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OTHER MISTAKES TO AVOID AT A DISABILITY HEARING

I have written rather extensively about mistakes at Social Security disability hearings.  Here are a few more mistakes the claimant should try not to make.
 
  •  Don't Exaggerate Your Symptoms.  For example, "How long can you sit without getting up or changing positions?"  Answer:  "I can only sit two or three minutes."  Question:  "I switch from sitting to standing about every 2 minutes."  The judge is probably thinking, "This person is not being completely honest with me."
  •  Don't Minimize Your Symptoms.  Avoid these types of answers:
    • Can you drive a car?  Yes.
    • Can you go shopping?  Yes.
    • Are you able to prepare your own meals?  Yes.
    • Do you do any yard work?  Yes.
Persons who are disabled certainly may do some or all of the above activities; however, they do have struggles and limitations.  Explain your limitations honestly and fully.

For example, "I can prepare meals but I use microwavable dishes that I can prepare in a few minutes and they don't require a great deal of standing or bending."  Or, "Yes, I can shop for groceries but I limit my walking to no more than about ____ minutes; on days when I have a lot of pain I either avoid shopping or use a motorized shopping cart provided by the grocery store." 

The answer is not simply "Yes."  The answer is "Yes, but...." there is more to it than a simple yes.  I can do that, but here is why it is difficult for me.

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