Social Security Denied Me For SSD But Didn't Have All My Medical Records, What Do I Do?Social Security Disability examiners do not necessarily have to have all of an individual's medical records to make a medical decision on a claim. Disability examiners are obligated to request the records from all medical treatment sources provided by the disability applicant. However, they do not have to wait until they have all the records received to make their determination. Logically, there will always be some medical sources that are extremely slow about providing medical records. Or, they may not provide them at all. So disability examiners are allowed to make a medical decision if they feel there is enough current medical evidence in file to make their determination. If an applicant is denied for disability benefits, they have a right to file an appeal of that decision. All medical sources that are used in the medical determination are notated in the disability denial notice. If the applicant believes that some medical records were not used for their disability determination, they can always provide the medical records when they file an appeal of their disability denial. If the disability applicant cannot send in physical copies of the medical records with their appeal, they should make sure that they write down the missing medical treatment provider (a doctor's office or hospital) on the disability report form for their appeal, so that there is another opportunity for these records to be included in the disability medical determination. As a former disability examiner, I can say that the medical records that disability applicants feel are pivotal to their disability decision are often not that integral to the actual disability decision. For example, if the medical records were from a treatment source that treated the disability applicant several months or years in the past, they are not going to have much of an impact on the disability determination. Disability examiners have to focus on what an individual is currently able to do in spite of the limitations imposed upon them by their disabling condition. Frankly, medical records from a year ago are not going to be very helpful. Functionality is key in all Social Security Disability determinations, and that is why having all medical records received at the time of the medical determination is not as important as one might think. However, if an individual feels that their missing medical records would have made a difference to their disability determination, they should make every effort to just include the missing medical records with their appeal. This way they will be sure that the information will be considered as part of the medical determination for the appeal. 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: Should I get a disability lawyer in North Carolina? If I Get Denied Twice For SSD or SSI Disability, What Do I Do? What Are The Reasons For Social Security Disability Cases Being Denied? What happens if you get denied for Social Security Disability three times? Why Will A Social Security Disability Application Get Denied? How Many Times Will Social Security Disability Deny You before You Get Approved for Disability? Can You Avoid Being Denied on a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim? What happens if a reconsideration for Social Security Disability or SSI is denied? What should be done if your disability is denied? How do you appeal if you are denied for Social Security Disability or SSI? Should you get Help from a Disability Attorney before the Claim has been Denied? South Carolina Social Security Disability back pay Will I get approved for disability in South Carolina? |
