Providing a Thorough Physician Statement for Your Social Security Benefits Case

Q: Can you do anything to give your disability claim the best chance of receiving benefits?
A: The majority of social security benefits claims are denied when they go through the first phase of the disability application cycle, but you can assure that you give your claim the fairest chance possible. The number one thing you can do is to make sure you have a physician who is on your side. The disability examiner for your case places a lot of value on the statement provided by your doctor. Delayed receipt of medical records is one of the main reasons disability claims get hung up in the review process. Assure that you have submitted thorough and current copies of all your medical data. This also applies if you file for reconsideration or appeal for a hearing. Always be cordial and polite when dealing with Social Security. No one is trying to find a way to deny you social security benefits. By being as cooperative and available as you can, it makes it easier for them to fairly process your case. The fourth way to help your claim is to always meet required deadlines. Knowing where your file is in the cycle and what deadline dates are needed for forms will help you stay on top of your social security benefits case. Some claimants are overwhelmed when applying for social security benefits. If you fear you cannot properly apply or respond to requests, you would be wise to consider hiring a social security attorney.
Q: How do you make sure your doctor has provided all the required information in his letter?
A: When submitting a disability claim for social security benefits, the statement from your doctor should have three main things. The statement should start off by detailing your medical condition. Next, the letter needs to make clear what your physical restrictions are and how that impacts your employment. Lastly, the statement should provide a prognosis for your specific situation.
Q: Are reconsideration and appeal the same thing in the social security benefits process?
A: Both are part of the appeals process. If your application was denied and you wish to continue further, your next move is to have your case reconsidered. This must be done within 60 days of when you received notification that your application was denied. Your next course of action if your case is reconsidered and denied is to file a request to have it heard before an administrative judge. A few states are currently testing a process that does not have cases reconsidered, so make sure you know if your state is one of them.

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