You need to be careful what you say when you testify at your Social Security Disability hearing.
Some Judges like to play the gotcha game.
Some examples:
Why are you telling me you cannot work, and you have been telling the Unemployment office you are available for work.
You claim you lost 40 pounds the last year, but the medical records show you were the same weight this time last year.
When is the last time you smoked marijuana?
When is the last time you drank alcohol?
The point is that you need to be careful when testifying.
You can explain that you thought you may be able to work part time.
You need to answer as you best recall. For instance, I believe I have lost some weight over the last year.
Do not lie about drug or alcohol use. It will come back to haunt you.
You can explain that you have sought treatment for alcohol or drug abuse.
The most important part of your Social Security Disability hearing is testifying truthfully.
If the Judge believes you are untruthful, then you have lost.
Questions about your Social Security Disability hearing? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.