Providing a Thorough Physician Statement for Your Social Security Benefits Case
Q: Can you do anything to give your disability claim the best chance of receiving benefits?
A: The majority of social security benefits claims are denied when they go through the first phase of the disability application cycle, but you can assure that you give your claim the fairest chance possible. The number one thing you can do is to make sure you have a physician who is on your side. The disability examiner for your case places a lot of value on the statement provided by your doctor. Delayed receipt of medical records is one of the main reasons disability claims get hung up in the review process. Assure that you have submitted thorough and current copies of all your medical data. Do so again when having your case reconsidered or requesting to have it heard before an administrative judge. Be cooperative with all representatives dealing with your case. No one is trying to find a way to deny you social security benefits. Claimants who are pleasant, responsive and helpful are much easier to deal with than those who are not. The fourth way to help your claim is to always meet required deadlines. Knowing where your file is in the cycle and what deadline dates are needed for forms will help you stay on top of your social security benefits case. Many people find the claims process for social security benefits confusing and daunting. You may wish to enlist the help of a lawyer who specializes in social security claims, if you have any concerns about properly submitting paperwork or staying on top of your claim.
Q: How do you make sure your doctor has provided all the required information in his letter?
A: When submitting a disability claim for social security benefits, the statement from your doctor should have three main things. First, the letter should explain your condition or injury. Secondly, your physician should explain how your condition affects your activity and ability to work. Lastly, the statement should provide a prognosis for your specific situation.
Q: Are reconsideration and appeal the same thing in the social security benefits process?
A: Both are part of the appeals process. The first step if your claim was not approved after the initial review process is to file for reconsideration. Paperwork for reconsideration has to be filed no later than sixty days after your claim denial. If your claim is not awarded benefits after reconsideration, your next step is to request a hearing. A few states are currently testing a process that does not have cases reconsidered, so make sure you know if your state is one of them.