Will a Disability attorney try to Help You get Your Medical Records for your SSD or SSI claim?Most disability attorneys and non-attorney reps will help you get your medical records. Oftentimes, claimants don't even know what medical information is necessary to win a claim, and it is this type of legal expertise that a legal representative can and should offer clients fighting for Social Security Disability (SSD) or SSI. However, before hiring a legal representative, be sure to ask what the policy is concerning medical records. Some representatives require their clients to pay the cost of obtaining the records up front, and this can be hard for disability applicants, who typically have an income that has already been significantly reduced, if not eliminated altogether, due to their medical condition. If the representative asks for money needed to obtain your medical records up front, this is not necessarily a negative reflection on his or her attitude toward clients. Rather, there are some firms who have hundreds of ongoing cases, and the cost of obtaining medical records for all of them would be prohibitive. There are some representatives, attorneys, and law firms who will assume the cost of obtaining medical records and agree to wait to be reimbursed until after the trial. However, keep in mind that this only postpones payment--win or lose, most fee agreements between disability attorneys and their clients specify that the claimant will pay the cost of obtaining medical records regardless of if the claim is won or lost. Read your agreement carefully before signing, so that you are aware of what your financial obligations will be when the case is done. If you absolutely do not wish to pay for the cost of getting your medical records, you can attempt to gather them yourself. Just be sure to ask your representative what he or she needs, and contact your physician regularly until either you or your attorney actually has the records in hand (some physicians take several phone calls before complying with records requests). Remember that disability claims are won and lost based on information in your medical records, so it's important to provide the adjudicator (decision-maker) with everything needed to prove that your medical condition places physical or mental limitations on your ability to work that are severe enough to prevent you from participating in substantial gainful activity. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: If you meet a listing do you automatically win your SSA disability? Can you be denied disability if you meet a listing? How does Social Security make a disability determination? What does a Social Security Disability Attorney or Representative do for your claim? Getting a Social Security Disability Attorney or Representative for your case How will an attorney help me win disability benefits? Disability Lawyers, Medical Records, and Social Security Hearings What Expenses Will A Social Security Attorney Charge In Addition To The Fee? Can a disability attorney speed up my disability hearing case? Should you get a Disability Lawyer before you File for Disability, or get an answer on your claim? Using a lawyer for a Social Security Disability, SSDI, case How to file a disability appeal in New Jersey If you apply for disability in in New Jersey |
