Hearing preparation

[Guest guest]

Hello,

My hearing is this month and I am so wrecked about it. My anxiety level

is through the roof and I am trying to calm myself down but it so hard

knowing that this judge hold my future in his hands. Is there any

advice someone can give me on what to expect and things I should or

should not do at this hearing?

[Guest guest]

Hi Chavonne,

First of all, your attorney should go over your case with you and

will give you an idea of what to expect. Most likely your attorney

knows the ALJ and has your case and argument all wrapped up.

I am assuming you have an actual date. You and your attorney should

meet about an hour or so before hand.

Your hearing will be the ALJ, a court reporter(transcriber), you, your attorney,

any witnesses that you want, and possibly a vocational expert depending on your

case. That's it. No other people. So it is pretty low key. If you need special

accommodation for any reason, ask for it.

Your attorney wants YOU to get your benefits (so he gets paid),

therefore winning your benefits is in HIS best interest.

If the ALJ asks you a question about CMT and your work, etc., answer

the best you can and be honest. If you wear AFOs, use a cane,

wheelchair, have foot/hand problems don't be afraid to show them to

the ALJ. (I have only seen this happen once)

So, I'd say, relax, chill, watch some funny movies to take your mind

off of things. Practice deep breathing. And keep it up right into the Hearing.

If you already take a muscle relaxant, or something for anxiety, you may want to

talk to your doc about an added amount that day.

No, your future is NOT in the hands of the Judge. Do not give away

your power like that. The Judge has read all the information in your

file, and provided all work related info and medical info is there,

and you and your attorney are there, it will work out. This is why

you and your attorney should meet soon to go over everything in your

file, and figure out why your benefits haven't been awarded before

this. There is still time to submit new evidence for your case.

Even if the Judge rules against you, you have the right to file an

APPEAl at a higher level, and beyond that, in Federal Court. And those rulings

CAN overturn the ALJ decision.

Hope this helps some.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

The monkey is almost off my back.

I just got back from the hearing it was nerve wrecking. The judge

didn't believe that CMT affets your fingers, hands, forearms. He

just thought it affected the lower legs on down. It was well

documented my neurologist in my record all the issues I was having

with this disease all seven medications that I have been taking etc.

The ALJ gave four hypotheticals to the VE. What does that mean? My

lawyer asked to leave the record open for thrity days but the judge

said no and that any other documents should be submitted within two

weeks because that is when he will have his decision. I have mixed

feelings about this because the person went before me was in there

with the ALJ from 9:30 am-11:30am without representation and I was

out of there a little after twelve. Then as soon as my lawyer

escorted me out, him and the VE were talking about the ALJ and how he

operated and they both said that we presented a good case.

It's all up to the ALJ this time and I can't do anything more at this

point. It feels like this is it. My lawyer says that I did good but

I will feel good once I have a favorable decision so that I throw the

monkey off my back.

[Guest guest]

The 4 hypotheticals were most likely types of jobs that the ALJ thought that the

VE should look at in your case - work that you might be able to do.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/28/2008 4:24:11 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

chavonne1602@... writes:

<The judge didn't believe that CMT affets your fingers, hands, forearms. >

It sounds like the Judge thinks he is a doctor.