Once you’ve decided to pursue a disability claim on behalf of your child for her skin condition, filling out the proper forms is only a small step toward getting it approved. Although accuracy and thoroughness can help your claim be taken seriously, in order for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine if your claim is eligible, proper evidence and documentation must also be included.
The SSA evaluates applicants’ claims based on the severity of each health condition. Therefore the SSA requires that medical documentation and evidence of severity be provided with each claim. If the documentation clearly shows that your child is unable to function normally and that his condition is bad enough to require extensive treatment, benefits will likely be approved.
However, a simple note from his doctor isn’t going to cut it. In order to be taken seriously and have the best chance for approval your claim needs to be overflowing with evidence.
Too Much Information Is Better Than Not Enough: Paperwork to Include in Your Claim
When it comes to childhood skin issues the SSA requires several types of documentation, evidential proof, and testimonies to make sure that the condition is severe enough to fulfill disability requirements. The SSA recommends that before filing, you and your disability attorney make sure the documentation is strong enough to back up your need for aid.
The three main documentation categories needed are: laboratory findings, testimonials, and hospital reports. Evidence taken from these three sources should include documented findings of the following:
- Onset and duration: When did the condition first start and how long has it been going on?
- Frequency of flare-ups: How often does it occur?
- Prognosis of your skin disorder: Doctor’s diagnosis, specialists’ insights, etc.
- Location. What part of the body does it affect?
- Size. Do the lesions change size? How large are they?
- Appearance of lesions: Descriptions or photographs of condition.
- History of exposure: Was he exposed to toxins, allergens, or irritants?
- Familial incidence: Is the condition genetic? Does anyone else in the family suffer from it?
- Seasonal variation: Does the issue change depending on the weather or season?
- Stress factors: Does the condition worsen with stress or anxiety?
- Ability to function outside of a highly protective environment: Statements from caregivers, teachers, etc., about the child’s behavior in social situations.
Perfecting Your Claim for the Benefits You Deserve
Although the SSA can help assist you with getting some of this evidence, it will still be up to you to arrange it and file it correctly. This is why it is important to have help accessing it and streamlining it into your application to make sure the SSA can understand it. That’s where we come in! We have extensive experience with accurately filing disability claims as well as the knowledge needed to ensure that your application isn’t lost in the shuffle.
Need more information about your disability rights? Please feel free to download our free guide on understanding disability, Five Most Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability. You’ll learn more about your rights and claim options and also see how our knowledge and experience can help you get the justice you deserve.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
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