How Seeking Treatment Can Strengthen Your Disability Benefit Claim

Submitted by amm on

When you file a disability claim it is important to include any medical treatment you have received and are still receiving as this can be considered the most important aspect of a successful disability benefit application. One of the most important disability benefit claim tips is providing information about any essential medical treatment you need as this means that you have symptoms that need to be treated and this adds strength to your disability benefit claim.

The Importance of Treatment

The strength of your case is determined primarily by the diagnostic evidence you provide and your medical treatment records. When determining your medical condition from the symptoms you are experiencing results of medical tests such as blood tests, x-rays and MRI’s will reveal a diagnosis.

In the cases of a psychiatric impairment, your treatment and progress notes compiled by your doctor will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) with the evidence it needs to evaluate the severity of your disability and if you qualify to receive a disability benefit. You will need to be able to show you have visited your doctor on a regular basis as well. The medical opinions from your doctors and therapists should describe the limitations that reasonably result from your medical impairments. You can also submit a disability doctor letter of support for your claim.

Stick With the Prescribed Treatment

The SSA will want to know that you have taken the medications prescribed to you and followed any diet set by your doctor as well as participating in physical therapy that has been recommended by your doctor. If you don’t stick with your treatment regime, Social Security may decide that your condition can’t be as bad as you claim. If the treatment doesn’t work, ask for a different treatment from your physician.

Understanding the Disability Benefit Process

When you file your application for a social security disability benefit you can’t expect a quick response. Typically, it can take from 3 to 5 months to get a decision from the SSA. The exact time will depend on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence required to reach a decision about your claim. Most delays in processing your application are because the disability examiner is unable to quickly get your medical records from your doctors or specialists. Also, if your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is approved, you have to wait five months and then you will receive your first SSDI benefit payment.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average acceptance rate of first applications for disability benefit claims is just 22 percent, so that means most are denied at this initial stage. However, you should not accept this decision, but you should appeal and you are given 60 days to lodge your appeal after you have received your denial letter.

By seeking regular treatment and getting support for your case from your doctors, therapists, and other medical treatment providers, you are building the strength of your case and it is less likely to be denied. This means you will get the disability benefit you need to help you with your daily needs while you are suffering from a disabling medical condition.

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