Should I Tell My Doctor that I am filing for Disability?

Many times a client will ask if they should tell their doctor that they have applied for Social Security Disability.

Some doctors do not understand the social security system.

They believe it is welfare.

They think that they will be brought into court to testify.

They think they will have to complete a bunch of forms.

None of this is true.

However, whether you tell your doctor that you are filing for disability is not the most important part of your medical treatment.

The most vital aspect of your doctor visits is to describe your problems and limitations in detail.

For instance, explain that your back pain occurs almost everyday and makes it hard to walk and stand more than 10 minutes at a time. After this you must sit in a recliner for 30 minutes.

If your doctor has problems putting information in your records, then write it out before your visit and give it to the doctor or nurse.

You should ask for copies of your records to make sure that what you are telling the doctor is reflected in the notes.

Social Security and the Judge will rely on these records in approving or denying your case.

If the records do not say anything about pain or problems with daily functioning, then your case will be very difficult to win.

Questions about your disability case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Work Comp and Social Security Disability Tip Number 5

What is found in your medical records will make or break your Social Security Disability case or Illinois Workers’ Compensation case.

The Judge will give great weight to what the doctor or nurse writes in your records.

If you tell the Judge that the doctor got it wrong,  you will lose because the Judge almost always believes what the doctor puts in your medical records.

It is the job of the doctor or nurse to write an accurate description of what they observe and what the patient tells them.

The Judge believes that what you tell the doctor near the time of the injury is closer to the truth than what you testify to at trial.

Make sure that you explain clearly to the medical provider how your accident happened and what parts of your body you injured.

You should also explain how it hurts you, how often it hurts, how long it hurts and how it limits you.

For instance, if you need to elevate your leg for 15 minutes every 2 hours because your knee swells make sure that you tell the doctor.

One idea is that you should write down the key information before your doctor appointment, and give a copy to your doctor and nurse so it is fresh in their mind and they will not misunderstand you.

Questions about your disability or work comp case? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Steps to successfully apply for Social Security disability

Roughly one-third of applications for Social Security disability benefits are ultimately approved. How to make sure yours is among them.

Source: Steps to successfully apply for Social Security disability

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Contact me and I will help you file your application online. It takes less than one hour to file the application and start the process. The review of your application may take up to 6 months so it makes sense to file now.

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

Courtroom Tips For Social Security Disability and Workers’ Compensation

Going to court will make most people very nervous.

Being prepared will help you be more confident and composed.

There may still be some nerves, but it will help to know what to expect.

Most Social Security hearings and Workers’ Compensation Hearings will last from 45 to 60 minutes.

The Judge will most likely ask how long you can sit at one time due to your injury or disability.

If you respond with an answer of 20 to 30 minutes and then sit through the entire hearing, the Judge will question your testimony.

Make sure that you stand if you are feeling discomfort. You do not have to ask for permission to stand in the hearing. The only thing that you must make sure of is that you speak loudly and clearly.

Testifying at a hearing is not an endurance contest.

If you testify that you have to elevate your legs throughout the day due to pain or swelling, and you need to elevate your leg during the hearing then make sure you tell the Judge you need to take a break to elevate your leg.

Some Judges are very aware of the witness and how they act or respond during the hearing.

Make sure that you are just as aware of the Judge and that she is watching you.

Make sure that you talk with an experienced lawyer to guide you through your case whether it involves a settlement or hearing.

Feel free to contact Illinois Work Comp and Social Security Disability lawyer Dirk May to discuss your case at 309-827-4371.

 

Social Security News: The Depressing State Of Hearing Backlogs At Social Security

Source: Social Security News: The Depressing State Of Hearing Backlogs At Social Security

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Shows the terrible backlog for getting a social security disability hearing. This is the time from request to hearing to the hearing date. From application date to hearing is over 2 years. People die while they are waiting for a hearing.