Did you realize that 1 in 5 Americans has a disability? The biggest problem most people with severe physical and mental disabilities face is earning a living. If the disability a person has prohibits them from working, then taking advantage of Social Security disability benefits is a must.
While you may have heard of this government program, you may not be familiar with how to apply and get approved for these benefits. The main thing you need to keep in mind when applying for disability is there is a good chance you will get denied on your first filing. Instead of giving up on getting these much-needed benefits, you will need to keep trying until you get a favorable outcome.
The following are some of the things you need to consider when applying for Social Security disability.
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Medical Conditions That Qualify For Social Security Disability
Before you begin the process of applying for disability, you need to do some homework regarding the conditions that qualify for these benefits. The last thing you want to do is invest a lot of time and effort into the application process for a condition that will not meet the Social Security Administration’s guidelines.
The conditions that qualify for Social Security disability are as follows:
- Skin disorders like dermatitis
- Digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome
- Immune system disorders like Aids and lupus
- Psychological disorders such as autism, depression, and anxiety
- Neurological problems like cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis
- Cardiovascular issues like heart failure
- Musculoskeletal problems such as severe back injuries
One of the best ways to get information about whether or not your condition qualifies you for disability is by consulting with a lawyer. These legal professionals can provide you with information on how to proceed with your filing if your condition does meet the qualifications.
Hiring an Attorney is a Must
Once you have verified your condition does meet the qualifications set forth by the Social Security Administration, you will need to start planning out the application process. Most people fail to realize how complicated applying for disability can be. Instead of taking on this process by yourself, you need to seek out the help of a legal professional.
A long term disability claim lawyers will be able to help you organize your claim. The more organized your application for disability is, the higher the chances of your getting approved.
Are you curious about how a lawyer can help you get the disability benefits you need? If so, check out this website for more information.
Keeping Documentation of Your Disability is Essential
If you have a particularly severe disability, you will undoubtedly go to a number of medical treatments on a frequent basis. Keeping documentation of things like your appointments, the medications you are on to treat this disability and medical documents from your doctor is vital.
Having this documentation will give the person looking over your disability application an accurate representation of how much this condition has affected your daily life. Failing to have documentation will make it extremely difficult to get approved for disability benefits.
When dealing with a psychological disorder, you will need to detail how this disorder has robbed you of a normal life. People with extreme anxiety and depression are unable to go into social situations without severe reactions. Letting the Social Security Administration know about these struggles is vital when trying to get the benefits you so desperately need.
What You Need To Do After Your Initial Claim is Denied
Has your initial claim for disability benefits been denied? If so, don’t give up! Luckily, the Social Security Administration allows you to appeal their decision to deny your disability benefits.
Generally, you will have 60 days after this denial to issue an appeal. Allowing your lawyer to weigh in on how to properly file this appeal can be beneficial. Often times, your lawyer will draft an appeal letter detailing why the denial of disability benefits was wrong.
The key to winning this appeal is providing the court with sufficient evidence of your disability. Without the help of a legal professional, you will struggle to present this proof in a digestible manner.
Why Do Disability Claims Get Denied?
One of the main things most people want to know about the disability application process is why people get denied. There are a variety of reasons why the Social Security Administration may deny a claim including:
- The disability in question is not severe enough
- A lack of sufficient evidence
- The application for benefits if incomplete
Once you find out why you have been denied, you need to work with your lawyer on rectifying this situation. The time and energy you put into appealing this denial will be worth it in the long run.
Get Your Doctor Involved
Having sufficient proof of how severe your disability is should be your main concern. Requesting documentation from your doctor is vital when trying to get approved for these benefits.
One of the most important documents you need to get your doctor to fill out is the residual functional capacity paper. This document is designed to inform the Social Security Administration about the restrictions your disability places on you.
If this document brings the claims examiner to the realization that you can no longer perform your current job, they will assess whether or not you can perform any job. Allowing your own doctor to fill out this form will help you to produce sufficient evidence to the claims examiner.
Applying For Disability is Easier With the Right Help
Are you in the process of applying for disability benefits? Instead of taking on this difficult process alone, you need to let a legal professional assist you.
Looking for more advice on how to hire the best legal representation? If so, check out our article on finding a reputable lawyer.
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