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Social Security Disability Hearing Tips

Dirk May Denial, Help, Law, Lawyers, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income


Your Social Security Disability Hearing is a very important event.

Here are some tips to think about before you testify before the Administrative Law Judge.

Believe it or not most Social Security Judges want help you relax and get the best information they can from you.

  • Do not argue. The Administrative Law Judge is not to blame for delays, past denials, or for your illness.
  • Answer the question. Being vague does not help your case. It depends, not very often, not very long. These answers do not give the Social Security Judge a clear picture of your limitations. It is okay to estimate. For example, I can walk down to the school before the pain becomes too much. It is about 2 blocks away.
  • Do not exaggerate your problems, but do not down play your pain and limitations. The Administrative Law Judge can tell if you are not giving an accurate picture of your problems. I have seen people testify and give the impression that everything is pretty much okay. If this was the case, then why did you file a Social Security Disability case and allege you could not work.

Remember the hearing is your chance to put a human face on your medical records. Make sure the Social Security Judge understands clearly what is happening to you each day.

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

Back Injuries and Illinois Workers Compensation Settlements

Dirk May Denial, Help, Insurance, Law, Medical, Settlements, Workers Compensation, Workers Compensation Commission


Can you get a decent Work Comp settlement when you have a back injury, but have not required a surgery?

The odds are that your settlement will be larger with a surgery, however, you may still have a good settlement.

Objective evidence will be very important. For example, an MRI showing herniated discs will be valuable. A fractured spine can also show up on an xray.

Herniated discs and broken bones often result in ongoing pain.

Restrictions also increase the value of your Illinois Work Comp case.

You may end up with permanent restrictions due to broken bones and herniated discs. This can dramatically increase the value of your Workmans Comp case.

Questions about your back injury? Feel free to call Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Back Problems and Social Security Disability

Dirk May Denial, Help, Law, Lawyers, Medical, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income


Can you win a Social Security Disability case without having back surgery for your injury or illness?

Of course, you may have a combination of problems such as chronic back pain, depression, and arthritis of the knees and hands that severely limit you from working.

You would not necessarily need surgery in this example to be found disabled.

But what about cases in which the back is your main problem, and no surgery has been recommended?

You will need objective findings of severe problems. For example, xrays or MRIs of severe scolosis, degenerative arthritis, or arachnoiditis.

It will be helpful to have information from the doctor explaining that surgery or other treatment will not be able to cure your condition.

It is also helpful to have the doctor give his opinion about your resulting limitations.

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