Video hearings are not popular with anyone except the SSA. A disability lawyer in Augusta explains why.
Video Hearings
Your disability attorney in Augusta can probably tell you that he or she tends to dislike video hearings as much as everyone else does, with the possible exception of the SSA official who might speak in favor of their efficiency. No one, whether witnesses, lawyers, ALJs or claimants, views these as anything other than undesirable. Claimants in particular dislike video hearings, preferring to speak personally to the ALJ. A video situation is quite different, despite SSA’s efforts to convince claimants of the contrary.
SSA’s Point of View
According to the literature sent to claimants from the SSA, the video hearing differs from an in-person hearing only in the presence of the equipment. The brochure will list such advantages to video hearings as SSA can provide in order to persuade you and your disability lawyer in Augusta that they are actually preferable to the in-person hearing.
The Problem
Your disability lawyer in Augusta may counter, however, with the premise that the distant and two-dimensional nature of the video hearing alters the relationship between you and the ALJ. The personal connection is gone, replaced by a remote and much more detached type of atmosphere. Other than expediting the claimant’s hearing date, there is no real advantage.
You Have a Choice
You are not bound by any requirement to appear via video conferencing. Your disability lawyer in Augusta can assure you that if you decline this type of hearing, the ALJ can, by SSA regulation, find your refusal sufficient cause to choose a hearing date and location to which you can travel in person.
Experts Cannot Decline
Unlike you, however, the experts who are to testify at your hearing do not have the option to decline a video appearance. Your disability lawyer in Augusta can confirm that the regulation that allows your refusal to appear via video to constitute good cause makes no such provision for the experts. Whether or not you want them to appear by video, they must do so. Only rarely will an ALJ permit an in-person appearance by an expert.
Know Your Options
Your disability lawyer in Augusta can provide you with the support, information and assistance you require. Contact us today.