In our last blog, our Social Security attorney gave you some insight on what you can expect from your Social Security Disability hearing. Understanding what to expect can only help you to be more prepared, but no matter how prepared you are, there are still things that you can do that could potentially hurt your case. The following is our list of what you should avoid during your SSD hearing:
#1. Being dishonest about your symptoms.
It can be tempting to exaggerate your symptoms during a hearing, but this is a big mistake that should be avoided at all costs. If the judge asks about your level of pain, and you tell them that your pain level is a ten at all times of the day and there is nothing you can do to lessen your pain, you are likely to lose credibility with the judge. Without your credibility, your case can go downhill quickly.
#2. Volunteering unnecessary and harmful information.
You should never start talking in front of the judge about your addiction to drugs, how you haven’t been listening to your doctor or how you don’t have a reliable car to get you to work. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t answer questions honestly. If the judge directly asks you questions, it is important for you to be honest, but that doesn’t mean that you should volunteer this kind of information unsolicited.
Want to learn more about what you should avoid during your SSD hearing? If so, please stay tuned for our next blog!
