Disability Judges Consider This Before You Enter

This podcast episode provides insights into what a social security disability judge considers before a hearing, such as the claimant's age, the application of child rules, and the potential grid rules based on the alleged onset date. The judge also evaluates the claimant's main list of impairments and how these impairments interact, as well as the potential hang-ups in relation to the five elements of disability benefits. The episode discusses the importance of understanding the strongest part of the claim, the five-step sequential process of disability benefits, and the process of weighing evidence in SSA claimants' cases. It also explores the challenging task of assessing credibility in medical diagnoses and disability claims, including conflicting opinions of doctors and the claimant's background. Ultimately, the judge considers various factors such as the claimant's recent life choices, employment status, criminal activities, ability to receive therapy, missed details in the claim, and alignment between the claimant's doctors and the SSA's doctors before making a decision on the claim.