Having an accident at work can be life-changing in all the wrong ways. A once-friendly employer can start heaping the blame on you to save themselves, and dealing with the physical repercussions can leave you heartbroken and exhausted. Not to mention, a serious enough injury can leave you out of a job entirely.
In these cases, it is only fair and just that you receive help as you try and get yourself back on your feet.
However, millions of people face one final nail in the coffin – having your social security disability claim denied. This is incredibly frustrating, piling heaps of despair on top of an already-desperate situation. With that in mind, let’s look into a few ways to ensure that your Social Security disability claim will be successful. Outside of this, you may want to get in touch with an experienced attorney.
Complete Everything First
The sheer scale of paperwork can be daunting. From personal information to employment history and medical concerns, there’s a lot of ground to cover. Make sure you pay particular attention to any health-related questions.
Not only will you need just the name of your medical condition, but you’ll also need to be able to give the treatment and prescriptions you’ve received. Alongside this, it can add further weight to your claim if you make sure to give the names of the healthcare professionals who helped patch you up.
Incomplete applications make up the vast majority of social security disability denials.
Assemble your Medical Evidence
Alongside the vital pieces of paperwork, it’s best to start keeping as accurate as possible medical documentation. This will give your Social Security claim a far more solid foundation. The disability examiners will demand that you submit all your medical records, as the onus of proving your injury unfortunately falls on yourself.
Make sure to file away and securely store every single physician statement, x-ray print, blood work result and prescription refill. Keeping on top of this paperwork before you start your application will make the process far more streamlined.
Follow Doctor’s Orders
Another major roadblock for the SSA is any indication that you’re failing to follow the doctor’s orders. This applies the other way, too: demonstrating that you’re following medical advice can be the final step that propels your application through the SSA office.
Showing that you’re taking the prescribed medications is one example; even better is any proof that you’re following recommended lifestyle changes and attending your treatment options.
Following medical advice is not only the best way to fast-track your own recovery, but is also the best way to ensure a successful disability claim. A good way to prove this is via a journal or medical diary, paying close attention to your recovery and treatments. This can sufficiently demonstrate that you’re willing to get better.
Finally, while your social security disability application is being processed, do your best to relax and keep calm. It’s not only good for you medically-speaking, but it will make the whole process a lot less hair-raising.
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If you’re injured at work would you file a Workman’s Compensation claim before applying for Social Security Disability benefits?
As long as the on-the-job injury does not result in permanent disability, then your employer is on the hook via Workman’s Comp – so that comes first. However, if the on-the-job injury is permanent, then SSDI comes into play – but I also believe a good lawyer may be able to get you both Workman’s Comp and SSDI in that scenario.