What You Need to File a Social Security Disability Claim Appeal
Filing an appeal for a rejected disability claim can feel like a daunting process, but with proper preparation, you can reduce the stress, expedite the appeal, and increase your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.
The SSA website lists the following items as requirements for submitting an appeal for a claim that has been rejected for medical reasons:
1. Doctors, hospitals, medical treatments, and tests since you last gave us medical information
It’s important to provide detailed paperwork indicating what kind of treatment or test you received, who administered the treatment and when, and the results or outcomes. These records will be essential to the review process, showing that your condition is an ongoing impairment that prevents your ability to work.
2. Medicines you are currently taking
Taking medication can become such a normal part of everyday life, it’s easy to forget the details, including over-the-counter products. The person reconsidering your claim, however, needs to understand the extent of your pharmaceutical treatment and see that you’ve been following your doctor’s recommendations to improve your condition to the best of your ability. Since some necessary medications cause side effects that may affect your ability to work, it’s important to note those details as well.
3. Changes in your medical conditions, daily activities, work, and education
Since filing your original appeal, your condition may have worsened or changed, impacting your ability to participate in work and other life activities. Clearly, if conditions have worsened, SSA needs to understand that. But even if your condition has improved in some ways, you’re not necessarily at a dead end. Remember, the reconsideration process involves an entirely new set of eyes that will examine all of your information together. With proper documentation and, if you choose, expert legal representation, you will improve your chances of receiving benefits.
4. Supporting documents including forms, medical reports, and written statements
Aside from all of your official forms and reports, you will want to provide written statements from people who can bear witness to your medical situation. This may include detailed statements from your doctor, who can provide extensive detail about how your condition impacts your ability to work, or letters from employers who have firsthand experience with the effects of your impairment.
The appeals process can be complex and time-consuming, but with help from an experienced attorney who can help you gather and submit evidence, you will increase your chances of winning the appeal. Don’t give up! For more information, contact us at (419) 524-6682 or use the form to the right.
