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At your hearing, the judge may request the presence of a neutral vocational expert (VE) or medical expert (ME). It is important that your Ocala, Florida Social Security disability lawyer explain to you what to expect if one of these experts is to testify at your hearing. An Ocala, Florida Social Security Disability Lawyer on Vocational Experts It is more likely than not that a vocational expert (VE) will testify at your hearing. A VE's testimony can be very influential to the outcome of your case and, unfortunately, is often the reason claimants are not successful. Essentially, a VE will explain to the judge why someone in your position could be either denied disability or found disabled. Your Ocala, Florida…Read More

Many individuals applying for disability do so because of mental limitations that accompany or result from their physical limitations. You should speak with your Ocala disability attorney about any mental or emotional issues you have related to your impairment. An Ocala Disability Lawyer on Common Mental Impairments Your attorney will be familiar with the types of mental and emotional issues about which physical disabled individuals frequently complain. He will likely ask if you have experienced problems with concentration or forgetfulness, anxiety, anger, or depression. It is important for you to explain in detail the ways in which your physical impairment has affected you mentally. Be Honest With Your Ocala Disability Attorney If you are experiencing these or any other emotional…Read More

At your hearing, the judge will ask you several questions regarding your symptoms. Your disability attorney in Ocala, Florida will tell you to be prepared to estimate the frequency, duration, and intensity of these symptoms. A Disability Attorney in Ocala, Florida on Frequency of Symptoms You must be able describe the frequency of your symptoms in detail to the judge. Your answers should not be vague or incomplete. Rather, give as much information as possible and be specific about the number of days weekly or monthly that you experience symptoms. A Disability Attorney in Ocala, Florida on Duration of Symptoms If your symptoms are not regular in occurrence, but severe in duration, give the judge an idea of the usual…Read More

When you testify before the judge about your impairment, it will be important to describe any limitations that have come about since your impairment. Your Ocala disability attorney will remind you that the judge expects you to be clear and detailed in your descriptions. The Judge's Questions The questions the judge asks about your limitations will, of course, vary depending on your impairment, so your Ocala disability attorney will prepare you as to what you should expect. Generally, though, the questions involve your ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift. Your Descriptions Your Ocala, Florida disability law firm lawyer will advise you that clear, descriptive examples of the limitations you have faced will be the most effective way to present…Read More

Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) is one of the aspects of your Social Security disability case that will be addressed in your Social Security disability hearing. Your Florida disability attorney can help you prepare. Sample Questions When you are asked questions such as the following, your Florida disability attorney recommends that you base your estimated ability in an ordinary job setting—on an 8-hour, 5-day work week, over a 50-week year. You should also offer concrete examples of how your disability limits you. Sitting Your Florida disability attorney may ask whether sitting cause problems for you. For example: Can you sit for extended periods? How long are you usually sitting? Can you sit at a desk comfortably without leaning on your elbows…Read More

If you are facing a disability hearing, it is helpful to know what to expect. An attorney from a disability law firm in Ocala, Florida can provide you with valuable information that may take much of the stress out of the process. A General Overview The presiding official at a disability hearing is the ALJ (administrative law judge). There are no opposing sides, and the atmosphere is fairly informal. Unlike you, who will have your disability law firm in Ocala, Florida attorney with you, the SSA is not represented by counsel—therefore, you will not be cross-examined, just asked questions about your disability from a neutral judge. The SSA is concerned only with granting benefits when they are merited and denying…Read More

As your Ocala, Florida disability law firm attorney can explain, the way you describe your symptoms to the judge is crucial to your case. Describing How Your Illness Makes You Feel You, and only you, can accurately describe your physical condition. Whether you suffer from pain, breathlessness, vertigo, exhaustion, etc., you know exactly how it feels. Since this is what prevents you from working, your Ocala, Florida disability law firm attorney, as well as the judge, will expect you to provide detailed descriptions of exactly what you're suffering from. Simply naming the condition is not enough. There are many people in the work force who have arthritis or lung disease. What makes the difference is how bad your condition makes you…Read More

When you and your Ocala disability lawyer attend your disability hearing, you will likely be questioned about the daily activities you perform, your work history, and your medical history. Other subjects might be broached as well. It can be to your benefit to think of specific instances from your life to use as references when replying to these questions.  Read More

Wages from a part-time position can affect your Social Security disability claim. A skilled Ocala Social Security disability lawyer can provide you with answers to questions that may arise concerning trial work period services. Is gross income or take-home considered in the trial work period services monthly amount? I am attempting to prevent my income from exceeding the limit. The trial work period services monthly income rules apply to gross income, not take-home pay. An Ocala Social Security disability attorney can explain that these rules are stringent, and deductions taken solely as a means to reduce your income are not normally permitted. What happens if I work below the "substantial gainful activity" level supposing I need more money than the…Read More

Questions often arise concerning review and attorney's fees. An experienced Ocala Social Security disability attorney can shed light on the subject, as well as answer the following frequently asked questions. What is meant by the statement that appears on the cover sheet of my favorable decision that the Appeals Council may review it "on its own motion"? At times, when benefits are awarded by the ALJ (administrative law judge), they may be revoked by the Appeals Council in Falls Church, Virginia. This does not happen very often, but when it does, the Appeals Council will notify you no later than 60 days after the judge's decision. They may reverse a decision after that period, but that is extremely uncommon. Although…Read More