Some doctors can be very helpful in pursuing your claim for Social Security benefits, and are willing to write lengthy reports or check boxes on a form. Because some doctors can be very helpful, it is important to not minimize your pain or other symptoms when talking with your doctors. This is especially true if you have a good relationship with the doctor and have seen him or her over the course of several years.
What is Social Security Looking For?
One of the things I tell almost all of my clients in our initial meeting is the importance of understanding what Social Security is looking for, compared to how we are used to talking about ourselves and our illnesses. Many people who suffer from debilitating diseases and conditions, but have always worked, have a hard time coming to terms with the fact that things are not “normal” anymore and that they have conditions and limitations that prevent them from living their “old” life.
They have difficulty being honest with themselves and their doctors about their limitations and symptoms. However, it is important to be honest because anything you say can – and probably will – be used against you. When you visit your personal doctor (or a doctor Social Security sends you to), the doctor notes how well you walk, how well you can stand up, how well you can get on and off the examining table, and sometimes they even watch you walk to your car to see if you were exaggerating while you were in the office.
Medication Side Effects
If you are having side effects from medication, or have a new symptom, bring that up to your treating physicians as soon as you can. First and foremost, they may be able to help you resolve those problems. Secondly, they should also make a note in your chart for Social Security to review at a later date. This helps Social Security understand: that you are not exaggerating in your testimony, that your doctor understands and backs up your claim, and that you are unable to work in any capacity.
Honesty is the Best Policy
Again, always be honest about your doctor and don’t try to minimize your condition when speaking with doctors and disability examiners with Social Security. The minimization will hurt your claim, and doesn’t help the Social Security Administration understand what a typical day is like for you. Understanding what your typical day is like and how difficult it would be for you to hold down employment is one of the most important parts of your claim for benefits.
If you have applied for disability benefits but need help, contact an experienced lawyer today.