Injured workers wait years on Social Security disability benefits | www.springfieldnewssun.com

More than a million Americans — including 40,000 Ohioans — are caught in the federal government’s biggest traffic jam: the line of people appealing denied Social Security disability claims.

Source: Injured workers wait years on Social Security disability benefits | www.springfieldnewssun.com

Click above to read.

This article gives a good overview of some the reasons why it takes so long for a hearing before a Social Security Disability Judge. You should get an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer from the beginning to help you through the maze of regulations and procedures.

Social Security Disability and Work Comp Hearing Tip

One overlooked aspect of testifying in your disability or Workers’ Compensation case is being likeable.

Many cases are close cases. Meaning that in the Judge’s eyes a small piece of evidence can sway the Judge to deny or approve your case.

It often comes down to how you testify in court before the Judge.

The legal term is whether the witness is credible or believable.

The best way to influence a Judge favorably is to be polite and answer truthfully and in a way the paints the picture of your condition and limitations.

A witness who argues with a Judge, who is evasive, or gives confusing and long winded answers does not help himself.

Judge’s usually do not give witnesses like these the benefit of the doubt.

However, witnesses who treat a Judge with respect, who answer in a straight forward manner and explain what happens to them in a reasonable manner will find that Judge’s will overlook some weaknesses in their case.

It is only human nature that a Judge will find it easier to side with a polite witness who testifies with a ring of truth.

Above all, do not give the Judge a reason to find against you. Instead, make it difficult for the Judge to rule against you.

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

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

Click above to read.

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.