This is the first day of my blog. I will attempt to give some general tips that can help you win your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income Claim.
Tip: Make sure you give all of your relevant medical evidence to Social Security or if you have a lawyer give it to him\her.
Even if you have a lawyer, it is important to help the lawyer get your medicals records. Many times doctors will ignore letters from lawyers. So, if your attorney is having trouble getting your records, take it upon yourself to request them from the doctor. When you request you medical records, you will want your treatment notes, any tests performed (MRI, XRAY, blood work, etc.), possibly a report, and maybe most importantly a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form.
Tip: An RFC form will show how your medical conditions limit you in doing certain things. Make sure you get one from YOUR doctor.
You can get the form from either your attorney or your Social Security local office. Some attorneys have specific RFCs for particular conditions. Bring these RFCs to your doctors preferably on a scheduled appointment.
There are many types of RFCs. Social Security generally uses a physical RFC or Mental RFC. Physical RFCs go to the doctor treating you for your physical conditions and a mental RFC would go to your Psychiatrist if you suffer from a mental condition. A physical RFC will show the doctors opinion of things like how much you can lift, how long you can stand, limitations in using your hands and many other physical limitations. A mental RFC will show the doctors opinion of how you are limited in things like ability to complete tasks, get along with supervisors or co workers and too many other areas to list here.
Why are RFCs important? Because Social Security bases its decision larglely upon these forms. If you don't have an RFC from your treating doctors, then the only RFCs in your file will be from Social Security employees and Consultative doctors that Social Security has you examined by. I will explain in later posts how these RFC forms are used to determine if you are disabled. I have run out of time but I will try to post some tips as often as possible.
