IF I OWN MY OWN BUSINESS AND HAVE A DISABLING CONDITION THAT PREVENTS ME FROM TECHNICALLY "DOING WORK" WITHIN MY BUSINESS, AM I ELIGIBLE FOR RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?

The Importance of Your Doctor in the Social Security Disability Claims Process

Few things in life are as frustrating as trying to apply for and receive Social Security Disability benefits when you desperately need help and are too disabled to work. There are many forms to fill out, and if the forms are not completed properly or if you forget to submit something, you may find that your claim is denied. While you can appeal, it will now take even longer for you to get the assistance you need.

One way you can improve your chances of getting your SSD claim approved is to work closely with your doctor on the application paperwork. The proof you need that you are too disabled to work will come from your medical chart and from letters and forms completed by your doctor. If you do not have a good relationship with your doctor or if you have not been completely honest with him or her, you may have trouble getting your claim approved.

What can YOU do to ensure you get the best possible shot at having your disability claim approved?

Be open and honest with your doctor at every visit – don’t just say you are okay or feel fine. Your doctor is documenting what you tell him or her in your chart, along with what he or she finds during your exam. If you downplay your symptoms or are too embarrassed or ashamed to talk about what is bothering you, there will be no written evidence of your disability when you try to claim Social Security Benefits. What matters most in disability determination is the medical proof in your case in the form of chart notes and the history of your disability. Just because your doctor says you are disabled may not be enough if there is no history to back up the claim.
Make sure your doctor takes detailed notes during every visit. As we said previously, the information in your medical chart is very important. When reviewing your claim, the Social Security Disability claims processors and judges will be looking for evidence that you are indeed disabled and need assistance. If your doctor has not been diligent about making sure your chart contains notes that are thorough, easy to read, and accurate, you may have trouble getting your claim approved.

Suffering from conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), migraines, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, lupus or other difficult to “prove” conditions? It is VERY important that your doctor carefully, clearly, and accurately describe your symptoms and suffering in your chart at every visit. The Social Security Administration is looking for a CLEAR and CONSISTENT pattern of symptoms when they look at your medical history. Having all your suffering well documented in your medical records will help prove your case.

Want to talk to a Social Security Disability Attorney about your disability claim or appeal? Please contact the law offices of Markhoff & Mittman today and let our skilled and compassionate SSD lawyers review your case with you for no cost or obligation to see how they can help.

Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.

14 Mamaroneck Avenue

Suite 400

White Plains, NY 10601

Toll Free: (866) 205-2415

Phone: (914) 946-1452

Fax: (914) 946-0810