Five Tips To Increase The Chances Of Your Disability Claim Being Approved
Making a disability claim of any kind can be nerve-wracking. You really need the money and benefits you're applying for to pay bills and cover medical expenses, and you've heard about the many individuals whose claims are denied for seemingly silly reasons. Though there is really no way to guarantee your claim will be approved, there are ways to increase your chances of approval. Here's a look.
Work with a lawyer from the get-go.
Many people assume that they can handle the process of applying for disability on their own. Then, they only begin working with a lawyer after their claim is denied and they need to re-apply. Since there are so many intricacies to applying for disability, you're best off just working with a lawyer from the very beginning. They'll make sure your forms are all filled out properly and that any supplemental information that might help your claim is included.
Be honest.
Of course you would never outright lie on your application, but you would not be the first person to exaggerate certain problems or circumstances with the thought that doing so will increase your chances of approval. The problem with this strategy is that, before approving applications, government agencies (and insurance companies) often do their own investigation. If this investigation reveals a situation that's even slightly different from the situation you've described in your application, it will cast doubt on the validity of your claim and lead to a denial. Resist the urge to exaggerate—it does more harm than good.
Use concise, indisputable language.
When detailing your injuries and circumstances, be sure to use direct language. Include useful details, but make sure you eliminate anything irrelevant. This ensures that anyone reading your application does not skim past important, relevant information because it was buried between sentences that they felt were not pertinent.
For example, this sentence is overly wordy: "I drove to work in by Cobalt on Monday, March 5th and I think I got there a little late that day because it was snowing. It was definitely around 8:15 when I walked up to the front door, and then my feet just skidded out from under me and I fell on the ice." A more concise, direct way to present this information would be: "On March 5th, I arrived late to work at 8:15 am due to snowy conditions. I fell on some ice outside the front door."
Include detailed documentation of thorough medical treatment.
If you refuse medical treatment that your doctor recommends, or if you don't include documentation of all treatment you've received, your claim may be denied because the board assumes you're not as badly injured as you're claiming. So, at least until your claim is approved, it's important to follow your doctor's treatment guidelines to a T. Before you leave an appointment, always ask for a detailed document describing the treatment you received, its purpose, and its cost. Include all of these forms in your application, even if they are not specifically requested.
Adhere to your doctor's restrictions.
As mentioned above, government agencies and insurance companies are notorious for "checking up" on those who have made disability claims. If you are seen pulling a wagon down the sidewalk after you've made a claim for a back injury, for example, this may suggest that you're not as injured as you're claiming and lead to denial of your claim. So, until your claim is approved, make sure you adhere closely to any activity restrictions put into place by your doctor—even if you begin feeling better and think you can handle more.
Make sure you also avoid posting anything about your claim or injury on social media. Even a seemingly harmless photo of you holding your child could be used to make the argument that, if you can lift them, your back must not truly be injured.
To learn more about filing a disability claim that's less likely to be denied, speak with your attorney.