Pain is a very important factor in a Social Security Disability case.
The reason is that it limits many things you can at home and in a work setting.
The problem is that pain is very difficult to prove and measure.
Most doctors will tell you that there really is no way to test whether pain is present and measure the extent of your pain.
Some objective tests will show that there are reasons a person may be in pain.
Such as an xray that shows broken bones, or an MRI that shows a herniated disc pressing on a nerve, or a nerve test showing neuropathy or radicular pain.
However, pain may exist without any of these indicators.
You are entitled to testify about your pain and how it affects your concentration and ability to function, however, it helps to have supporting documentation.
This may include letters from families and friend describing how you appear to be in pain and what it keeps you from doing.
You might also have your doctor explain in a letter that it is reasonable for you to experience pain and the reasons for this.
A pain diary may also be helpful.
This is basically a journal or notebook describing the type of pain you have each day and what you were able to do or not do as a result of the pain.
Questions about the best way to explain your problems to Social Security? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.