Should I request a hearing. They are claming I was not ready willing and able to work. I had infectious burcitis of the knee when I was laid off. I was not in a wheelchair or on a walker or on crutches. I am also suited to other fields of work. Do I stand a chance?

Do you mean has anyone ever won an appeal? Sure, happens all the time. Go ahead and appeal - you might or might not win, but don't have anything to lose but a little of your time.

People win against employers in UC hearings all the time. The question is, were you able to work? How much time did you take off due to your illness in the weeks before you were laid off? If you were taking time off or declined to do certain tasks that were part of your normal job due to your illness, the employer probably has a pretty good case.

Yes I did.

I can't compare our situations though. They need to give specific reasons why you were let go. You mentioned a layoff, if that is the case I don't see how they can claim something else. Either you were layed off, due to cutbacks or they fired you for cause. If it was for cause then they must justify exactly what those reasons were. It's worth the fight because you have nothing to loose.