WHAT A DISABILITY JUDGE CONSIDERS

Social Security disability applications are denied every day. They then appear before an administrative law judge for trial. During a hearing, the judge will consider many factors in reaching a new decision.

What things will the judge consider? Here are some of them.

• Claimant's age

• Education

• Type of past work

• Medical records

• Types of past work

• Longevity of work record

• Education

• Physical and mental limitations of function

• Daily activity and limitations

• Credibility of testimony

• the Social Security Listings

• the grid rules (Medical-Vocational guidelines)

• testimony of the government's vocational witness

The judge will explore both written evidence/documents, claimant's explanations, and attorney's arguments. Often, the attorney can help guide the judge to the information he or she needs to approve the case.

In any event, the case must be thoroughly prepared before it goes to the judge for trial.