An important factor in your claim for Social Security disability benefits is how credible you are. One of the key ways this will be determined, your Augusta Social Security disability lawyer will tell you, is through the relevant medical evidence.
Looking at the Evidence
Medical symptoms usually can’t be measured quantifiably, but their effects can be recorded. Pain often manifests in muscle spasms, sensory deficits and reduced joint motion. If your medical records describe effects such as these, your Augusta Social Security disability lawyer will tell you that that your claims regarding pain are more credible.
If you are wondering what kinds of symptoms or information from your treating doctors would be important to include in your case, your Augusta Social Security disability law firm may be able to give you some ideas specific to your case. Here are some general ideas:
- How you condition has onset, and what are the locations and character of the symptoms;
- What are the aggravating factors, and what are the frequency and duration of your symptoms? Your Augusta Social Security disability lawyer might obtain this information from your doctor or directly from you;
- A record kept over time describing the treatment you have received and how successful or unsuccessful it has been. Your Augusta Social Security disability law firm might advise you to begin keeping this record before you begin your claim; and
- Information of any other impairments, such as mental impairments, that might account for your symptoms. Your Augusta Social Security disability lawyer will tell you that sometimes disability claimants have a multitude of impairments.
Pay Attention to History
You and your Augusta Social Security disability law firm will probably claim that you experience periods of intense pain or other symptoms. Your claim will be more credible if you can establish a medical record demonstrating that you have regularly sought treatment for your symptoms and have followed prescribed courses. This record might include, among other things, attempts to obtain pain relief, trying new medications, seeing specialists or changing your primary doctor. Your Augusta Social Security disability lawyer can tell you what you should be including in this record; in general, anything you have seen a doctor for.
It is important to note, as your Augusta Social Security disability lawyer will tell you, that your treatment should be consistent with the actual impairments you claim. If the records show you are not following treatment, you will be expected to show good reason.
Get the help you need from an Augusta Social Security disability lawyer when filling out your Social Security disability claim. Call us today.