Guest guest Posted December 12, 2006 Report Share Posted December 12, 2006 In my opinion, there should be an emergency list for those waiting on a hearing date. I think depending on your condition and cicumstances is how the hearing schedule should be filled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Good idea, , but SSDI applications and Hearings and all other issues are dependent on individual circumstances. As I have mentioned before, it is possible for one's attorney to ask for an " on the record decision " , based on all thorough medical, vocational and other info of the claimant. An " on the record decision " would not require a Hearing and could results in a disability determination at an earlier date. And the " former " Office of Hearings and Appeals has been reorganized and is now the The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). http://www.ssa.gov/appeals/index.html There is the chance to have a Video Hearing, which can be scheuled faster than an " in person " hearing. See this link for more info. You might want to ask your attorney about this. At my firm, we do not suggest persons ask for a video hearing. It is the Claimant's " right " to see an ALJ *in person*, and to speak up for oneself and answer questions *in persons*. Second to this, persons with ALS are approved for SSDI in about 3 weeks - but that is an altogether different disorder with different circumstances and outcome. There just aren't alot of Administrative Law Judges, and there ARE alot of people filing for benefits - with all kinds of disorders, syndromes, and illnesses. The numbers of persons filing for benefits is expected to increase dramatically with the " baby boomer " generation filing claims. My State of California has a State Disability Program, which our clients are referred to while they are waiting a decision on first review of their application, all the way to a hearing, if it is needed. This program allows for State disability benefits to begin early and helps persons with limited incomes cover living expenses while waiting for SSDI approval. 4 other states have similiar programs, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York and Hawaii, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico too. A new SSA Commissioner takes over in January; we hope to see more " constructive changes " with the new leadership. ~ Gretchen ~ Gretchen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 My hearing is set for Jan. 23. It will be a video hearing with the Chief Judge. Is this not a good thing? My attorney felt it would be better since I would have so far to travel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Hi , About 40,000 Video Hearings were conducted in 2006 across the USA. One of the reasons for Video Hearings is so that ill people who live in rural areas would not have to travel far and also so the SSA would not have to reimburse the claimant for travel expenses. This is up to you and your attorney, but since you have a Video Hearing Date set next month, I'd stick with it. You've waited along time and are stressed. Just remember it it your " right " to deny this Video Hearing and ask for an in-person Hearing with the ALJ. Here, our claimants all have their hearing " in person " . ~ Gretchen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Hi , The new lawyer who I just saw yesterday was telling me about that, believe it or not, and said it's always better to be there in person. This way they get a more one on one with you. I've got to travel just like you to get anything done, bur for this I will. And I've got to go 84 miles. Another thing that got me to believe in her is she said, " I've never lost a case " . That was good enough for me, except for the fact it's going to take so long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 15, 2006 Report Share Posted December 15, 2006 I'm nearly three hours (one way) from the disability hearing unless I use the video conference. A six hour ride would put me out of commission for a week. I don't even visit my two sisters out of state because it really sets me back for a while. It doesn't help that I have to get myself a driver. My doctor took me completely off of any driving. I nearly killed myself, my mother and some innocent people recently driving. My lower legs and feet go so numb I can't react in time. My relexes have been absent for about four years now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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