Filing for Social Security Disability or SSD can be a time-consuming process that can be very overwhelming. Although the timing of your claim can be important, the documentation of your condition and treatment is equally as important in determining the outcome of your assistance. Denial on your first claim to the Social Security Administration is very high on your first submission, but it is important that you continue to document your medical visits and continue to receive the treatment necessary for your health. It is also important that you follow your doctor’s directives, and have documentation of recommendations.

Sufficient Medical Documentation

You must keep in mind that it is not you, but the SSA, that needs to approve your filing. As such, your medical documentation has to be sufficient in their point of view. Your medical record has to explain your condition to their satisfaction and provide adequate evidence for the same. In most cases, medical documentation tends to be off-point. The medical records of the patient do not clearly state what the patients think they indicate. In order to match how SSA defines a disabling condition, precise language must be used in your records.

One major reason for SSD benefits getting denied is when a patient fails to provide proper documentation and extensive medical records. The SSA in this case may request additional information from you and in other instances, may even ask for an examination by one of their own doctors.

An experienced attorney can assist you in your particular case to determine how much documentation is needed and assist you to put together the kind of medical evidence that is conducive for approval. The file that you assemble with your attorney has to present your best case.

Continued Treatment

The course of treatment regarding your disability is an important part of not only your health, but also your ability to obtain approval for SSD benefits. Proper documentation of courses of treatment from your doctor, as well as evidence that you are following the provided guidelines will show the SSA that you are earnestly trying to get better, and seeking out all possible options when it comes to treatment that will get you back on your feet.

Continuing Disability

A routine review is done by the SSA called the Continuing Disability Review or CDR, to ensure that those receiving SSD benefits can continue because they are still disabled.

The frequency by which a you will have a CDR is dependent on the likelihood of the improvement of your medical condition. If the SSA thinks that medical improvement can be “expected”, then the claim will be reviewed within 6 to 18 months; if it is “possible”, then every 3 years; if “not expected”, then in 5 to 7 years. Once you are due for a CDR, a written notice will be sent to you from the SSA and you will have some forms to fill then return.

Claim Documentation and Records Request

Fortunately, there are a good number of things you can do when in comes to documentation and increasing your chances of getting approved, and being approved for continued assistance following a CDR. One of these is to make sure that every single one of your medical records are updated and filed with SSA. This may cost time and money, as your doctors and the hospitals may charge you fees for acquiring copies of your medical records, but this is an important part of the process to ensure you receive your SSD benefits properly.

There are still instances when it is possible that your doctors or the hospitals will not be able to completely submit your records. Your requests must be specific, and you must be sure to follow up to ensure that the SSA receives all of the correct documentation. Making copies for yourself as well as the SSA is one way to ensure that you have a complete file, as well as direct access to any information that the SSA may not receive or misplace. Incomplete medical records are a common reason for legitimate claims being denied, so it is important for you to confirm the receipt of all of your information.

At Seff & Capizzi Law Group, we regularly assist clients with their SSD cases and provide valuable information for those who are interested in filing appeals from their initial denial. We are happy to assist clients in filing their reconsideration claims after the Social Security Administration issues their initial denial. If you are looking to file your initial SSD case claim, you can download our guide here and file your application online here.

If you need assistance with your SSD reconsideration case, please call us at (954) 920-9220. We have over 40 years of experience and offer a free consultation. We do not charge an up-front fee for social security legal representation. Click here for more information about social security disability and how Seff & Capizzi can help.