Getting a disability claim approved – important things to note

Getting a Disability Claim Approved – Important Things to Note Social security disability claims are approved on the basis of solid medical record review and persuasive evidence.

MEDICAL RECORD REVIEW

Social security disability claims are approved on the basis of solid medical record review and persuasive evidence. A disability lawyer can contribute considerably towards obtaining approval for a claim submitted to the SSA. There are a few reasons, though, that surely help in securing disability benefits.

A Credible Work History and Well-documented Medical Records The first and foremost requirement is that the applicant should have a good, convincing work record. Work history is something that is reviewed first to find out whether the claimant has worked consistently and paid Social Security taxes. A person with a solid work history stands a good chance of obtaining the due benefits. If there are gaps, the judge may scrutinize even minor inconsistencies that may be present.

It is important that the applicant’s testimony at the hearing is backed by his/her medical records. Accurately documented medical records make reviewing them easy, and most judges approve claims that are accompanied by such reliable documents. 

The specific disability should be clearly shown on the healthcare records. Judges would be looking for facts such as whether the claimant has a proper diagnosis, whether he/she has been treated consistently, whether they have been referred to a medical specialist (s), and whether they have meticulously followed the physicians’ recommendations.

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The medical documentation should support the claimant’s testimony as regards the severity, frequency and duration of his/her symptoms and why they limit the ability to function.

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The records would also provide information such as the medications taken, and treatment provided for the debilitating and serious disability; as well as information about side effects from the medications that may affect the claimant in his/her particular work environment.

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The judges must be convinced that the applicant’s claim is well documented with all applicable medical records, work limitations/disability letters from treating physicians and other documents necessary. It should be possible for the judge to review the documentation before the hearing, and the evidence should provide the judge with the information they need to know beforehand itself.

Written Statements from Treating Physicians Supporting the Claimant’s Disability Judges attach great importance to the opinion of the claimant’s treating physicians. To improve the chances of winning the disability claim, written opinions (narrative letters) and medical source statements are best provided to the judge before the hearing. According to Federal law, judges are required to carefully consider the physician’s opinion when making a decision. The physician’s opinions and observations must be clear and all the physical as well as psychological shortcomings the claimant has in a work environment must be clearly highlighted. A mere restatement of the diagnosis may not be enough. The doctor must elaborate why that medical condition of the claimant prevents him/her from working. They physician’s opinion must of course be corroborated by the claimant’s medical records.

Judges will also consider other proof such as affidavits from the applicant’s friends, family and coworkers as well as personnel records that show the claimant’s good or poor performance before the date she/he became disabled.

Medical Review Services for Disability Attorneys Many applicants hire a disability attorney before or immediately after filing the claim to make the entire process smooth and easy. Medical review services for disability lawyers include medical record retrieval, organization and indexing, case history and summary preparation.

These help to reduce the law firm’s in-house workload, while ensuring that the lawyer has a clear picture of the case in hand that will help in efficient trial preparation.

www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com

1-800-670-2809