Medical

Your doctor is very important in your Social Security Disability case.

What your doctor writes in your medical reports can make the difference between winning and losing.

The reason is that the Administrative Law Judge looks closely at your records and compares your testimony to what is contained in the records.

The major area of concern for Social Security Disability is how you function in daily activities.

This includes the ability to sit, stand, lift, walk, reach, handle and finger, and focus and concentrate.

You should explain to your doctor how your condition affects your ability to stand and walk. How long can you stand and how far can you walk. Why is it difficult for you. What happens after you reach the limit of standing and walking. For instance, does your back send shooting pains down your leg, or do you have back spasms.

How much can you lift? What happens to you when you lift more than 10 pounds?

Do you have to get up and move around after 30 minutes? Why and what part of your body causes this problem?

Do your hands and arms go numb and tingle? Does this make it so you drop glasses or other items? Is it hard to keyboard?

Is it hard to reach at all levels because of shoulder or elbow pain?

Is your focus and concentration off because of pain or depression?

Make sure that you tell your doctor about these limitations and how your body reacts.

This will help your case and reinforce your testimony at trial.

Questions about your Social Security Disability case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.