– Don’t argue your case. Leave that to your Ocala Social Security attorney. All the judge needs to hear from you is how the symptoms of your medical condition limit your daily activities. The factors you might think entitle you to Social Security disability benefits aren’t necessarily the factors the judge will consider when deciding if you are disabled. Saying things like, “I’m a good person” or “I have worked my whole life” won’t increase your chances of being found disabled. Don’t play on the judge’s sympathy.
– Don’t compare yourself to other people. Social Security disability claimants often like to compare themselves to other people, saying things like, “I know someone who has nothing wrong with him, and he gets disability benefits” or, “There are people less disabled than me who get disability benefits.” This may be true, but the administrative law judge at your hearing will decide whether you qualify for benefits based on the facts and evidence in your case.
– Don’t draw conclusions about your ability to work. Saying things like, “If I could work, I would be working” doesn’t help your case, and it may erode your credibility with the judge. Few people are totally incapable of doing any work, and some people hold jobs in spite of tremendous physical impairments, but you do not need to be completely bedridden to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Testify honestly about your limitations, providing detail whenever possible, but let the judge draw his own conclusions.
If you have been denied Social Security disability benefits and you are looking for an experienced Ocala Social Security attorney to help you appeal your case, please contact CJ Henry at (352) 304-5300 to schedule a free consultation, or fill out the claim evaluation form at the top of this page.
