How to be a Credible SSDI Hearing Witness

At a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim hearing, it’s not enough to have overwhelming on-paper medical evidence. You also need to present yourself as a credible, believable witness. Among the factors that can help you achieve this critical demeanor are wardrobe, the nature of your answers, and your ability to avoid exaggeration.

When appearing in front of an adjudicator or judge, do not wear casual items such as blue jeans, sandals or t-shirts. You are in a private court of law, so decent attire is expected. Similarly, when it comes to answering questions, try to gather your thoughts at all times and respond in clear, concise sentences. An applicant can also greatly help themselves by having previously rehearsed answers to such standard questions as “How far are you able to walk?” and “How much weight are you able to lift and carry?”

This is where a “pre-hearing conference” comes in handy. A pre-hearing conference is something that I conduct with my clients a week or two before the actual hearing. In this conference, we will go over questions that are asked and I will coach my client on how to present themselves.

Finally, at the hearing, be honest about the amount of pain you are currently suffering. The judge or adjudicator hears these stories all day long and will be able to see right through any attempts at self-serving exaggeration. If asked to rate your daily pain on a scale of 1-to-10, do not reply, “10 at all times.” Unless you suffer from an excruciatingly painful condition and can clearly prove this, then this answer will seem like an exaggeration and may actually harm your case.