DISABILITY LAW FIRM ON YOUR SIDE IN MOBILE

GET MEDICAL TREATMENT

It is important that you continue to get medical treatment for your physical and/or emotional problems which you believe support your claim for disability. At every stage of the process, from initial review of your application through hearings and appeals, your medical records and treatment history are crucial – if not determinative – evidence of your condition. Failing to get required treatment or documentation from your physician supporting your claim can doom your chances of a successful claim.

We realize it is often difficult to obtain medical attention when you do not have sufficient income or health insurance. There are clinics in most areas which provide treatment free or at a substantially reduced rate.

It is equally important that you follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. If your doctor provides you with medication to treat your condition, it is important that you take the medication as directed.

If the Social Security Administration schedules an appointment with a doctor for you, please make sure that you attend and are cooperative with the doctor. This doctor will not provide you with any treatment but will provide SSA with a written evaluation of his or her findings.

AVOID ILLEGAL DRUGS & EXCESSIVE USE OF ALCOHOL

Any indication in your medical records that you are currently using illegal drugs or excessively using alcohol will hurt your case. If the administrative law judge determines that your drug and/or alcohol use is contributing to your disability, then he or she can find that you are not disabled based upon that factor alone.

MAINTAIN A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR TREATING DOCTORS

Again, the information that is in your medical records is extremely important in determining whether your claim will be successful.

Be pleasant and cooperative with your doctor. Often, we will request specific information from your main treating physician. The information the doctor provides us regarding the severity of your disability will be considered by the SSA in evaluating your claim.

BE ON TIME FOR ALL OF YOUR APPOINTMENTS

This is important for appointments with doctors and medical providers as well as appointments with your attorney.

If you are not going to be able to attend an appointment you have scheduled with your doctor or attorney, please contact the office and let them know before the scheduled time.

COMPLETE ALL REQUESTED FORMS

Sometimes, the SSA will send you forms to complete. Please complete these forms immediately and forward them to us. That way, we can make a copy of this information and then forward it on to the ALJ. Occasionally, these are forms just like ones that you have completed before. However, it is important to complete the forms accurately and return them.

Sometimes we may send you a form to be completed by your doctor. Please make sure you take that form to the doctor, as obtaining that information is important to your claim. Typically these forms request the doctors’ opinions regarding your abilities and restrictions.

If at any point you have questions about what steps you can take to give your claim the best chance at success, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you and will take the time to answer all of your questions and provide you the guidance you need to get the benefits you’ve earned.