How to Give Effective Testimony at a Social Security Disability Hearing in Northwest Arkansas

One of the most common concerns clients share before their Social Security Disability hearing is anxiety about testifying before an Administrative Law Judge. Many worry, “What if I say the wrong thing?”

At The Krebs Law Firm our job is to make sure you feel prepared and confident before you walk into your hearing in Harrison, Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, or anywhere in Northwest Arkansas.

The truth is, there’s no “right or wrong” answer if you’re being honest. But there is a way to make your testimony more effective.

Conditions vs. Symptoms vs. Limitations: Speaking the Judge’s Language

A key part of testifying effectively is understanding how judges think about disability cases.

• Medical condition (diagnosis): This is your disease or disorder, such as degenerative disc disease, anxiety, depression, or cancer. Judges rarely dispute whether you have the diagnosis your doctors state.
• Symptoms: These are the effects you feel because of your condition. For example, with degenerative disc disease, pain is a symptom.
• Limitations: These are the things you can no longer do because of your symptoms. For instance, “I cannot lift more than 10 pounds,” or “I can only stand for 10 minutes before needing to sit.”

Judges are trained to evaluate symptoms and limitations, not just medical diagnoses.

If you only tell the judge, “I have degenerative disc disease,” you haven’t explained how that condition actually limits your daily life or ability to work.

The judge needs to hear about your pain (symptom) and the tasks you cannot do (limitation).

Why Judges Focus on Limitations

When an Administrative Law Judge listens to your testimony, they are working toward creating something called a Residual Functional Capacity.

In simple terms, this is their way of determining what you can and cannot do in a work setting.

They’ll be thinking about questions such as:

• How long can you sit, stand, or walk?
• How much can you lift or carry?
• Do you need frequent breaks to lie down or move around?
• Can you focus on simple tasks for an extended period?
• Are you able to tolerate heat, cold, or physical activity like climbing, bending, or kneeling?

Your Social Security disability attorney may prepare you for your hearing by asking you questions like, “Who does the laundry in your home?” or “Can you wash dishes?”

It might feel repetitive, but these examples help the judge visualize your day-to-day struggles and understand the true impact of your medical conditions.

Honesty Is More Important Than Perfection

One of the biggest mistakes clients make is either over-exaggerating or downplaying their symptoms.

You don’t need to prove that you’re bedridden 24/7 or that you’re in hospice care. What you do need to prove is that your symptoms and limitations prevent you from performing regular work.

Here are a few tips for giving testimony the right way:

• Be honest and consistent. Don’t try to give the “perfect” answer. Just tell the truth.
• Don’t guess. If you don’t know or can’t remember, say, “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember.” Judges will not hold this against you.
• Ask for clarification. If you don’t understand a question, it’s okay to say so. Your attorney or the judge will rephrase it.
• Don’t answer what you didn’t hear. If you missed the question, ask for it to be repeated instead of guessing.

Remember, the judge has already reviewed your medical records before the hearing.

Your job is to help them connect your records with your real-life limitations.

Preparing with Your Disability Lawyer

Before your hearing, you’ll meet with your disability lawyer to review the types of questions you’ll be asked.

Some questions will be specific to your medical file or your work history.

For example, you may be asked to explain tasks from your past jobs in Harrison, Rogers or Bentonville, or to clarify something your doctor noted in your records.

Your attorney will prepare you for these details, but the big picture advice is always the same:

• Focus on your symptoms.
• Describe your limitations.
• Be open, honest, and clear.

Final Thoughts: Your Story Matters

At the end of the day, your Social Security Disability hearing is your opportunity to tell your story.

The judge needs to hear how your conditions truly affect your daily life — from the chores you struggle with at home in Fayetteville to the physical limitations that prevent you from keeping a steady job in Springdale.

By focusing on your symptoms and limitations, staying honest, and working closely with your disability attorney, you give yourself the best chance at a successful outcome.

If you’re preparing for a disability hearing in Northwest Arkansas, from Boone County  to Washington County, call The Krebs Law Firm.

We’ll guide you every step of the way so you feel confident when it matters most.

Need Help with Your Arkansas Social Security Disability Claim?

At The Krebs Law Firm, we specialize in Social Security Disability law and are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of the application process. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

At The Krebs Law Firm, we fight as hard as we can to help you get the disability coverage you deserve. Call today for a free consultation at (870) 741-8100 or toll free at (800) 345-0535.

It can be daunting learning the ins and outs of Social Security Disability benefits, but it’s not a task you need to take on alone. Call on an Arkansas Disability Attorney from The Krebs Law Firm to help you every step of the way.

We offer a free book on Social Security Disability benefits to Arkansas residents. Give us a call at (870) 741-8100. We have an office in Harrison, Arkansas just a couple of doors down from the Harrison Social Security Office.

Jason Krebs is licensed in both Arkansas and Missouri. Our main office is in Springfield Missouri. Our Harrison Arkansas office is by appointment only. The address is 125 Industrial Park Road Suite E1 Harrison Arkansas 72601. Our local phone number in Harrison is (870) 741-8100. Our Toll Free phone number is (800) 345-0535. You can also send us an email to contact@KrebsLawOffice.com.