Living with a disability can make life extremely difficult. Of course, it can make it difficult to get around or complete everyday tasks, but there is also the financial aspect to consider. When a person has a serious disability, it can be impossible to work, which of course makes it impossible to afford life’s necessities. This is where Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) comes in. This programme provides monthly payments to those who have a disability that prevents them from working. However, SSDI claims are often denied. One of the most common reasons for this has to do with a lack of consistent medical treatment. Let’s take a look at why consistent medical treatment is so important for your SSDI claim.
Establishing a record of the medical condition
You cannot just claim to have a disability and get benefits. There needs to be proof. Consistent medical treatment creates this proof by creating documentation that shows when a condition was diagnosed and how it has progressed. Records may include diagnoses, test results, treatment plans, and observations from healthcare providers. A consistent record like this is the only real way to prove that you have a disability. Without this record, it is very unlikely that your SSDI claim will be approved.
Documenting symptoms and functional limitations
Just because you have a disability, doesn’t mean you qualify for SSDI. The disability needs to make working impossible. The medical records generated by consistent treatment will often document issues such as pain, limited mobility, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or other symptoms that prevent you from working. A simple diagnosis is not enough to receive benefits. You need to be able to prove that your disability causes functional limitations that affect your ability to work.
Showing the progression of a condition
Many medical conditions change over time. SSDI requires that a condition be expected to last for a minimum of 12 months or result in death. This means that if it looks like your condition could improve in less than 12 months, you will be denied SSDI benefits. Consistent medical treatment will show that your condition is not getting better or is even worsening every day. This is invaluable evidence when it comes to proving that you qualify for and deserve SSDI benefits.
Documenting whether treatment has been effective
Before granting benefits, the SSA will want to see that treatment cannot restore your ability to work. With consistent medical treatment, multiple treatments will be tried over the course of months. If none are found to effectively manage your condition, it will be much more likely that your SSDI claim is approved.
What types of medical evidence may be relevant?
You have probably noticed an overarching theme here. Consistent medical treatment is so important because it creates medical evidence. Medical evidence that can strengthen your SSDI claim includes:
- Office visit notes
- Diagnoses
- Treatment recommendations
- Observations about symptoms and limitations
- Medication history
- Physical therapy
- Surgical procedures
- Other treatments or therapies
- Imaging and other diagnostic procedures
All of this evidence should paint a clear picture that shows that not only do you have a disability, but it is not getting better and it prevents you from working.
What if your disability claim is denied?
Unfortunately, even with a large amount of medical evidence, your SSDI claim can still be denied. This is actually extremely common, with a majority of initial claims being denied. Luckily, there is an appeals process you can go through to get the benefits you are entitled to. Unfortunately, this process can be long and complicated. It is usually best to hire an SSDI attorney to guide you through it. They will help you gather evidence, ensure you don’t miss deadlines, and give your appeal the best chance of being successful. Remember not to give up. If you truly have a disability, then you are entitled to receive SSDI benefits so that you can live a happy and full life.
Amelia Hart, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
