To obtain and keep your Social Security disability benefits, you have to have consistent medical treatment. It is the key to winning a Social Security case and, just as importantly, keeping your Social Security disability benefits after you are in pay status. Listen to my video to gain more insight about how important this is.
Medical treatment records are required by Social Security to support your Social Security claim. A Social Security judge, even if you believe you, cannot award your claim if you do not have medical records that he can support his decision. Medical records demonstrate the severity of your condition. Consistent medical treatment is a key factor in demonstrating the severity of a disability. If you have a severe condition but are not going to the doctor, then Social Security will assume that it is not very severe. If it is bad enough, you will seek treatment.
I realize that treatment is expensive and often it is hard to afford. Efforts to get treatment through free clinics, indigent care at hospitals, community mental health, is considered by Social Security, but medical records are still needed. If you do not have medical records SSA will give the CE great weight and those evaluations are very brief and inaccurate.
Every time you go to the doctor you should discuss with him or the nurse that comes in prior to the doctor’s visit, the functional problems you have caused by your impairment. Here are some examples: If you have a back injury, you may discuss the problems you have standing, walking, sitting, or lifting. It is best to use examples from everyday life such as, “I can’t walk through a grocery store anymore because of the pain. I must use the electric scooter.” Or, “I can no longer go to church because sitting upright increases my back pain too much.”
If you have a mental impairment is important to talk about how it affects you. For example talk about how often you must stay in your home and not socialize because of your depression or anxiety. It’s important to provide examples to the doctor of how your condition affects your ability to function in everyday life. This will go into the doctor’s notes and it will help you immensely when Social Security is reviewing your claim.
Because of Issues with Social Security, we are experiencing significant delays in the processing of claims. There is a backlog of claims that have been delayed at the initial application and reconsideration levels. Please don’t get discouraged. We are doing all we can to help Social Security process claims more quickly.
If you know anyone who may need Social Security disability benefits, please share this article with them and give them my number,
888-551-1190
I will listen to them and help them understand Social Security Disability and if they may qualify. Remember, I never charge for consultations, and there is never a fee unless we win.
Take care and God bless!
Randy Adams, Accredited Disability Advocate
“And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly before your God.” Micah 6:8
Categorized: Disability Benefits
