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A SSDI Lawyer's Advice About Answering SSDI Claim Denial Hearing Questions

23 March 2015 by Franklin Vasquez

When your lawyer appeals the denial of your SSDI claim, the SSA will require you to attend a hearing. At this hearing, you will be asked basic questions about your disability status and the struggles you face in daily living. 

It is possible that the outcome of your hearing will be connected to the answers that you give to these important questions. For this reason, it is vital that you are careful about what you say - and what you don't say!

Keep Your Answers Short and Simple

When you are asked a question, try to deliver a short and simple answer. Your answer should be long enough to completely answer the question asked and yet not too long to give additional information that may work against your case in some way.

Try to give an outline as an answer. For example, if you are asked about how your disability affects your daily living, give an honest answer in this type of format:

• In the bathroom, you need help showering but can use the toilet and brush your teeth yourself.
• In the kitchen, you can cook but cannot lift a large pot of water or stand long enough to wash dishes.
• In the yard, you are unable to mow your lawn or pull weeds.

Your goal is to relay information to the examiner without getting off on a tangent. For example, they do not care how often you shower, what foods you like to eat, or what types of roses you have growing in the yard. They are charged with checking boxes on a form of what you can and cannot do. By giving them a simple list, you save them time and help your case by not accidentally disclosing things that could potentially damage it.

An example of something that could be damaging would be if you mentioned that last month you mowed your own lawn because you were having a "good" day. This information could lead the examiner to determine that you are only partially disabled because you still have days where your movement is not limited.

Answer Questions Honestly without Embarrassment 

No matter what mental or physical problems you have, it is important to answer all questions with complete honesty and without embarrassment. If you have mental health problems, then you should speak openly and honestly about the challenges that they introduce in your life. Try to remember that the hearing is about your medical history and not your personal life. Treat your hearing like a doctor's appointment, and it will help you to be able to better relax and answer the questions you are asked.

Final Thoughts

If you are unsure of how to answer any questions at your denied claim hearing, then you should consult with your lawyer. Since your own attorney is knowledgeable about the specifics of your case, your Social Security Disability lawyer is the best person to answer all of your questions. For more information, contact a firm such as Law Offices Of Russell J. Goldsmith.

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