Social Security Disability and Proof of Disability

Quick example and good reminder of the importance of telling your doctor about your problems.

While in a Social Security Disability hearing recently the Judge was asking the claimant to explain his problems.

The claimant said that his leg would swell after walking for a while and he had to sit down and elevate it.

The person had explained this to his doctor several times and it showed up in his records that he needed to elevate his leg to deal with the swelling.

This was enough for the Judge to rule in his favor and he won his case.

Your testimony at the hearing is important because it allows the Judge to see you and have you explain your daily activities, however it must be backed up with your medical records detailing your complaints, restrictions and limitations.

You never know when what you tell your doctor months earlier will help you win your disability case.

Questions about Social Security Disability. Call for a free appointment with Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Social Security Disability- State of the State

Just as the President of the United States provides an annual address explaining his view of the future of America, I will take a stab at explaining recent trends in Social Security Disability.

Many more people are being denied disability benefits at the initial application stage and the reconsideration level.

It is taking longer to get a hearing; up to 2 years.

Judges are being tougher on people seeking benefits.

More people who receive Social Security Disability benefits are being taken off benefits because SSA claims that they have made medical improvement and can now work.

There is a perfect storm of a large number of people applying for disability benefits, a reduction in SSA employees, and extreme financial problems for the Federal government and the Social Security program.

Congress has made high profile attacks on the Social Security Disability system.

The Administrative Law Judges presiding over the disability cases are feeling the heat.

The Judges are denying many more cases. The approval rating has dropped from close to 50 percent to the low 30s in some regions.

All of this means that you must be very prepared for your case from the beginning.

Do not take any chances.

Hire an experienced Social Security Disability Lawyer right away.

It does not cost you anything unless you win and then fees are limited according to federal law.

Call Illinois Social Security Disability lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

What About Facebook and My Disability and Work Comp Case?

These days there is social media all over the place.

It is fine to be on Facebook, twitter, youtube and beyond. But you need to be aware that once you are injured at work or are seeking Social Security Disability then all these social media are fair game and may impact your case.

For years Workers’ Compensation insurance companies have used private investigators that follow injured workers and take surveillance videos that may prevent recovery or reduce the amount of the award or settlement.

Now you can really damage your case if you post pictures, videos, or statements that show you are performing questionable activities or acts that are beyond your restrictions.

You must be truthful when seeking relief from the Federal government or in Court and reveal the your Facebook pages, twitter accounts and video postings if they exist.

Remember that insurance companies and administrative agencies may misinterpret what you put out in the public domain through social media and use these things to argue that you are not disabled or seriously injured.

Disability cases, personal injury cases and workers’ compensation cases are complicated legal proceedings so make sure that you seek an experienced lawyer to help you protect your interests.

Seek a free consultation with Illinois Social Security Disability and injury attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Social Security Disability Insurance: A Bedrock of Security for American Workers | Center for American Progress

Social Security Disability Insurance provides vital protection to nearly all American workers and their families in case of life-changing disability or illness.

Source: Social Security Disability Insurance: A Bedrock of Security for American Workers | Center for American Progress

Click above to read.

Social Security Disability is not a welfare program. You pay your taxes for this protection and you are entitled to monthly benefits if you can no longer work.

 

Social Security Disability- Tip

A quick tip to help with your Social Security Disability case.

Make sure that you tell your doctor about your major problems and how they restrict your daily activities.

It may be things like “My hands ache all the time. I cannot use my fingers to type or put away the dishes for more than 5 minutes.” Or “my legs are killing me. They go numb and swell when I walk or stand more than 10 minutes. I need to elevate them 4 times a day for 20 minutes each time.”

Ask your doctor to put this information in her records. It has to show up so Social Security can review it in deciding your case.

Social Security puts a lot of weight on what shows in the records.

Whatever you do, make sure that you do not tell your doctor that you are doing fine if in fact you are having problems. I have seen records in which patients do not tell the doctor the true extent of their problems. This does not help you get the medical treatment you need and it will certainly damage your Social Security Disability case.

Need more tips to help your case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.