Improving Your Chances of Getting Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is designed to provide income support to people who have suffered a permanent disability because of an injury or illness. However, most disability applications are not approved. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies disability requests based on their failure to meet eligibility requirements. But other deserving applicants are denied benefits due to inadequate medical documentation or incomplete applications. To improve your chances of getting the benefits you deserve, click here to get the legal assistance you need. A disability lawyer will ensure you take the necessary steps to improve your chances of approval. These include the following:

Submitting a Complete Application

Before you start your disability application, you must collect all required documents. You can print out a checklist from the SSA to see which information to gather and what might still need to be collected. 

You will need to give personal information and prepare yourself for questioning regarding your health. Your attorney can help you collect extensive details on your health condition, your treatment plan, the hospital you went to, and the names of your healthcare providers. Also, you must share information about your employment history, your educational background, and any training you completed. 

Keeping Accurate Medical Documentation

The amount of medical evidence you can provide will influence the success of your disability claim. Before you apply for benefits, collect your medical records first, along with other medical documentation. By collecting and organizing such records yourself, you are confident that they end up in the right hands. 

In addition, after you complete your application, continue to collect new medical evidence. For instance, request the results of new tests you should get like X-rays or blood work and treatment records. To strengthen your case further, start a journey that details the dates when you interacted with your doctors.

Maintaining a Positive Relationship with Your Doctor

You may need to have your treating doctor give a written statement that describes your disabling condition and its impact on your ability to work. You can improve your claim by having your doctor complete a Residual Functional Capacity evaluation. 

The SSA will carefully assess your claim before it reaches a decision. But the agency usually denies claims, forcing applicants to file appeals. If you end up in this situation, you can increase your chances of winning your appeal if you have an attorney helping you. If your case needs to be heard by an Administrative Law Judge, your attorney can argue it.