Documenting Your Disability and Care
Even people with obvious impairments are denied benefits. Your claim for Social Security disability depends on your medical records and supporting evidence.
At the law firm of Coats & Todd, we educate clients and their doctors on how to build a case that satisfies the strict requirements of the Social Security Administration.
Working With Your Doctors
Many physicians are not familiar with the complex Social Security bureaucracy. They don't think in terms of filling out a claim form. We teach clients how to give and get information to support a successful claim for SSDI or SSI:
- See your medical providers regularly. Once or twice a year is not sufficient to document a disabling condition.
- Don't say you're "fine." Tell the doctor and nurse how you are really doing. Is your impairment better or worse? What specific limitations or pains do you have? Is the medication working?
- Make sure that the doctor and nurse take good notes. Our attorneys can contact providers to explain what types of documentation are helpful.
- Follow your doctor's orders. If the doctor puts you on meds, recommends therapy or orders rest, follow through. A record of treatment is important to your claim, whether or not it improves your condition.
Social Security does not have adequate resources to obtain all relevant medical records. Coats & Todd makes sure all pertinent information is in your file, including records from family physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, physical therapists, vocational rehabilitation experts, rheumatologists (pain experts), ophthalmologists (eye doctors) and other professionals who can support your claim.
It may be necessary to get affidavits or testimony from these experts at your disability hearing.
We Are Here to Help
For specific advice on documenting your disability, contact the knowledgeable lawyers of Coats & Todd. Based in Richardson, Texas, our law firm represents disability claimants in Plano, the DFW area and throughout Texas, as well as nationwide. We offer a free initial consultation at 1-800-856-1031.
