The Importance of Seeing Doctors for your Social Security Disability Case

One of the questions I ask clients when I first speak to them is whether they are seeing doctors. If they are, great! If not, I tell them to start seeing doctors for their disability as soon as possible. The reason is simple: One of the main elements Social Security looks at when determining a claim is an applicant’s medical records. This is because it is a seemingly objective evaluation of your symptoms by a physician. It is easy for someone to say their back hurts, but an MRI with a doctor’s comments carries much more weight.

Unfortunately, and all too commonly, clients cannot afford to go to a doctor. This is a tough “chicken and egg” situation: Clients need Social Security Disability so they can afford medical treatment, but they need medical treatment to get Social Security Disability. There is no easy answer for Disability attorneys to give in this situation. There are clinics that offer less expensive treatment which may be helpful. Even one visit is better than nothing because Social Security needs to see some recent, tangible evidence of your disability.

So if you or someone you know is applying for Social Security Disability, try to see a doctor as soon as possible. This will increase your odds of a favorable decision and make life much easier for your Social Security Disability attorney!