings Operations, or OHO for short.
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Why Are Approval Chances for Social Security Disability Better at a Hearing?
Sometimes disability applicants win at hearings because of the passage of time, other times because they hire an attorney.
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When You Should Bring a Medical or Vocational Expert to Your Disability Hearing
At your disability appeal hearing, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may call expert witnesses to give opinions on your medical condition or your ability to work. These witnesses are either vocational experts (VEs) or medical experts (MEs.) VEs, present at most disability hearings, testify about your ability to work in light of your limitations.
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How to Handle ALJ Bias or Misconduct at a Disability Appeal Hearing
The vast majority of Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) who hear Social Security disability cases are fair-minded and respectful of the disability applicants who appear before them.
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Should I Agree to a Video Hearing for My Disability Hearing or Demand an In-Person Hearing?
Having your disability appeal hearing in person rather than by video is probably in your best interests.
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What Happens After a Disability Hearing Has Been Held?
There are a number of different paths your disability case can take after a Social Security hearing.
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Can a judge send me to a Social Security physical after my disability hearing?
Regarding consultative exams, these are typically very short in duration (let me repeat---very short) and tend to be of little value other than the fact that they provide recent medical evidence...
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Third Level of Appeal for Disability: Appeals Council & Remands
The Appeals Council comprises the third step in the Social Security Disability system's appeal process. This rung in the process...
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Why You're More Likely to Win Your Second Social Security Disability Appeal
Judges have more independence to make decisions, and give more weight to doctors' opinions.