4 Ways to Create a Stronger Social Security Disability Claim
If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, you know the odds are against your initial application being approved. Nationally only one in three, or approximately 32%, of applications are approved at the initial stage and only 58% are approved after they have had a hearing.
Given this, it is important that you do as much as you can to ensure that your claim is as strong as it can possibly be from the beginning. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to create a strong claim. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Make Sure Your Application Is Detailed and Complete
To file an application for Social Security Disability, you must be interviewed by a Social Security representative either in person or over the telephone. This process can be very time consuming, but you can save time by starting the process in advance online.
When you fill out your application, you need to make sure that you include a detailed and complete work history. This needs to not only include your most recent employer’s name and address but any employers, as well as the dates you were employed, during the 15 years prior to becoming disabled.
- Submit Full and Detailed Medical Records
You will also need to provide a complete and detailed medical history report as well as a history of all of your treatment. You will need to give dates of treatment as well as the names, addresses and telephone numbers of your treating physicians and facilities.
Be prepared to provide copies of your medical records. While the examiner can and probably will request additional medical records, this takes time and you are not guaranteed what will be included in what they will be sent. Including your own medical records ensures that you’ve covered everything.
Make sure you provide your most current information, which should show treatment in the last 90 days, as well as historical information that shows how far back your condition goes. Ask your treating physician to write you a detailed letter not only describing your condition but also describing the limitations that your condition creates.
- Be Available If Needed
If there is not enough medical evidence or you have not received treatment for your condition in the last few months, Social Security may require you to be seen by their doctors or have additional tests at their expense. Make sure that you are available for these types of requests as well as to respond to additional written requests for information that your examiner may require.
- Hire a Qualified Social Security Disability Attorney
One of the best ways you can create a stronger Social Security Disability claim is to work with a competent, qualified Social Security Disability Attorney like Horn & Kelley, PC Attorneys at Law. It’s best to involve an attorney from the beginning, like Horn & Kelley PC. Studies have shown the sooner you involve an attorney, the better for your claim.
Each year, we help hundreds of people get the disability benefits they deserve. We will be glad to review your claim to make sure that it is as strong as it can be. Give us a call today for a free consultation about your case. There is no fee unless you win.
