How to File for SSIContinued from: How to Apply for SSI, Part I How are medical records used to determine an SSI decision? The disability examiner who has been assigned to process the disability claim will involve mental and physical conditions. The residual functional capacity rating that is given to a claimant (For example, in the case of physical impairments, are they restricted from doing anything more than light physical work, or are they restricted from tasks that involve one of their senses such as vision or hearing. In the case of mental impairments, do they have difficulty with short or long-term memory recall, or do they have difficulty sustaining attention or concentration) is compared to whatever physical or mental capabilities were required of their past jobs? If their RFC rating (or ratings) is severe enough, the claimant may be judged incapable of going back to their past work, and perhaps incapable of doing any other work for which they might otherwise be thought capable of doing. Why is it important to produce the medical history prior to the appointment for the disability application interview? Because, just as with the work history, accuracy is very imporant. Speaking as a former disability examiner, I can state that many claimants fail to give sufficient information about their treatment sources when filing for disability. In some cases, the claimant does not give enough information for the examiner to distinguish one doctor or clinic or hospital from another. In other cases, the claimant entirely omits the information. And this may be due to the fact that the claimant cannot recall the information during the interview. It may also result from a mistaken assumption that the social security administration can automatically access all of a claimant's medical records simply by having their social security number. However, this is not the case and many claims are disadvantaged by the fact that the disability examiner does not have access to all of a claimant's records (due to the claimant not providing all of the treatment sources). This phenomenon is often demonstrated by what happens at disability hearings when a claimant's disability attorney suddenly learns of a doctor or clinic that was previously unknown by the social security administration. It is entirely possible that had the information regarding the unknown medical treatment source been known, the claim might have been approved sooner and without the need for filing disability appeals. 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: How does a disability lawyer or representative get paid in North Carolina? What Benefits come with SSI Disability? Who is eligible for SSI Disability? Legally blind with retinitis pigmentosa, can I file for disability? Is There A Maximum Dollar Amount For SSI Disability? Does sleep apnea treatment qualify a person for temporary SSI disability? The SSI Award Letter from Social Security What Disabilities Qualify for SSI and Social Security Disability Benefits? Can I Be Eligible For SSI And Social Security Disability At The Same Time? Qualifying for disability in Missouri Will I qualify for disability in Missouri? |
