08 Feb Tips to Improve Chances of Winning Your Disability Claim

The Social Security Disability process can be lengthy and frustrating, often times resulting in the denial of benefits for many people. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success when filing a disability claim.

File a Claim as Soon as Possible

It is best to get started with the initial application promptly to ensure that you will receive benefits as soon as possible. Delaying your application may lead to hardships regarding finances and current proof of your medical condition(s). If you are denied the first time around, the subsequent steps may help.

Hire an Attorney

Your chance of winning a disability claim is significantly higher with an attorney. Disability attorneys are well versed on the basic procedures and will ensure you are prepared for each level of the process. They assist in the thorough acquisition of your medical records, preparation for a hearing, continued contact with the SSA, and more. Victory Disability alone has won over 15 million in benefits for Veterans. Complete this Disability Evaluation to see how our practice can help!

Keep Thorough Documentation

Having a comprehensive record of your work and medical history is essential to improving your chances of winning. This information will be a heavily weighed factor at the initial application level. Claimants are often denied on the grounds of incomplete or inaccurate applications. By sufficiently documenting and gathering all the necessary information, you minimize the risk of that occurrence. Even if you plan to have an Attorney guide you through the process, they will require this information be provided.

By keeping thorough documentation, you are also ensuring that the process is not unnecessarily delayed. Disability examiners should have no reason to request further information/clarification.

Continually See a Doctor

Visiting a physician is a critical step, but it is one that must be recurrent. Seeing as the claim is based upon your medical condition(s), the importance of receiving ongoing medical care cannot be overlooked. Regular appointments will:

• Secure the support of your physician. With repeated visits, your doctor will have a conclusive understanding of your condition and its debilitating effects. This testimony will then be greatly influential.
• Ensure that the Social Security Administration (SSA) finds your medical condition(s) to be adequate. If you are not being treated by a doctor, the SSA may rule that your condition is not severe enough to warrant benefit acquisition. Likewise, if the frequency of your appointments begins to dwindle, they may believe that the condition is not expected to last the required amount of time.

Follow the Doctors Prescribed Treatment Plan

Complying with your doctors recommended treatment is another step you should take you improve your chance of benefit approval. If you do not do so, the SSA may yet again conclude that your condition is not as debilitating as your claim alluded. Refusal of the prescribed treatment plan may also suggest that you are not actively working to improve your medical condition, thus resulting in a denial.

Be Prompt and Cordial

The SSA may request additional information, need access to your medical records, require you attend a consultative exam, and more. It is important that you remain responsive and act accordingly. Failing to promptly respond to these requests may result in either a delay or a denial.

Additionally, being cordial with the disability examiners and all others involved in the benefits process is in your best interest. With such a long process, it is critical you maintain good relations with those who are handling your claim.

Veterans interested in applying for VA Disability Compensation or Social Security Disability with the help of Victory Disability should call 1-866-350-7229. To determine if you are eligible for SSDI benefits, complete the Social Security Disability Evaluation.