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The Key to Winning Social Security Disability Benefits

Dirk May Help, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income

It is very disappointing to read many of the medical reports submitted to Social Security Judges.

They read like little is wrong with the person. Phrases such as “doing well” or “responding to treatment” or “no complaints” appear.

This is fine if this is your true condition. However, many claimants will tell you that they can barely do anything around the house and they certainly cannot work full time.

If your records contain phrases such as mentioned above, then you will most definitely lose.

You must tell the doctor and nurses your true condition regarding pain, mobility, limitations and energy level.

This must be done at every doctor’s visit.

If you need a cane, brace or any other assistive device make sure that you ask the doctor for a prescription.

This shows the doctor agrees with your condition and limitations.

Your medical providers must be aware of all your major problems and record them in your medical file.

Social Security Judges lean heavily on medical records, do not lose your case because you fail to tell your doctors and nurses the whole truth regarding your condition.

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

Disability Insurance Has Many Safeguards Against Fraud and Abuse | Kathy Ruffing

Dirk May In the news, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income

Though the Social Security Administration (SSA) works hard to fight fraud and reduce improper payments, it could do more — especially if it had the resources and powers to do so. Several bills in Congress would give SSA more legal tools.

Source: Disability Insurance Has Many Safeguards Against Fraud and Abuse | Kathy Ruffing

Click above to read.

Some interesting statistics regarding disability claims.
The approval ratings are trending down. Administrative Law Judges are really cracking down on cases and denying many more cases.

Back Injuries and Your Work Comp Claim

Dirk May Help, Medical, Workers Compensation

Of course back injuries can be very serious.

The problem is that many people have pre-existing back conditions and Workers’ Compensation insurance companies will try to use this against you to deny or minimize your injury.

Here are some tips to make sure that you recover full value for your back injury at work.

Make sure that you report your injury at work right away to your supervisor and put it in writing.

Make sure that you go to the doctor as soon as possible and tell the doctor how you were hurt at work and how your back feels different than before.
In other words, if your back was hurting before the work injury make sure that you explain how this pain is different and whether the past treatment had resolved your past back pain.

Make sure that you go to the doctor for treatment and follow doctor’s orders.

Make sure that you ask for an MRI to provide objective proof of damage to your back.

Make sure that you get the help of an experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to help fight the insurance company.

More questions about your work injury? Feel free to contact Illinois Work Comp Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Mental Illness and Social Security Disability

Dirk May Help, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income

It is very difficult to win your Social Security Disability case if you are suffering from mental illness and have no other physical problems.

The reason is that Social Security and many Administrative Law Judges have a hidden bias against mental illness.

They believe that there is some type of a job a person can perform even if they suffer from severe depression and anxiety.

You will need to make sure that you do everything appropriately to put your situation in the proper light.

Make sure that you go to a counselor and a psychiatrist.

A specialist shows that your condition is serious.

Make sure that you explain your symptoms and problems to your counselor and psychiatrist.

You want the medical records to reflect your specific limitations such as concentration and focus, racing thoughts, frequent panic attacks, medications that make you zombie like, or suicidal thoughts.

Make sure that you keep your lawyer informed about any mental hospitalizations, shock therapy, medications and other treatment.

Make sure that you keep a journal or notebook describing problems you face throughout your daily activities.

Make sure that you have a record of problems you had in past jobs that caused you to leave or be terminated.

The key is highlighting the problems that you prevent you from working even simple jobs.

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