WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO GET DISABILITY BENEFITS APPROVED?

  • When it comes to Social Security disability, all claims are not created equal.  In today's very tough world of Social Security, there are some claimants who stand out, who have a better than average chance of being approved.  Here they are:
  • Over age 50
  • Long and consistent work history
  • Compliant with regular medical treatment
  • Statements from doctors that the illness is refractory (not responsive to treatment)
  • Treatment with one or more of the same doctors over a long period of time
  • A medical condition that can be objectively proven.
  •  Has failed work attempts - tried to do other work but could not
  • Gave up a good job to try for disability

 There's a lot of pressure from Congress not to approve benefits for claimants who have less than pristine medical evidence.  Judges are simply not going to approve disability benefits these days for claimants with marginal claims.  

Unfortunately, I tell someone nearly every day that they just don't have the medical evidence required to get a disability check.  Sometimes we can fix that if the claimant is willing to go to the doctor and put forth the effort.  But individuals looking for a quick Social Security payment will be sorely disappointed.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I NEED HELP WHILE WAITING FOR DISABILITY

"I need help.  I've filed for Social Security disability months ago.  How can I survive until my case gets settled?" This is a good question.  If you are disabled, not working and have little or no income--survival is the question.  It may take months or years for Social Security to decide your case.  What can you do.  Here are some sources of help you may want to consider: FOOD STAMPS :  Contact your county's Department of Human Resources.  In Madison County, it's located at 2206 Oakwood Avenue NW.  Phone (256) 427-6000.  Website:   http://dhr.alabama.gov/counties/county_results.aspx?id=Madison MORTGAGE PAYMENTS :  Contact "Hardest Hit Alabama" at www.hardesthitalabama.com   or call 1-877-497-8182. LOW COST MEDICAL CARE (DOCTORS) : Click on the link below for a list of low cost clinics near you.  http://www.needymeds.org/free_clinics.taf?_function=list&state=al UTILITY BILLS OR OTHER NEEDS: ...
Read more

HOW TO GET DISABILITY BENEFITS AT AGE 50

Image
If you are applying for Social Security disability benefits, it is more likely that you will be approved if you are over age 50.  Why? Because of the medical-vocational guidelines.  These "grid rules" make it easier for persons who are of advanced age or who are approaching advanced age. The factors which Social Security must consider in determining whether a claimant is disabled are: age education prior work experience residual function capacity ( See definition below)* When all 4 of these factors are favorable, it is much more likely to get a favorable decision on your disability claim.  (See my separate post on getting a Medical Source Statement, which addresses the residual function capacity). Definition of "Residual Functional Capacity' (RFC):  This is the maximum amount of work related activity that the claimant can do:  sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, lifting, bending, etc.  T he RFC is key to getting a favorable d...
Read more

TOOL BELT FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CLAIMS

Image
An affective craftsman will always have the proper tools on his tool belt.  The Social Security disability advocate is no different.  He or she must have the proper tools and know how to use them effectively to win your disability case.  Let's talk about a few of the tools that your disability case will require. Medical Evidence.   This is a record of your treatment from doctors, psychologists, therapists, hospitals, clinics or other providers who have treated or examined you.  It should include a diagnosis, prognosis, level of severity, treatment procedures, dates, etc.  Acceptable medical sources for Social Security are medical doctors and licensed clinical psychologists.  Evidence from other sources may also be used. Vocational Evidence (VE).   Here is another useful item in our tool belt. Vocational evidence includes your age, level of education or training, skills and work history - especially work you did during the ...
Read more