After 3 yrs of waiting....Today I finally had my ALJ hearing.I was very nervous.I have an attorney that represents me.That eased my mind some.
My initial application and reconsideration were both denied.That is often the case. Although unable to return to previous work ssa determined I was able to perform a sedentary job.

The hearing office was full of folks.I wanted to view my medical records.The lawyer had them and was in a hearing.So that was unavailable to me.

I was told from the get go...the judge you get for the hearing can make all the difference!They are all different personality types.I was to see a female judge and given advice as to what to say...and not to say!

Imagine my suprise when I saw a male judge!He was sitting behind a elevated
high desk.He seemed friendly at first.Then was very stern in his questions.
Almost confronting.
I thought it went well until the ve on a phone conference listed jobs I can do.....bakery line operater,ticket clerk,gate attendant,seating charts...etc...I actually wanted to throw up.
Yey...can I lay down 3 times a day? afterwards....
My lawyer told me I did great answering questions.That I had excellent medical records backing up all I testified to.However the lawyer believes the VE was incorrect and the codes he listed need to be refuted.
The lawyers opinion...The judge is on the fence?
Again lawyer stated that most judges in that sector would have granted me benefits.
Now the lawyer says it is urgent to get my DR to fill out rcf form...before the judge makes the final decision!
This form was mentioned months ago...and then again several weeks ago!!
Why did the lawyer fail to send it to the DR ?I called the DR's office regarding this form...it had never been sent!
Why the last minute? I am sorry to grip...I am just so frustrated.Any advice..friendship...would be appreciated. Mae

hiya mae! that RFC physical form needs to be taken to your doc and filled out post haste! also if you have listed depression the RFC mental form filled out by your doc and in your medical file. these two forms can make your case.

These forms shows your symptoms and how they effect you on a daily bases and how your diease or diease's prevents you from working any job.
another good thing to have in your medical file is a daily jornal you maintain yourself over a period of a couple of months on how you live with your diease and how it affects your life.

Thanks for sharing your experience at your hearing. I wish you good luck and all the best..3 years waiting is a long time to be turned down..I would make sure that lawyer of yours tells you if there is anything else you need ASAP or anything else you need to know about before its to late. psss. you can give these forms to the judge yourself to make sure he gets them on time. make copies first and take them with you if you go in front of the judge again.

hope this helps. :)

Oh Mae I hope things go your way.... the waiting is almost as bad as the disability ........can u please explain what an rcf form is. I am not familiar with that abbreviation. I have an appt. in two weeks for my doctor to do an update on a form about what my limits are and then my hearing is in August. thanks in advance ...

Hi and thanks for responding to my post.The RFC form basically shows what limitations you have and to what extent.
I wish you well on your hearing. Mae