Tips for Getting SSDI Disability. Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be frustrating and takes a lot of time. Unfortunately, Social Security denies a lot of applications. In some cases, it can take several months to years before a case is approved. However, you can follow some tips that can help you.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 1: Understanding what you are applying for
Social Security offers two different types of disability benefits. First, Social Security offers disability insurance benefits (SSDI) for people who have worked. You must have earned enough work credits to apply for SSDI benefits. Second, Social Security offers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for people who meet certain financial requirements. You must be of low income, assets and resources to apply. Both types of benefits require that your medical conditions keep you from working for at least 12 months. You cannot file for SSDI or SSI if you are still working.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 2: Understand the disability process
The disability application process can take several months before you receive a decision. Therefore, you should file your application as soon as you can’t work. Your local Social Security office processes your application. However, they do not make any decisions on your claim. Instead, your claim is sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS assigns a claims adjudicator. The claims adjudicator will:
Gather your medical records
Send you additional forms
Schedule an appointment with a Social Security doctor if necessary
Once DDS receives all of your medical records, a Social Security doctor reviews your file. They determine what you can do despite your medical impairments, known as your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC determines whether you qualify for disability benefits.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 3: Be prepared when filing your application
Naturally, disability applications require a lot of information. Providing complete information gives you a better chance of winning your case. Most importantly, you should provide all of your medical treatment information on your application. This should include all doctors you have seen for the conditions interfering with your ability to work. It should also include any emergency room or hospital visits. However, you should only provide treatment information for the time that you have been unable to work.
Providing your work history
You will also need to provide your work history. Social Security only requires your work history for the last 15 years. You should provide a clear description of your past work. Social Security may deny your case if they don’t categorize your past work accurately. This work history should include:
The date you last worked
The name of your previous employers
Your job title
The dates that you approximately worked for each employer
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 4: Getting your doctor to complete an RFC form
Your treating doctors should complete an RFC form even if you think your medical evidence is strong. Many times, medical records don’t clearly translate how your symptoms cause problems doing things. Your doctor’s RFC form should be as detailed as possible. It should include both physical and mental limitations. A simple statement that you cannot work will not be enough.
Generally, Social Security disability requires that your medical conditions keep you from working at all. However, Social Security uses a chart called the Medical-Vocational guidelines to evaluate your disability claim. These guidelines are known as the “grid rules”. The grid rules make it easier for older people to win their case. Typically, if you are over the age of 50, the grid rules can allow Social Security to approve your case even if you can do other work. The rules are even more favorable if you are over age 55.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 6: Stay in Treatment
You must provide proof that your medical conditions interfere with your ability to work. Therefore, you need to see your doctors regularly for your conditions. If you don’t see your doctors, Social Security can’t evaluate your conditions. Additionally, you should follow all recommendations and take medications as prescribed. If you don’t follow your doctors’ recommendations, Social Security could deny your case.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 7: Get Treatment with Specialists
Typically, you should be in treatment with specialists. Frequently, records kept by specialists record your symptoms and problems better than a primary doctor. They focus on specific information that Social Security needs to approve your disability benefits. This can include special tests or examinations. It can also include your doctor’s opinion to explain how your conditions impact your functioning. This can especially be true for any mental health impairments. Generally, receiving medication from your primary doctor will not be enough to document your mental health conditions.
Check on the Status of Your Claim
Checking on the status of your claim can be important. It allows you to make sure Social Security handles your case properly. You can check to make sure your doctors’ records were received. You should confirm that they received any forms you completed. Lastly, it ensures that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Appeal Denials
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability. Social Security often denies claims. You should appeal any denials. Re-filing a new application doesn’t help getting approved for benefits. It only can delay the appeals process. Frequently, Social Security denies you for the same reasons. Your changes for getting approved improve when you appeal an unfavorable decision. In fact, most cases have the best chance for approval at the hearing level.
Work With a Disability Advocate
Navigating the Social Security disability process can be overwhelming and exhausting. Social Security requires a lot of information and paperwork. Working with an experienced disability advocate ensures that Social Security gets the information they need to process your claim. You disability advocate walks you the process and answers all of your questions. They regularly check on the status of your case, files any necessary appeals, valuable advantage at the hearing level.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Crohn’s Disease Work Restrictions. Crohn’s disease can cause debilitating symptoms. Some people can effectively control their Crohn’s disease with medications. However, others continue to have ongoing and severe symptoms despite treatment. If your Crohn’s disease symptoms keep you from working, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Crohn’s Disease Symptoms
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation in your digestive tract. This can cause abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. Crohn’s disease can also cause bowel obstructions. These symptoms can often fluctuate between periods of inactivity and flare-ups. Similar conditions include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Getting Disability for Crohn’s Disease
Social Security considers severe Crohn’s disease a significant impairment. However, you must show that have severe symptoms. They must interfere with your normal daily activities. Additionally, your Crohn’s disease must keep you from working for at least 12 months.
Social Security’s Listing for Crohn’s Disease
Social Security provides a listing of impairments, known as the “Blue Book”. The Blue Book provides specific conditions that you must meet to qualify for disability benefits. Social Security looks at Crohn’s disease under Listing 5.06 for inflammatory bowel disease.
Meeting Listing 5.06
First, you must have a diagnosis of IBD or Crohn’s. Next, Social Security breaks down the listing into an either/or requirement. To meet the listing, your Crohn’s may meet the listing under either 5.06A or 5.06B.
Under 5.06A, you must have a bowel obstruction in the small intestine or colon with dilation and swelling. Additionally, Social Security requires:
A hospitalization for surgery at least two times
At least 60 days apart
Within a consecutive 6 month period
Example 1: meeting listing 5.06A
For example, your Crohn’s disease has caused a bowel obstruction in January. You have been hospitalized and had to have surgery. You have another bowel obstruction in April, requiring another hospitalization and surgery. Since, you had two hospitalizations and surgeries within a 6 month consecutive period, you may meet Listing 5.06A.
Crohn’s Disease Work Restrictions: Listing 5.06B
Alternatively, your Crohn’s disease may meet the listing under 5.06B. This requires that you meet two conditions. You must also meet two of these conditions within a consecutive 6 month period.
Severe anemia with hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL in two blood tests 60 days apart
Low levels of serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less two times 60 days apart
A tender abdominal mass with abdominal pain and cramping not controlled by prescribed pain medication, present on two exams at least 60 days apart
Perineal disease with an abscess or fistula with pain not controlled by pain medication at least two times 60 days apart
Involuntary weight loss of at least 10% on two exams at least 60 days apart
The need for a feeding tube or feeding by central venous catheter
What if my Crohn’s disease doesn’t meet listing 5.06?
You may still qualify for disability benefits if you don’t meet the listing. Next, Social Security considers your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is what you can do despite your conditions. Particularly, Social Security considers:
How long you can sit, stand or walk at one time or in an 8 hour work day
How much weight you can lift or carry
If pain, fatigue, other symptoms or side effects from medications cause limitations with concentration, persistence or pace
If you can show up to work consistently, arrive on time or have to leave early
Crohn’s Disease Work Restrictions
Crohn’s disease can cause difficulty holding on to a full-time job. The pain may interfere with your ability to bend, squat or lift and carry items. Your symptoms may cause problems staying in one position to perform work for long periods of time. You may also need to take frequent trips to the bathroom. This can result in problems getting your work done. You may also have to call out of work frequently during flare-ups.
Example 2: Crohn’s disease work restrictions
For example, Joe’s Crohn’s disease causes nearly daily abdominal pain. He also uses the bathroom frequently due to bouts of diarrhea. Joe often has to leave his work station to use the bathroom. He has to call out several times a month due to flare-ups. Social Security finds that employers would unlikely keep Joe as an employee due to his frequent and severe symptoms. Therefore, Joe qualifies for Social Security disability due to his Crohn’s disease.
Documenting your Crohn’s Work Restrictions
Social Security needs a record of your medical evidence. This includes clinical and laboratory findings. It should also include imaging studies. For example, you should provide endoscopy or colonoscopy reports, CAT scans and/or MRIs. You should also provide any operative reports. Additionally, Social Security looks at your treatment and your response to treatment. You should see your doctor regularly and follow all treatment recommendations. You must have ongoing and consistent treatment in order for Social Security to approve your disability claim.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Filing for Social Security disability benefits can be overwhelming. There is a lot of paperwork. Unfortunately, Social Security only approves approximately 35% of claims. There are some things you can do to help get approved for disability benefits.
Make sure your application is complete
Before starting your disability application, make sure that you’re prepared. Social Security needs quite a bit of information to process your claim. Social Security has a checklist that you can follow. An experienced disability advocate can help you prepare filing your disability claim. Your chances improve when you give Social Security complete information. Missing information can often lead to a denial.
What information do I need to complete my application?
Most importantly, you must provide your doctors’ information and work history. You should provide all of the doctors you’ve seen since you stopped working or became unable to work. Medical information should also include any emergency room visits or hospital admissions. Additionally, you must provide your work history. Social Security only asks for jobs you’ve done in the last 15 years.
Getting approved for disability benefit by cooperating with Social Security
You need to cooperate with Social Security to be approved for disability benefit, should go to any medical appointments Social Security schedules. You will have forms to complete. These forms ask questions about your daily activities. They also ask for additional information about your past work. Often, Social Security will deny you if you don’t complete these forms. They will also deny you if you don’t go to any medical examinations. Correspondingly, you want to give Social Security a clear description of your past work. Social Security may deny your case if they don’t categorize your past work properly.
Example 1: How to be approved for disability benefits
Imagine, George filed for disability benefits. On his application, he listed his past work as a supervisor in a warehouse. Social Security needed more information about his job duties. Particularly, they needed to know if he hired or fired other employees. George provided a detailed description of his job. Social Security could properly categorize his past work. Based on the additional information, Social Security approved George’s disability benefits.
Maintain medical treatment
You must provide medical evidence to document any problems related to your medical conditions. You must show that your symptoms cause a serious problem in your functioning. Therefore, you should see your doctors regularly for all of your medical conditions. You should also make sure to follow all of your doctor’s treatment recommendations. This includes taking medications as prescribed. It also includes attending all appointments. Lastly, it can include following any lifestyle change recommendations.
Getting approved for disability benefits with the right medical evidence
Generally, medical evidence includes your doctor’s treatment notes, test results and imaging. As a rule, you should be in treatment with specialists. Frequently, records kept by specialists record your symptoms and problems better than a primary doctor. They focus on specific information that Social Security needs to approve your disability benefits. This can include special tests or examinations. It can also include your doctor’s opinion to explain how your conditions impact your functioning. Typically, your doctor can provide an opinion with a residual functional capacity or RFC form.
Example 2: how to be approved for disability benefits
Namely, Ashley suffers from depression and low back pain. She sees a psychiatrist and therapist regularly. They document that Ashley’s depression continue despite regular therapy and medications. She also sees an orthopedist for her back pain. Her orthopedist ordered MRIs and x-rays of her back documenting degenerative disc disease. Treatment notes also show serious problems with her range of motion. Both doctors provide RFC forms showing Ashley’s depression and pain cause significant problems with her functioning. Social Security reviews all of her evidence and finds that she can no longer work. Ashley is approved for disability benefits.
Follow up on the status of your disability claim
Checking on the status of your disability claim allows you to make sure Social Security handles your case properly. It lets you know if Social Security doesn’t have important medical records. You can confirm that they received your completed forms. It also ensures that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
File appeals
You may think filing a new claim can be better than appealing a denied claim. Rather, you should appeal any denials. Re-filing doesn’t help getting approved for benefits. This only delays the appeals process. Social Security could deny you for the same reasons. Your chances for getting disability benefits improve when you appeal any denials. This can be especially true if you have to request a disability hearing.
Getting approved for disability benefits with a disability advocate
Hiring an experienced disability advocate can increase your chances of getting approved for disability benefits. First, a disability advocate helps you with your disability application or appeal. They can make sure that you provide all important information to Social Security. Second, your disability advocate explains the process. They know what it takes to get a claim approved. Lastly, they file any necessary appeals. Working with a disability advocates gives you an advantage at the hearing level. Your disability advocate prepares you for hearing. They also review your file. They help get any additional evidence that you may need to get approved for disability benefits.
Disability Help Group: Winning case study
To enumerate, Robert filed an application for disability benefits. He was unable to work after he suffered a stroke. Robert was denied for disability benefits. Ultimately, he had to file a request for hearing. Robert hired Disability Help Group (DHG) for assistance. His DHG advocate reviewed his file. Based on the medical records, she submitted a brief to the judge with reasons why Robert should be approved for disability benefits. The judge agreed and approved Robert’s case.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
What is a Residual Functional Capacity Form? Residual functional capacity (RFC) forms can help support your Social Security disability claim. RFC forms explain how your symptoms impact your ability to perform work activities. Social Security does not award benefits on your diagnosis alone. Therefore, you must show that your medical conditions keep you from being able to work.
What is my residual functional capacity?
Residual functional capacity (RFC) is defined as the most you can do despite your medical impairments. An RFC can include both mental and physical limitations. Your RFC is very important. First, Social Security looks at whether your condition meets one of the medial listings. Most conditions won’t be severe enough to meet one of the medical listings. Therefore, Social Security needs to look at your residual functional capacity.
How does Social Security use residual functional capacity forms?
An RFC form helps Social Security understand how your conditions impact your ability to perform activities. The forms are used by SSA’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) office to process your claim. A Social Security medical consultant reviews your medical records. They complete an RFC form based on the information they have. Additionally, they will provide an explanation for their findings. Next, Social Security looks at whether or not your RFC lets them approve your claim.
Physical Residual Functional Capacity forms
A physical RFC form includes questions about your ability to do things like:
How long you can sit, stand or walk at one time or in an 8 hour work day
How much weight you can lift or carry
If you need an assistive device such as a cane, walker, wheelchair or crutches
Using your arms and hands for activities such as reaching, pushing, pulling, gripping or grasping objects
If pain, fatigue, other symptoms or side effects from medications cause limitations with concentration, persistence or pace
Mental Residual Functional Capacity Forms
A mental RFC form includes questions about your ability to do things like:
Your ability to understand, remember or carry out instructions or interact with others such as supervisors, co-workers or the general public
Your ability to maintain attention and concentration
If your symptoms interfere with your ability to show up to work, arrive on time or have to leave early
Residual Functional Capacity forms for your doctors
Your treating doctors may also complete an RFC form. Having your doctor complete an RFC form can be very helpful. After all, they should know more about your health than anyone else. An RFC form should be very detailed. It should include all your medical symptoms and conditions. It should also include all of your treatment and any side effects from medications.
The importance of residual functional capacity forms
Social Security considers more than just your diagnosis. They need to understand how your conditions affect your functioning. Therefore, even if you think your medical evidence is strong, RFC forms can help strengthen your case. Many times, medical records do not clearly translate how your symptoms impact your functioning. Specifically, your doctor’s RFC form can:
Provide your treating doctor’s opinion about how significantly your conditions impact your functioning
Provide your doctor’s opinion in the specific way Social Security evaluates functioning
Can help win your disability case especially if you are appearing before an Administrative Law Judge
How a residual functional capacity form can help win your case
Social Security considers your age, education and work background when evaluating your claim. If you are under the age of 50, you must show that you cannot work at all. Social Security will consider other types of work, not just the work you have done in the past. An RFC form can help explain why you may not be able to work on a full time basis.
Example 1: Residual functional capacity forms
For example, say you are under the age of 50 and worked before as a cashier. You have a back injury that interferes with your ability to do this type of work. You also have side effects from your medications that make you drowsy. In an RFC form, your doctor states that you cannot sit for more than 4 hours or stand or walk for more than 2 hours in a work day. Your doctor also states that you have problems with attention and focus due to your medications. These limitations help support your disability claim because it shows that you could not work a full 8 hour day.
Residual functional capacity forms and the Grid Rules
Social Security recognizes that it may be harder for older individuals to learn new work. Therefore, there are more favorable rules for people 50 or older. These rules are known as the Grid Rules. They are even more favorable if you are 55 or older. Essentially, the Grid Rules consider your age, education and work background. If Social Security finds that you can’t go back to work you’ve done in the past 15 years, you might be disabled.
Example 2: Residual functional capacity forms and the Grid Rules
For example, Ellen, a 53 year old woman previously worked as a cashier. She filed for disability because she developed osteoarthritis in her knees. She can no longer stand or walk for long periods of time. In an RFC form, her doctor stated that shecould not stand or walk for more than 2 hours a day but can sit for at least 6 hours a day. Her doctor also reported that she needed a cane when walking. She cannot work as a cashier. Even though she can do seated work, the Grid Rules allowed Social Security to approve her case.
Example 3: Residual functional capacity forms and the Grid Rules
In another example, Adam, a 57 year old, previously worked as a janitor. His job required him to lift and carry over 50 pounds occasionally. Adam injured his back and can no longer perform his job duties. In an RFC form, Adam’s doctor reported that Adam could not lift more than 20 pounds. He also reported that Adam could only stand or walk for 4 hours a day. Even though Adam could do other work, the Grid Rules allowed Social Security to approve his case.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Autism Disability Allowance, Social Security considers autism and autism spectrum disorders as potentially disabling conditions. Autism can cause problems with social functioning and affect your ability to communicate with others. You or your child may qualify for Social Security disability benefits for autism.
Autism Disability Allowance for Adults and Children
Adults may apply for Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSD). They may also apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Unlike adults, children can only apply for SSI benefits. You must have earned enough Social Security work credits to apply for SSD benefits. Unlike SSDI, you do not need to have worked to file for SSI. However, you must meet certain financial requirements. Social Security looks at parents’ income for children’s SSI benefits. Unfortunately, a disabled child can’t apply for SSI if their parents have too much income.
Autism Disability Allowance for Disabled Adult Children
Adult children could qualify for SSD benefits based on their parent’s earnings record. Social Security considers someone a disabled adult child if:
You are over the age of 18
Not married
Disability that began before you were 22 and one of your parents receives Social Security benefits or is deceased
Social Security Disability: Autism Spectrum
Social Security evaluates claims using the “Blue Book”. The Blue Book includes a listing of impairments. Generally, to qualify under the Blue Book, you must meet certain conditions. Social Security considers autism under listing 12.10 for adults and 112.10 for children.
Social Security’s Listing 12.10 and 112.10 “Autism spectrum disorder”
First, the listing requires that you have all of the following documented in your records:
Problems in verbal and nonverbal communication
Problems in social interaction
Significantly restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities
Second, you must show one extreme limitation or two marked limitations in the following areas:
Understanding, remembering or applying information
Interacting with others
Concentrating, persisting or maintaining pace
Adapting or managing oneself
“Marked” means having a serious limitation in that area of functioning. “Extreme” means not being able to function in that area at all.
What if my child’s autism doesn’t meet the listing?
Your child’s autism may not meet the disability listing. Fortunately, Social Security can still approve them for benefits another way. Social Security will consider all of your child’s limitations. Specifically, they look at six areas of functioning or domains. Your child still must have at least one extreme limitation. Alternatively, they can have two marked limitations. These areas of functioning include:
Acquiring and Using Information – how your child understands and remembers information, learning new information and recalling and applying previously learned information
Attending and Completing Tasks – how your child pays attention, follows instructions, taking turns, finishing class work or homework, working at a reasonable pace
Interacting and Relating with Others – how your child plays with other children, expresses anger, takes turns, understands body language and social cues
Moving About and Manipulating Objects – how your child manages physical activities such as standing, balancing, running, jumping, using their hands and hand-eye coordination
Caring for Himself or Herself – how your child handles frustration, takes care of personal hygiene, avoiding dangerous circumstances, and responding to changes in their mood
Health and Physical Well-being – specific medical conditions like asthma or depression, side effects from medications or other symptoms or anything else that would cause problems functioning
What you need for an autism disability allowance
Social Security needs evidence to evaluate your child’s functioning. Evidence includes records from pediatricians, therapists and other medical professionals. Often, Social Security asks your child’s teachers to complete a questionnaire. Social Security can also consider other evidence. For example, attendance reports, report cards and other school documents might be helpful. This may include Individual Education Plans or IEPs. Your disability advocate will tell you what evidence would be helpful.
Autistic Disability Allowance for Adults
If you don’t meet the listing, Social Security considers your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is what you can do despite your symptoms. Particularly, Social Security looks at how your autism affects your ability to work. Therefore, you have to show how your conditions keep you from working.
Autism and your RFC
Proving disability in autistic adults can be challenging. This can be especially true if you have worked in the past. However, the right documentation can support your case. Your doctor should complete an RFC form. Your doctor can help explain how severe your symptoms are. There are also agencies that help disabled adults. For example, evaluation from the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) can explain the problems you are facing in the work place. DVR helps place disabled adults in jobs. Therefore, they can provide specific limitations you would have at work.
Disability Help Group: Winning Autism Disability Allowance Case Study
For example, John is 23 years old, diagnosed with autism. He was in special education classes in school. He has not been able to work. John tried filing for SSI benefits due to his autism. Unfortunately, he was denied. He then turned to Disability Help Group for help. On his advocate’s advice, he talked to his doctor. His doctor provided an RFC form explaining John’s problems interacting with others and his problems concentrating. His advocate was also able to get John’s school records, including his IEPs. John had some testing with his local DVR. The testing showed that John could not perform any job duties without close and frequent supervision. Social Security determined that John could not work in full time competitive jobs. As a result, he was approved for Social Security disability.
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If you can’t work due to any disability call Disability Help Group now to start your claim or appeal your denial. Call now or fill out the contact form to Contact us for a free consultation.
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