After receiving two denials on your Social Security disability application—once at the initial stage and again at reconsideration—your case likely moves to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is one of the most important steps in the process, as it allows you to speak directly to the judge and present your case in detail.

However, many people leave the hearing feeling unsure or anxious about how it went. While there’s no guaranteed way to predict the outcome until you get an official decision, there are some signs that you lost your disability hearing. Recognizing these signs early can help you mentally prepare for the next phase and start planning your next steps.

What Happens at a Disability Hearing?

Disability hearings are more informal than a courtroom trial, typically taking place in a small conference room. During the hearing, the judge will ask questions about your medical condition, past work experience, and how your disability impacts your daily activities and ability to work.

Your attorney will help guide your testimony and point out the strongest parts of your case. Sometimes, expert witnesses—like a medical expert or vocational expert—will also testify. Their insights can significantly influence the judge’s decision.

5 Possible Signs That You Lost Your Disability Hearing

While none of these signs are definite proof that your case will be denied, they can suggest that things didn’t go as planned:

1. The Judge Didn’t Seem to Believe You

If the judge questioned your credibility or pointed out inconsistencies in your testimony, that could be a bad sign. For example, if you say you’re unable to drive but you drove to the hearing, the judge may find your statement unreliable. Any mismatch between your words and the evidence in your file can hurt your case.

Pro Tip: Always be truthful and consistent. It’s better to explain a difficult situation honestly than to risk losing credibility.

2. Your Medical Records Contain Red Flags

Your health records may include issues such as failing to follow prescribed treatment, missing appointments, or working after your alleged disability began. While these don’t automatically mean your claim will be denied, they must be addressed properly. A good attorney will help explain these situations to reduce their impact on your case.

3. You Didn’t Submit All the Necessary Medical Evidence

One of the most common problems at disability hearings is an incomplete medical file. If your records weren’t up to date or you failed to submit key documents before the hearing deadline (at least five business days ahead), the judge might not have had enough evidence to approve your claim.

This could result in delays, follow-up hearings, or even a denial based on insufficient documentation.

4. Your Attorney Wasn’t Confident After the Hearing

Experienced disability attorneys can often gauge how a hearing went. If your lawyer seemed concerned or recommended withdrawing your application, it may be because they sensed an unfavorable decision coming.

In some cases, an attorney may advise withdrawal to avoid an official denial, which can trigger a rule called administrative finality. This makes future claims harder to win by assuming that earlier denials were correct.

5. The Vocational Expert Said You Can Still Work

Vocational experts are called to testify about whether someone with your condition could still do some type of job available in the national economy. If the expert stated that you could perform any kind of work, it’s often a strong indicator that the judge may deny your claim.

Judges give serious weight to vocational expert opinions, especially if your condition doesn’t clearly prevent you from working altogether.

What to Do If You’re Denied

Even if you believe you saw signs that you lost your disability hearing, a denial isn’t the end. You have the right to appeal the judge’s decision by submitting a request for review to the Social Security Appeals Council within 60 days.

If the Council upholds the denial, your case can move forward to federal court. Many claimants who are denied at the hearing level are eventually approved during appeals — especially if they stay persistent and work with experienced representation.

Stay Focused and Keep Going

It’s frustrating to leave a hearing with doubts about how it went. But even if you noticed signs that you lost your disability hearing, that doesn’t mean your case is over.

At OASinc, we help clients through every stage of the disability process — from preparing strong hearing testimony to appealing decisions and fighting for benefits in court. Our team is here to guide and support you, no matter what happens.

If your disability prevents you from working, don’t give up. The road may be long, but with the right strategy and legal support, you can still get the benefits you deserve.