I have had a few people hire me as their lawyer right before their hearing. One big mistake they have made is not updating their medical records.
Social Security gets the medical records up until the time you request a hearing. After the hearing request you must get your records for any medical treatment you have. The problem is that it is taking up to two years from Request for Hearing until the hearing date is set. If you do not have your records updated you will most likely lose your case.
Keep track of your doctors and when you go for treatment. Order your records and send them into the hearing office. If you represent yourself you will have to pay for your own records. Some lawyers will also make you pay for your own records.
I pay for my clients records myself and ask for reimbursement at the end of the case if we win. Any questions about medical records and what you need to do please call Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371. Serving Bloomington, Peoria, Springfield, Decatur and Champaign, Illinois.