Who is the person that makes the decision whether you are disabled or not? At your hearing an Administrative Law Judge will question you and the vocational expert. The Administrative Law Judge is a full time employee of the Social Security Administration. She is a lawyer who has some type of trial experience. They do not necessarily have a background in Social Security Disability law but they are trained by the Administration. Therefore, they know the rules and law and over time develop expertise.
Remember, the judge does multiple hearings in a week and has a staff of attorneys who help them write their decisions. The judges have seen your file- medical records- so the hearing is your chance to put a human face on your case. You must explain your condition and symptoms as clearly and in as much detail as possible. Above all you must be honest. The judge sees many cases and develops a gut reaction to people testifying. If she thinks you are hiding something or lying, you will lose.
Be prepared to testify in your hearing is one of the most important parts of your disability case.
Please feel free to call me, Dirk May, at 309-827-4371 to discuss your hearing and testimony. I represent clients in Peoria, Bloomington, Springfield, and Champaign and all of Central Illinois in Social Security Disability hearings.