5 Tips to Improve Your Chances of Obtaining SSD Benefits

Follow Their Rules

Hi, I'm Dave Steinberg. I'm an attorney. And, one of the areas that I focus in on is Social Security Disability. Today, I'm going to share with you 5 things you can do to improve your chances of obtaining your Social Security Disability benefits.

Number 1: Pay Attention to the Paperwork

Social Security will ask you to provide a great deal of personal information, and complete a small mountain of paperwork, in support of your application for disability benefits. The whole process can feel unnecessarily intrusive and more than a little overwhelming.

However, it's critical that you comply with these requests. If you fail to complete the required forms accurately and promptly, or if you provide limited or incomplete information—especially with regard to your medical providers—your claim is likely to be denied or, at best, any award of benefits will be delayed.

Number 2: Be a Good Patient

One of the most important things you can do in support of your claim for disability benefits is to take care of your health. See your treating doctor regularly. Follow through with all prescribed treatment plans. And, do not stop treatment until you are released by your doctor.

Disability benefits are awarded to individuals who have a severe physical or mental impairment that is diagnosed by a medical professional and supported by objective medical evidence. If your medical records reveal lengthy gaps in treatment, or that you stopped treatment altogether, your claim is likely to be denied.

Number 3: Keep a Contemporaneous Record of your Medical Care

Social Security will gather your medical records in support of your initial application for disability benefits. But, if your claim is denied you will have the opportunity to present additional medical evidence in support of your appeal. This will be easier to do and far less stressful for you, if you keep good records from the outset.

Here are some ways you might do this:

• Set up a folder to hold all documents related to your medical treatment.
• Keep a separate calendar just for medical appointments.
• Collect a business card from every doctor or medical facility you visit.
• Keep your receipts and empty prescription bottles for all medications you take.

A symptom diary is a written record of the nature and severity of your symptoms and the impact of your symptoms on your daily life. This record can be critical to the success of your claim because it will help you provide detailed, compelling testimony at your hearing, even if, as is likely, the hearing takes place many months after your initial application is denied.

To get the maximum value from your symptom diary, follow these guidelines:

• Make regular entries.
• Use your own words.
• Be honest.
• And, provide details that paint a picture of the impact of your impairment on your daily life.

Number 5: Be Persistent

Most initial applications for Social Security Disability benefits are denied, as are most written requests for reconsideration. However, the odds favor the persistent. More than half of the individuals who appeal their claim to a hearing before an administrative law judge are awarded benefits.

So, if your claim is denied don't give up—appeal. Your denial letter will explain the appeal process. But, if you have any questions or concerns, reach out to an experienced Social Security Disability attorney without delay. You have only a limited time in which to file an appeal.

All of these tips are effective and simple, but not necessarily easy, ways to bolster your claim. If you would like more information or if you have questions about Social Security Disability, please feel free to call me at 301-589-4597 to schedule a free consultation.

The processing time for an SSDI claim can be quite long. So the sooner you get in touch with a skilled SSDI attorney, the better. I can help speed your case through the system—especially if your situation is desperate, either financially or medically. I may even be able to request an On the Record (OTR) decision, which would allow you to receive benefits without a hearing.

You deserve a compassionate advocate who will fight for you to receive the SSDI benefits you’re entitled to. Call 301-589-4597 or email me at ds@dsteinlaw.com today for a free consultation about your disability case.