How can I most effectively respond to the Administrative Law Judge during my Fremont disability benefits claim appeal hearing?

Truthfully. According to our Fremont disability attorneys there are three mistakes unprepared claimants make at their hearings. All three are rooted in misrepresenting one’s situation.

1. Downplaying symptoms – It’s hard to talk about the challenges and pain we deal with each day. However, locking into a ‘strong’ mindset makes it hard to offer a sincere portrayal of one’s situation to the Administrative Law Judge. You are at the appeal hearing because your impairments are making it impossible for you to work.
2. Exaggerating symptoms – Being anxious that the judge won’t be able to discern the severity of your symptoms can lead to the opposite mistake: playing up the pain in a theatrical way. The bad faith this builds around your case could be very damaging to you in the long run.
3. Being too vague – The most common mistake we see are claimants who don’t give enough information during the judge’s questions. It’s crucial to offer concrete examples of the problems your symptoms create for you on a daily basis, not one or two word responses that don’t make an impression. While you don’t want to ramble or go off-topic, you need to give answers that are informative and accurate.

As you answer the judge’s questions, be truthful, be yourself, and offer real insight into your situation. To learn more about working with a Fremont, Nebraska, disability attorney, call Cuddigan Law at 402-933-5405 today. Also, ask for our free report: Give Yourself the Best Chance of Winning Your Social Security Disability Case.