Disability Application Mistakes to Avoid

Social Security disability lawyers see it too often: People applying for Social Security disability benefits fail to appeal when they are turned down.

Ocala, FL

Did you know that most people do not appeal their initial denial of benefits? That is a costly oversight that attorneys don’t want you to make. When your application is denied, you have the right to request a hearing and take it to the next step in the process.

Here is a second, major flub that some disability claimants make: failing to seek appropriate medical care. People just give up sometimes and don’t feel doctors can help them anymore. This is particularly true of those who are chronically ill or permanently injured. They feel helpless and stop going for treatment.

If this sounds like you, it is a costly mistake for many reasons. To begin with, those with long-term illnesses or disabilities are in the greatest need of medical care. But another reason to remain under a doctor’s close care is that the records from your doctor(s) show that you have a disability. The government looks for documentation from qualified clinicians in order to prove that you are disabled.

Should your doctor write a letter?

Many people ask their Ocala, FL Social Security disability lawyers whether to have their doctors write directly to the Social Security Administration (SSA) on their behalf. It turns out that is not needed. In fact, the normal records that your doctors’ offices keep are more important in your application.

The government will look at those records, along with any medical tests, surgical reports, etc. SSA has expert doctors that interpret those reports, so a letter from your doctor probably will not help your application. What’s more, your attorney knows that well-meaning doctors can sometimes end up writing something that may backfire in building your case.

A better approach is to work closely with knowledgeable Ocala, FL Social Security disability lawyers to avoid making any of these mistakes. Call the CJ Henry Law Firm, PLLC today at 352-304-5300.