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The tricky part of testifying at your Social Security Disability hearing is knowing how to explain your problems and how they limit your daily activities.

I was talking with an Administrative Law Judge the other day, and he mentioned that sometimes people just talk about too many problems.

This overwhelms some Judges, and backfires against you.

There is a fine line between complaining too much versus not explaining enough about your problems.

If you pile high a list of problems, and are extreme in your description the Judge may find that you are not believable.

The better approach may be to focus on the most serious problems such as back, arms, legs and lack of energy. You may want to avoid hearing and eyesight issues unless they are extreme.

You should also think through how you will describe your limitations to the Administrative Law Judge. Even disabled people can do some chores with extended rest breaks.

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

Problems with your hands and arms are very important to your Social Security Disability case.

These conditions can range from carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, shoulder tears, weakness, loss of range of motion.

They may be caused by diseases, injuries or trauma. Such as diabetes, arthritis, or degenerative joint disease.

For example, neuropathy often causes loss of sensation, tingling, and pain.

You can prove these problems with Doctor’s records, tests like EMGs and nerve tests, or MRI’s.

These types of problems with the hands and arms are critical in Social Security Disability cases.

This is because the Administrative Law Judge must decide what jobs you can do, and the ability to use your hands and arms is crucial in almost all jobs.

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

Back problems result in Disability for a large number of Social Security claimants.

This is because chronic back pain severely limits activities such as sitting, standing, lifting and walking.

The problem is proving that you have back pain.

Have you had low back surgery? neck surgery? More than one surgery? A fusion with plating, screws and rods? This certainly explains back pain.

Does the pain run down your legs or arms? Do you have tests that show radiculopathy or neuropathy?

Do you have MRI tests or CT scans that show herniated discs, spinal stenosis, pinched nerves or nerve root impingement.

Other proof of chronic back pain for your Social Security Disability case may be pain management therapy, strong pain medications, or use of  a Tens Unit.

Questions about back pain and your Social Security Disability? Feel free to call me, Illinois Social Security Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.