How to Read the Social Security Judge


Just a few tips on how the read the Judge at your Social Security Disability Hearing.

If she seems rushed and in a hurry, then answer the questions about education, work history and housing arrangements briefly. Save most of your time to explain your limitations, pain and problems but do not repeat yourself.

If she seems to be angry or accuses you of things, then answer politely but firmly that you are doing the best you can in your circumstances.

If she asks you about specific notes in your doctors records, then ask to view them yourself so you can understand the entire context. For instance, a doctor’s note that you are doing well may mean considering the ongoing pain from a recent surgery and the strong medications prescribed for you.

Reading the judge properly and going with the flow may persuade the Judge that you are truly having serious problems that interfere with your ability to work full time.

Questions about Social Security Disability? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Social Security Disability and Unemployment Compensation


I am seeing more Social Security Judges ask claimants if they have received Unemployment payments.

Some Administrative Law Judges believe it is inconsistent to ask for unemployment compensation and Social Security Disability.

When you get unemployment you represent that you can work, and when you apply for Social Security Disability you represent that you cannot work.

This is a dilemma.

The best way to answer may be to explain that you thought you could work part time but not full time.

Or that you could have worked a job in a very limited capacity.

If you have received unemployment during the time you are claiming disability, then you need to think very carefully about this question.

Questions about your Social Security Disability case? Feel free to call Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Work Comp Settlements After August 2011


For injuries after August 31, 2011 new rules apply to settlement value.

What this means for the value of your settlement is unknown.

Before we could predict within a range what a certain injury was worth.

What a new injury is worth is pure guess work at this point.

I would like to hear from you what kind of offers you are receiving.

Please feel free to call me, Dirk May, at 309-827-4371, or send comments to this blog.

I will keep people posted about the kind of offers Workers’ Compensation insurance companies are making at this time.

My assumption is that insurance companies will be very cautious with their offers till the new law is sorted out.

What to Tell Your Doctor about Your Work Injury


It is important to tell your doctor about all your problems early and often.

This will make sure that your complaints show up in the medical records.

What the doctor puts in her notes is very telling.

For example, if you have pain in your shoulder with reaching and lifting this can support your claim that you no longer can lift as much as before the injury.

In Illinois, with the recent changes in the Work Comp law, your medical records will become even more important.

It is more persuasive to argue you have ongoing pain and limitations if your medical records contain multiple references to your problems.

Remember your medical records are a huge part of your Workers’ Compensation case.

Questions about your Illinois Work Injury? Feel free to contact Illinois Work Comp Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Sex, Drugs, Alcohol and Social Security Disability


First of all, Social Security Disability has no interest in your sex life. So no need to go there. They are interested in how your limitations affect your ability to work.

Drugs and alcohol are a different matter.

If you have alcohol problems or use street drugs, then the Social Security Judge will deny your case.

It used to be that you could be found disabled based on alcoholism or drug addiction.

Social Security changed this approach years ago.

You can still be found disabled based on the consequences of drug or alcohol use.

For instance, serious liver damage or dementia.

If you have drug or alcohol problems and are seeking Social Security Disability you must get treatment. This can be from a facility, counselor, or through Alcoholics Anonymous.

Questions about your Disability claim? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.