For many Social Security Disability (SSD) applicants, waiting to hear about the outcome of their disability hearing is nerve-racking. On average, it takes anywhere from six weeks to three months for the Administrative Law Judge to decide and for applicants to receive the decision.
In this blog, Sigman Janssen discusses some of the signs you may have won your SSDI hearing and may be more likely to receive benefits. Knowing what signs to look for could provide some much-needed peace of mind while you await a decision.
If you need help appealing your denied application, our experienced Social Security Disability lawyers in Appleton are here to help. Our team has been securing benefits for SSD applicants for many years. We do not charge you any fees to discuss your claim. If you choose our firm to manage your claim, we only receive compensation if we secure benefits for you.
Call to schedule your free consultation today: (877) 888-5201.
7 Signs of a Good Disability Hearing
There is no way to know for sure if the judge is going to approve your application for benefits. However, there are many signs that the judge may be more likely to rule you have a qualifying disability and should receive benefits.
1. The Judge Did Not Ask Experts A lot of Questions
Experts often play a significant role in the outcome of your disability case and your hearing. Medical experts, for instance, may be asked to provide testimony about your medical condition and its impact on your life and ability to work. Vocational experts may provide additional testimony about things like job requirements, availability of certain jobs you can do and how your medical conditions may or may not limit or prevent you from being able to do these jobs.
If the judge asks these experts a limited number of hypothetical questions, it may suggest their professional input was compelling enough and requires no further clarification to decide.
For example, a judge might ask the vocational expert about the availability of jobs for someone with your limitations. If the expert states there are no suitable jobs and the judge asks no further questions, this may be a good sign.
If the judge is looking for a straightforward answer that does not require an elaborate explanation, then it could signify that they have a clear understanding of your situation, which could mean a favorable outcome. A favorable decision may be more likely when testimony aligns with the SSA’s criteria for granting disability benefits and supports your claim of limitations.
2. You Are Not Required to Substantiate Your Case
Typically, disability hearings involve detailed presentations of evidence and arguments by your attorney. It could be a positive sign if the judge tells your attorney that he or she has enough information and would like to proceed without seeing the rest of the evidence. This may mean the judge is already satisfied with the evidence presented.
This could mean they are leaning towards a favorable decision, potentially expediting the process. When a judge makes this sort of statement, it signals they feel comfortable rendering a decision based on the materials provided, without needing to see further documentation. This can be an encouraging development in your disability case.
3. Your Claim Is Supported by an Appointed Medical Expert
Judges sometimes appoint medical experts to review the medical records submitted by you or your lawyer. These medical experts will then testify on whether the impairments meet the SSD benefits criteria. If the medical expert supports your case, it may be a positive sign that your disability claim will be approved.
For example, if you are seeking benefits for a spinal cord injury and the medical expert testifies that your condition meets the criteria for a listed impairment. If the judge does not ask for additional testimony, it could mean he or she accepts the medical opinion of the expert and has reason to rule in your favor.
4. The Judge Gave Positive Hints About Your Case
Judges may occasionally hint about their decision during the hearing. They may share comments on the severity of your condition or acknowledge the medical evidence presented by your attorney. For example, a judge may make statements like “The medical records clearly demonstrate the extent of your spinal cord injury and its debilitating impact.” Or they may say “I’m persuaded by the expert testimony outlining how your condition meets the criteria for a listed impairment.”
While these statements do not guarantee a favorable outcome, these hints may provide insight into a judge’s opinion about your claim and its potential outcome. Also, it can potentially help adjust your legal strategy if needed.
5. Positive Feedback From Your Lawyer
If your lawyer has positive things to say after the hearing, it could be a good sign you won your SSDI hearing.
However, should you trust that your lawyer is not simply trying to keep you from jumping to conclusions or becoming anxious? An experienced attorney who cares about his or her clients would typically provide honest feedback regardless of whether it is good or bad.
Experienced lawyers are familiar with the signs of a positive or negative hearing outcome. They will usually share those insights to help manage a client’s expectations. Having transparency like this helps clients to understand their position and prepare for the next potential step.
6. The Judge Issued a Bench Decision
Administrative Law Judges have the right to issue a bench decision at the end of your hearing. A bench decision is when the judge renders an immediate, on the record, determination to approve the applicant’s claim for benefits. This allows the judge to expedite the process and provide the claimant with a definitive answer before they leave the hearing.
These are decisions to approve your application for benefits. When the judge issues the decision, he or she will tell the applicant to expect a written decision that lines up with the bench decision. This could be an extremely favorable outcome for the claimant, as it signals the judge has reviewed the evidence testimony and is convinced that your disability meets the criteria.
However, you should not expect to receive a bench decision at the hearing. This does not happen quite often. In most cases, claimants can expect to receive the judge’s written decision in the mail after the hearing has concluded.
If you do not receive verbal approval from the judge, it does not mean that you have an unfavorable outcome. Patience and perseverance are often required through the disability claims process.
7. The Judge Has a High Award Rate
Some judges approve more applications than others. If your case is heard by a judge with a high award rate, you may have a higher chance of receiving benefits.
Overtime, each judge develops their own decision-making style and philosophies, which can impact their overall approval rates. Some may make decisions quickly when they find that a claimant case meets the disability criteria. There are some judges that may have a higher bar and require more conclusive proof before granting benefits.
However, it is important to note that a judge’s past approval tendencies do not guarantee a positive outcome for any individual case. Judges are required to evaluate each claim objectively based on its own merits.
We Want to Help You With Your SSD Claim. Call To Speak With Us Today
If you need to appeal your disability claim, our legal team is prepared to help you. Call our law offices to discuss your situation and learn whether we may be able to help you obtain the benefits you are seeking.
Your initial consultation is free, and there are no upfront costs with our services. That means there is no financial risk in giving us a call.
Call (877) 888-5201 today. Sigman Janssen is prepared to help you.