7 Tips To Prove the Severity of Your Disability for SSD Benefits

Did you know that out of 2 million applications for disability benefits each year, 67% of Social Security Disability claims are denied?

Why does this happen?

Often, it is due to various factors, such as,

• Not having professional guidance
• Incomplete applications
• Insufficient medical evidence
• Not being able to meet the strict criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and many more.

But there is hope.

For instance, in 2022, about one in three processed disability applications were approved because it was able to prove the severity of disability with the right approach, including the help of the disability attorney in Miami. 

Your application can also be approved too! But how can you do that? Adn what are some of the things that you should keep in mind?

Hi. In today’s blog, these are some of the questions that I will be answering. In this article, I will discuss the seven proven tips to help you gather the necessary documentation, follow the proper steps, and prove that you truly deserve the SSD benefits.

So, if you want to know this, keep on reading this blog till the end, and thank me later!

Understanding Social Security Disability

Before talking about how to prove disability in order to get social security benefits, let me explain what Social Security Disability is in the first place.

So, Social Security Disability, also known as SSD, is primarily an insurance benefit that is under the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Additionally, the main aim of having this is to help those people who are no longer able to work because of some medical disability.

This is a federal insurance program that takes care of the financial condition of families who have lost their source of income.

But how does this money come?

Well, this program mainly gets its funds from the payroll taxes. In companies, both the employers as well as the employees contribute a portion of their salaries, which goes on to become the find for this program.

Social Security Disability: Ultimate Steps to Qualify for Benefits

Now that you are aware of what SSD is all about, et me tell you what are some of the things that you can do to get the benefits. So, without further ado, let us get right into it: 

Tip 1: Hire a Disability Lawyer to Strengthen Your Case

Firstly, how do you present your case in a way that avoids delays in your SSD application? Trust me when I say you are not the only one thinking about this. 

The solution is taking the help of an experienced disability attorney in Miami. For instance, these experts can help you by:

• Easily navigating the SSD claims process
• Providing guidance on how to present your medical evidence to make your case stronger
• Meeting all deadlines, following the correct procedures, and many more.

So, look for attorneys who can help you get the benefits you truly deserve.

Tip 2: Collect Comprehensive Medical Records

Secondly, gathering detailed and thorough medical records is essential to prove the severity of your disability.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires comprehensive medical records documenting your disability and its severity. The documents are as follows:

• Diagnosis and treatment history • Medical reports • Test results • Functional limitations • Medical history • Consultative examinations • Documentation of symptoms

Furthermore, remember to organize them clearly for a smoother review process. This will help improve your chance of getting the benefits.

Tip 3: Secure Written Statements From Your Healthcare Providers

Third, it is essential to ask for supportive statements from your healthcare providers that clearly show the following:

• Degree of your condition 
• How it affects your daily activities

Contact your doctors and ask for statements that list your diagnosis, limitations, and prognosis to strengthen your application. 

Tip 4: Provide a Clear Work History and Limitations

When applying for SSD benefits, especially SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), it is crucial to provide a detailed and clear work history and any limitations caused by your disability.

Additionally, in order to make your application stronger, you can do the following things:

1. Complete the Form SSA-3369 ( Work History Report) 

• In this form, you have to list your jobs over the past 5 years, including the tasks performed and the hours worked.
• It is also essential to list any details about the physical or mental demands of the work.

2. Describe how your disability prevents you from doing key tasks of your past jobs. 
3. Attach medical records or functional capacity evaluations highlighting the limitations your condition imposes on your work.

Tip 5: Collect Reports From Occupational Therapists or Specialists

Collecting the reports from occupational therapists or relevant medical specialists is essential. 

These reports show evidence of your condition, limitations, and how they affect your ability to perform daily tasks. Make sure to include updated and thorough reports to give a clear picture of your situation.

Provide objective, professional assessments of how your conditions affect your ability to perform daily tasks and work.

Tip 6: Provide Evidence of Failed Treatments or Medications

Evidence of any treatments or medications that have not worked or failed to improve your condition helps in proving the severity of your disability. This could include:

• Record of doctor visits
• Prescribed Medications
• Physical therapy or other treatments that were attempted and their outcomes

Tip 7: Keep a Personal Journal of Symptoms

Finally, tracking your symptoms daily improves your chances of getting SSD benefits. You can also create a personal journal by noting down the following factors:

• Date and time • Symptoms description • Specific symptoms you experience • Severity level • Location of symptoms • Impact on daily activities • Triggers • Medications and treatments • Emotional impact

Wrapping It Up!

In conclusion, proving the severity of your disability through the seven tips can help you to strengthen your case. It is all about presenting a strong, well-documented case that meets the strict standards set by the SSA.

So, finally, with the above tips and working with an experienced disability lawyer in Miami, you can significantly improve your chances of approval.

Read Also:

• Key Strategies To Minimize Legal Risks In Medical Billing
• 8 Fascinating Aspects of Medical Testimony that will Surprise You!
• Medical Malpractice Litigation: A Barrier to Progress or a Catalyst for Safer Healthcare?