Many deserving disability applicants are denied benefits based on incomplete applications or insufficient medical documentation. A Houston Disability Attorney will ensure that your application is free of errors and there are no omissions that could harm your chances of approval. The ways in which a disability attorney can maximize your chances of approval for disability benefits include:
Your Lawyer Will Ensure You Apply For Disability Benefits As Soon As You Are Disabled To Establish A Date Of Onset
The date you initiate a disability benefits claim is significant because the SSA will pay you back benefits for up to one year before your application date. If you are disabled on January 1, 2022, but file for disability benefits on January 1, 2025, you will only receive back benefits starting from January 1, 2024.
Once you are no longer able to work because of your disability, you should consult a disability lawyer immediately. Filing a claim will establish a ‘date of onset’ This is the date you claim on which you became disabled in your application. The date of onset will determine how much back pay you are entitled to once you are approved.
Medical evidence is the cornerstone for the determination of disability. Your disability attorney will help you gather and compile extensive medical evidence from a doctor, specialist, or any other licensed or certified medical source supporting your severe impairment. Your disability lawyer will ensure you provide extensive information on your medical conditions, treatments that you have received, hospitals or clinics that you have visited, and the names of your doctors and other healthcare providers that you have consulted or received treatment from.
Your Lawyer Will Recommend Strict Adherence To Treatment Recommendations Of Your Treating Doctors
One of the leading reasons for the denial of Social Security benefits is the failure to adhere to the treatment prescribed by your treating doctor. If you fail to follow the treatment prescribed to you by your doctors, the SSA will deny your claim for disability benefits. The main reason for this denial is that the SSA will not be able to determine whether your condition prevents you from being able to work or it’s your unwillingness to cooperate with the treatment prescribed.
One of the first things the SSA evaluates is whether you have sought treatment for your condition by consulting a physician or any other medical practitioner.
Your disability attorney will recommend you follow all of the recommendations made by your doctor, including taking medications as prescribed, attending all treatment appointments, and following any lifestyle change recommendations.
Adherence to your treatment plan strengthens the authenticity and credibility of your claim.
The SSA wants to ensure that you are doing everything you can to improve your condition. If you stray from your prescribed treatment, you could face an outright denial.
Your Disability Attorney Will Ensure You Provide A Complete Employment History
Your work history should include the names, addresses, and phone numbers of your current and previous employers, attendance records, and performance evaluations.
The length of time you need to have worked to qualify for SSDI benefits will vary depending on your age. The SSA quantifies your work history in terms of work credits. You acquire credits for paying social security taxes on your income.
Contact A Houston Disability Attorney Today
Most individuals who have navigated the Social Security disability benefits process will tell you that the best thing that you can do to improve your chances of winning is to hire a Social Security attorney. At Chermol And Fishman, our lawyers have the experience and skills to make a difference in your disability claim. They will go over every aspect of your case to ensure that you are on the right track. If your injury or disability prevents you from working, contact our disability law firm to learn more about your options for pursuing a Social Security Disability claim in Houston