Things to Do upon Filing your SSD Claim in California

What you should do after you have filed a claim for SSD benefits in CA

Almost everyone in the United States knows how long the process of claiming for social security disability claim can be, and how unlikely are the odds that your application could be approved.

Foremost, the fact always stands that the social security disability claim process has always taken an agonizingly long time, especially for those heavily in need of the benefits. Then, the length of processing for individual application could take a long time because of getting together the necessary medical records. Many other factors can affect your application, request for reconsideration, appeal and administrative hearing for disability benefits.

Still there are ways for you to ensure that minimum amount of inadequacy could be found on your claim.

1. Approach the doctor treating you and have a heart-to-heart discussion – through this, you can inquire directly his intentions and willingness in supporting your disability claim and whether or not he/she is agreeable to indicate/express that support in writing.

Even if you have the disability lawyer with significant expertise, he/she cannot win your claim without being able to produce accurate medical evidence. Other doctors may treat you professionally but would not be interested in helping you out with paperwork for your disability claim.

Meanwhile, some may exhibit, what is considered "God complex" wherein he/she would express the explicit belief that you cannot be disabled after he/she has performed 'admirable' surgery on you.

Having a talk with your physician may lead you to know if your doctor is not willing to vouch on your belief that you cannot perform substantial gainful activity anymore.

Then, you can always look up references for other doctors to be consulted with for a second opinion on your case.

1. Avoid testimonies made by the chiropractors that vouch spinal disorder and/or social workers that confirm mental disorders – remember that the Social Security does not give much weight to the reports of these professionals. It would greatly help if you rather supplement your medical records from them to those made by neurologists, orthopedists and psychiatrists.

Your attorney would know how to select the doctor who has perfect understanding of the written evidence that you need for your claim.

1.  Do not play down the actual physical strains that you are obliged to put on for your job – conversely, you have to describe in great detail the various mental and physical strains you have to face in your work which could endanger you medical condition.

1. At the initial application stage, retain a lawyer recognized for their experience in handling social security disability claims – remember that it would not cost you extra money to retain the services of a lawyer, as early as possible during the process.

Lastly, take care not to fall into the wrong belief that filing a disability claim is just a simple matter of completing some paper work. Nor should you lapse into heavy despair if you application has been denied. Remember that most of America who ever filed for SSD claims experienced such denials too, but happened to still move on with their lives, asserting their rights.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR