Social Security Disability Law: News and Facts

Medical records are probably the most important part of a social security disability case. The more documentation you have, the easier it is to win. It’s also important to know that a specialist is better than a family doctor.  The Social Security Administration expects patients to be treated by doctors who have experience working with your particular impairment. For example, if you have a heart problem, you may need the care of a cardiologist. For an immune impairment, such as rheumatoid arthritis, you may need the specialized care of a Rheumatologist.  Similarly, for a Psychiatric impairment, such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety, seek out the care of a psychiatrist, psychologist, or qualified therapist.  Social Security may give more credence to the opinion of a specialist in your particular condition rather than a general practitioner. Be as precise and descriptive as possible when visiting your doctor. This will help your doctor keep your doctor informed a...

Social Security Judges require that your impairments be documented with medical evidence. The strength of a disability claim often depends on the nature and quantity of the medical treatment received. The more impairments you claim for and treat for the better your chances of winning your Social Security Disability case. Medical evidence from the doctors who are currently treating you can be persuasive to Social Security because your doctors tend to know your medical history in more detail than other sources (such as a Social Security doctor who sees you one time). Treating doctors can provide an opinion about your condition that may be more convincing than your medical records alone. In my experience the number one reason why judges deny cases has to do with lack of compelling evidence. This could take the form of gaps in treatment – when four, six or more months elapse between doctor visits. Lack of medical treatment could also mean that the judge expects to see treatment from a spec...

 Timely, Accurate, and Adequate Medical Evidence To many times I speak with potential clients or people who are representing themselves and they have not gone to the right doctors or taken the proper tests or they have a hearing scheduled and they have not updated any of their medical records. People expect social security to update their medical records. Social Security does not update medical records once the case is at hearing stage unless you ask for help. You are expected to update your own medical records. You must submit all the medical records whether they are favorable or unfavorable to your case. You must have all medical records filed at least 5 business days prior to your hearing.  Providing the Social Security Administration with timely, accurate, and adequate medical evidence will not only increase your chances for approval for your initial application but also will also greatly reduce or potentially eliminate the need for the SSA to gather additional medical doc...