The Social Security Administration initially denies many disability applications for musculoskeletal disorders and then later approves musculoskeletal disorder disability claims on appeal. Often, the applicant’s condition has not changed significantly. Instead, the information the applicant provides to the Social Security Administration improves and the Social Security Administration corrects earlier eligibility errors.
Why You Want to Avoid a Social Security Disability Appeal
Getting your Social Security disability application approved on appeal is better than not getting your claim approved at all. However, appeals result in extra cost, stress, and a delay in getting benefits. You likely want to avoid paying for an appeal, the stress of not knowing whether your claim will be approved, and the delay in getting monthly payments, if possible.
If your initial Social Security disability application is approved, then you won’t have to file an appeal. An experienced Social Security disability lawyer can complete an application on your behalf to help you maximize your chances of getting your application approved without going through the appeals process.
Tips for Submitting a Strong Musculoskeletal Disorder Social Security Disability Application
Your Social Security disability lawyer will put together a strong initial disability application by:
- Considering whether you meet any of the musculoskeletal listings in the Blue Book Listing of Impairments. Section 1.00 of the Blue Book Listing of Impairments includes disorders of the skeletal spine and musculoskeletal disorders of the upper and lower extremities. These impairments include medical problems involving joints, muscles, and bones.
- Being prepared for the application process. Preparation includes gathering documentation, which will be discussed below, and preparing for any questions raised by the Social Security claims representative assigned to your claim. That way, you won’t be caught off guard by a question or forget to include information relevant to your claim.
- Talking to your doctor. Your medical records should be truthful and accurate accounts of your condition, as recorded by health care professionals. Talk to your doctor to ensure that your reported pain and limitations on activities of daily living are included in your medical file.
- Gathering all relevant evidence and documentation. Evidence and documentation include your medical records dating back to when you first began exhibiting disability symptoms.
- Clearly presenting information, evidence, and documentation. All questions on the application must be answered, and many of the answers require detail. An application with relevant and easy to understand information rather than simple answers may improve your chances of success.
- Include all of your physical and mental diagnoses. Sometimes all of your diagnoses together make you more likely to be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
- Provide details about your education and work history. If the Social Security Administration needs to consider your residual functional capacity, then your education and work history are relevant. The Social Security Administration needs a clear understanding of what you did in previous jobs to determine if you can work. Therefore, it’s essential to include information such as how long you worked at the job, whether you managed other people, the physical effort required to do the job, the mental capacity required to do the job, how much time you spent sitting, standing, walking, and lifting, how many hours a week you worked, whether you had any special accommodations while working the job, and why you left the job.
You Can Afford a Social Security Disability Lawyer
Without knowing your personal financial situation, we can confidently say that you can afford to hire a Social Security disability attorney.
Federal law regulates Social Security disability legal fees. You won’t owe our Boston-area Social Security disability attorneys any money upfront, and we will only be paid if your Social Security disability claim is successful. Then, we are paid a percentage of your back Social Security disability benefits that can’t exceed an amount set up by federal law.
We invite you to learn more about how our Social Security disability legal team may be able to help you with your musculoskeletal disability claim. Please call, start a live chat, or complete our online contact form today to learn more.
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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