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Credibility at a Disability Hearing

If you make a claim for disability benefits, you should know that the Social Security Administration (SSA) may focus on your credibility to determine if you are eligible. If you have a history of making inconsistent statements or seek different medical treatments than what you claim, a Social Security disability lawyer in Augusta can explain how this may harm your claim.

 

Factors in Evaluating Credibility

Any of your statements and medical records may be evaluated for credibility. Some common factors and pieces of evidence that a Social Security disability lawyer in Augusta will review to help determine credibility include:

  • Results of medical examinations and tests
  • Health care provider diagnosis and medical opinions
  • Your medical history, treatment, and responses
  • Prior work record and your work abilities
  • Your daily activities
  • Any statements you make to Social Security Administrator interviewers

Why Consistency Is Important

A Social Security disability attorney in Augusta can explain that perhaps the strongest indication of your credibility is making consistent statements about your condition and how it impacts your life.

The SSA will examine things like whether your claims about your impairment are consistent with the results of your medical examinations. A Social Security disability lawyer in Augusta will explain that the SSA is also interested in how your statements have changed over time. This can include an evolving impairment where your symptoms become more severe. Keep in mind that the SSA will also examine statements you made in connection with other benefits such as workers’ compensation and any claims against private insurance companies.

Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Augusta

The process to collect disability benefits can be very complex and difficult. As a result, you will want to work with a Social Security disability attorney in Augusta to learn your options and ability to collect.

To get started on your case, you will want an experienced Social Security disability attorney in Augusta to examine the specific facts and circumstances of your claim. Contact us today.