Noteboom The Law Firm

Documenting Your Disability

On the road to getting disability benefits, having your doctor on your side is a big advantage. In fact, it can sometimes be the key to getting approved by the Social Security Administration. For this reason, you should be sure your doctor is properly recording your medical status and treatments.

It does not make sense, but some doctors agree with you that you cannot work while you are in their office, and then do not note this fact when filling out paperwork. Even worse, they might write that they think you can work, even though they do not tell you that.

This is unfortunate because the medical records you provide during the disability claims process are often the deciding factor in your case. There are typically few other documents that you will submit, so anything you provide should prove without a doubt that you cannot work. A vague answer or one that flat out says you are not disabled according to them can be devastating to your case.

Some people have no problem getting their doctor to record their disabilities on paper, but when it comes to court, the doctor refuses to testify. There are a few reasons for this:

• The doctor does not think the patient is completely disabled
• The doctor simply does not want to go to court or get too involved in cases
• He or she is too busy to go to court

In any case, if your doctor refuses to support you after you submit the documents, you have the option to get another physician. In fact, it is encouraged that you do so. This is also true if your doctor immediately says that you are not disabled, when indeed you are. In that case, you have a right to respectfully disagree, thank the doctor for stating an honest opinion right away, and then find a new physician.

You deserve a medical professional who will assist you in properly documenting your condition.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.