When Filing a Social Security disability claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA), it can be difficult if your medical condition does not match one of the Blue Book listings. The Blue Book is the Social Security Administration’s list of pre-existing medical problems that automatically qualify an individual for disability payments.
If your disease does not appear in the Blue Book, your disability payments application may still be approved. This list of tips may assist you in successfully filing a claim.
Tip #1: Consult your physician frequently.
Having a comprehensive medical history relevant to your ailment can assist the SSA in determining the seriousness of your medical condition. Your doctor can take detailed notes and maintain track of your treatment history, as well as the results of any medical tests, blood work, or biopsies, as well as any connected operations or procedures. Additionally, it will appear more favorable to the SSA if you see a physician who specializes in your medical condition.
Tip #2: Complete an RFC
A Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) evaluation will assist the SSA in determining the types of job that you can reasonably expect to perform in light of your medical condition. The exam will determine whether you have difficulty performing specific forms of physical tasks, such as standing, sitting, or lifting. Additionally, it will reveal whether you have any intellectual or emotional problems that may preclude you from working in particular occupations. The SSA may request that you have your RFC performed by one of their experts, or you may have it performed by your own physician.
Tip #3: Keep a record of the activities you are unable to perform.
While your RFC assessment is the best method for determining the types of job you can and cannot be expected to undertake, it will aid your claim if you keep detailed notes on the types of activities you have difficulty executing. For instance, your disease may cause you to be exceedingly tired and require more sleep than the normal person. Maintaining a sleep diary will demonstrate to the SSA that you may be unable to perform a full-time, or even a part-time, employment. A wonderful approach to keep track of this is to keep a diary.
Tip #4: Do not leave any questions blank on the application.
By submitting a full and complete application for disability benefits, you can increase your chances of filing a successful claim. Certain characteristics you did not anticipate, such as your age, degree of education, marital status, literacy level, and ability to communicate in English, may enter into the SSA’s judgment.
Tip #5: Request testimony from friends and family.
Apart from your doctor’s records and testimony, having your friends and family submit comments about how your condition has impacted your quality of life and capacity to work will assist you in demonstrating the full extent of your disability to the SSA and completing your application.
Contact a disability attorney as a last resort.
Finally, a disability attorney or advocate can assist you throughout the process of filing for disability benefits. They may guarantee that all of your medical documentation and paperwork is properly filed, represent you in court, and generally assist in ensuring a smooth process and successful benefits claim.