Last week, we shared a few things you should not do after your Social Security Disability claim has been denied. Although the prospect of an SSD appeal can be very daunting, it is important to stay focused and dedicated so that you are able to receive the Social Security Disability benefits that you need.
In our previous blog post, we stated that SSD applicants who have had their initial claims denied should not give up, miss the deadline for filing their appeal, reapply for SSD benefits instead of pursuing their appeal, or fail to provide the administrative law judge hearing your appeal with enough information.
In addition, you should make sure to keep copies of all applications, medical and other records and completed forms. This will allow you to have them on hand and provide them quickly if a SSD official should request them at any point during your appeal.
It is also important to provide updates to the California disability office with any changes in your medical condition. This includes major developments such as a new diagnosis or treatment plan, or routine occurrences such as doctor visits and standard tests.
At the same time, make sure that you do not underestimate the extent of your disability. According to David Bueltemann of Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security Disability representation, it is important to remain objective when evaluating your condition.
“A lot of people overlook the modifications they’ve made to their lives to cope with their disability. Because of this, they may say that their condition hasn’t changed at the appeal level,” he said. “That’s a mistake when something has changed, whether they are experiencing more pain, have been in the hospital again or have undergone additional tests.”
Source: Houston Chronicle, “Social Security Disability Appeals Reached New Record in 2011,” Feb. 7, 2011
