An essential element of having a credible Social Security Disability claim is demonstrating continued medical treatment and care from a medical professional. At Disability Law Group, we are honored to fight for our clients and for their deserved benefits. One requirement we have is that clients are actively in treatment and continue to follow up with their medical providers so that we have what we need to help in the best way possible. Licensed medical providers know their patients best and will add credibility and support to their argument of being considered disabled under law. We will need the names of the doctors, contact information and length of treatment so that all appropriate medical records can be requested in a timely manner. In addition, it is imperative to include hospitalizations, urgent care visits, emergency department records, medical tests, MRIs, CT scans, bloodwork, x-rays and testing results. Having consistent and updated medical records allows us to demonstrate to the Social Security Administration that your current medical status and prognosis.
Documentation is key and a huge advantage if a case goes all the way to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing level. Initiating a conversation with your physician even before submitting your initial application, is highly recommended. Keeping your medical team updated throughout the process will ensure that necessary documentation is submitted in a timely manner and important deadlines are met. Once our office requests medical records from their offices and facilities, they will be aware and take urgency in this matter. Our firm also drafts Medical Source Statements to be presented to your medical providers to help add additional supportive evidence to your case. The more your doctors understand about your symptoms, the more willing they typically are to take the time needed to complete these forms and do so in a timely manner. A statement in support by one of your treating medical providers can be huge advantage in either being denied or approved benefits.
Along the way, it would be helpful to maintain a written record or journal of all treatment dates, locations and additional testing. Rather than estimating or guessing on this crucial information, it is best to know exact dates so that all pertinent records can be obtained and so that nothing is missed in your case. This will alleviate further headaches when filing the application and while it is still pending, awaiting a decision. We recommend all clients contact our office for any changes in medical treatment, surgeries or new physicians.
Updated progress notes and office treatment records exhibit the possibility of a worsening condition and deteriorating health. The Social Security Administration will take into consideration if the claimant is complying with recommended treatment, how they are reacting to prescribed medications and how all of this will affect their ability to maintain employment. Abruptly stopping or ending treatment is not advisable without first consulting with your doctor, and it is best to follow all recommendations from your medical team. Oftentimes, medical conditions are not curable or reversible, but even after all other medical treatment has been exhausted, it is important to still go to all follow up visits. Not only does medicine evolve and, with time and medical advancements, new treatment options become available, but your visits document your continued complaints, including medication side-effects, and response to treatment, all of which must be considered by Social Security in your disability case.
As mentioned above, your own doctors can be more inclined to complete paperwork, and Medical Source Statements, detailing your symptoms and limitations, which can help your case. But, SSA may also obtain these statements from other physicians as well, which may not be favorable for your case. Consultative examinations completed by medical experts will provide an analysis of limitations and impairments that would impact your ability to function in particular jobs. However, oftentimes, these examinations are done quickly, without a full review of your medical evidence and may not be helpful to your claim. This is where hiring a team of disability attorneys and support staff can help, not only in obtaining evidence that would support your allegations, but in raising arguments that highlight your disability. Claims filed on the basis of a mental health condition will require medical treatment records from a mental health provider and show that you are complying with recommended care.
Compiling all of these documents, forms and records can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when maintaining your own busy schedule with doctor appointments and more. You do not need to go through the process alone. At Disability Law Group we have years of experience specializing only in disability claims. We will work alongside your doctors to obtain the necessary medical records in an efficient, effective and punctual matter. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for your free consultation today at 800-838-1100.
