Denied Disability? 4 Tips To Help With The Appeals Process

Preparing for the appeals process after applying for disability is critical, because the odds are low that you will win your case initially. Staying on top of your paperwork during the appeals process and asking people who know your case for support can give you a better chance at a successful appeal.

Submit Your Appeal Promptly

While you are waiting to receive your initial disability determination, you should be prepared for filing an appeal by familiarizing yourself with the appeals process. You should be ready to submit your appeal promptly once you receive a denial letter. You only have 60 days after a denial to appeal and it is easy for time to run out, or to lose paperwork. If you do not appeal within the specified period, you will have to start the process from the beginning.

The appeals process has many levels, and you may need to appeal multiple times before reaching a satisfactory result. Immediately consult a lawyer if you decide to appeal, because you will need to spend time discussing your case with your lawyer, and they will want to order copies of medical records before the scheduled hearing. Since you have no way of knowing how much time you have between submitting your appeal and having your hearing scheduled, you want to continue reading more about the process and give your lawyer as much time to prepare as possible.

Do Follow Up After You Appeal

Since the appeals process is time sensitive, make sure you follow up with your local agency once you have submitted your appeal. You want to make sure they have received your notice of appeal, and have the necessary information before the deadline. You do not want to be in a position of losing your disability appeal, simply because the necessary documents did not arrive in time. This will allow you sufficient time to send documents again if they become lost, and possibly send them by registered mail to ensure their arrival.

Ask Your Doctors For Letters

Ask any medical professionals who manage your health for a letter to help explain your condition. Letters from various medical professionals may be helpful because each person can discuss your health from a different perspective. For example, a specialist is better able to explain how a specific condition affects your ability to work and do routine tasks. Your primary care doctor can explain your overall health and how multiple medical or psychiatric conditions influence your daily functioning. This information is usually more detailed than what can be inferred from reading medical records or test results.

Have Your Caregivers At Your Hearing

The opportunity for anyone other than your lawyer to talk at your hearing is purely up to the judge who is assigned to your case. If you have any people who act as caregivers, it can be beneficial if they are willing to attend the hearing and speak on your behalf. Letters from medical professionals and your medical records will usually weigh heavier in the decision, but information from caregivers can be important.

Your caregivers can explain how they help you and if routine tasks cause you difficulty. This information can give the judge an accurate indication of what goes on inside your home and the amount of help you may need regularly. Even if you do not have a regular caregiver, someone who lives with you can provide insight into your limitations, pain or side effects from treatments.

The appeals process for disability can bring uncertainty and often requires multiple attempts. Although there is no guaranteed way to win your case, there are ways you can ensure your appeal goes as smoothly as possible. The more people you have who are willing to support you throughout the appeals process, the better your opportunity to show the judge accurate information about your health and limitations.