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5 Tips For Strengthening Your North Carolina SSD Claim

  • By: David H. Lund, Esq.
  • Published: September 24, 2024

A person filling out a Social Security Disability Claim form symbolizing the North Carolina SSD claim - Lund Law Carolina What Issues Can Potentially Arise If Your Initial SSD Application Isn’t Presented Properly?

If your initial Social Security Disability (SSD) application isn’t properly presented, several issues can arise. Incomplete information about your work background or misunderstanding what Social Security needs to prove disability can carry through the entire application process. Misfiled forms during the initial stages can lead to misunderstandings later in your claim, which, in turn, cause delays and other complications. 

Why Is It Crucial To Maintain Regular Medical Treatment And Follow Prescribed Therapies?

Maintaining regular medical treatment and following prescribed therapies is crucial for several reasons. Without consistent medical evidence, you cannot document the extent of your disability, which significantly reduces your chances of approval for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Regular medical treatment provides essential documentation of the severity of the problems, the symptoms being dealt with, and the progression of the conditions.

Additionally, Social Security regulations require you to follow prescribed treatments. If a condition can be improved by taking appropriate medications or following therapies and you fail to do so, Social Security may deny your claim due to non-compliance with prescribed treatments.

How Can Detailed Personal Statements And Daily Activity Logs Support My Claim?

Detailed personal statements and daily activity logs are important in supporting a Social Security Disability (SSD) claim because they help illustrate the pattern and severity of your symptoms, especially for conditions that may not demand frequent medical visits.

For example, chronic headaches or seizure disorders might not always result in visiting the emergency room, but they still significantly impair daily functioning. Personal statements and logs can document the frequency, duration, and impact of these symptoms, providing a full view of how the conditions affect your daily life.

What Role Do Witness Statements Play In Bolstering My Disability Claim?

Witness statements are generally given less weight in the decision-making process compared to medical opinions, but nevertheless they can still be beneficial – namely by playing an invaluable role in supporting a disability claim by providing additional context and evidence of your condition and its impact on your daily life. For conditions like chronic headaches or seizure disorders, witness statements from individuals who have observed you can help describe the immediate effects on your life. For those dealing with mental health challenges, long-term acquaintances or family members can offer insights into your struggles and how your condition continues to affect you over time.

How Can I Ensure My Application And Supporting Documents Are Complete And Accurate?

Ensuring your application and supporting documents are complete and accurate is critical for a successful Social Security Disability claim. Consider these key steps to take as you begin filing documentation as part of your application:

Work With An Attorney From The Start

An attorney experienced in Social Security Disability cases can guide you through the process, helping you gather and present the necessary information accurately.

Review The Application Summary

After submitting your application, the Social Security Administration will send you a summary. Carefully review this summary to ensure all information is correct. This is an excellent opportunity to catch and correct any errors early on, preventing them from affecting your entire application process.

Communicate With Your Doctors Often

Regularly discuss with your doctors the things you are dealing with and how they impact your daily life. Ensure your medical records accurately reflect your condition and its effects on your ability to function.

What Type Of Medical Tests And Evaluations Are Most Persuasive To The SSA?

The most persuasive medical tests and evaluations to the Social Security Administration (SSA) are those that objectively demonstrate the severity of your condition. Here are some good examples.

Physical Claims

  • MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): These provide detailed images of organs and tissues, helping to identify abnormalities.
  • X-rays: Useful for diagnosing bone fractures, arthritis, and other skeletal issues.
  • EMGs (Electromyography): Measures muscle response to nerve stimulation, which is useful for diagnosing neuromuscular disorders.
  • Blood Work: Can identify a range of conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or infections.

Mental Health Claims

  • Neuropsychological Testing: Assesses cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, helping to diagnose conditions like dementia or brain injuries.
  • Memory Testing: Specifically evaluates the extent of memory impairment, which can be critical for claims involving mental health issues.

These objective tests provide tangible evidence of your medical condition, making them highly persuasive to the SSA when assessing your disability claim.

A Closing Thought

Medical treatment is an investment in yourself and your claim. See a doctor as soon as you can and continue to visit them. Consistently complain along the way. If you don’t have your complaints documented, you will struggle later in your claim.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Strengthening Your North Carolina SSD Claim, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (704) 412-4773 today.

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