Things that help your case:
- A good work record with regular earnings up until disability began
- A written opinion by a doctor—preferably a specialist—MD or DO, or mental health professional [MD or PhD] describing your condition and limitations
- Supporting opinion letter from the last employer
- On-going, regular medical care and sincere efforts to get better
- Compliance with all doctor’s orders e.g. losing weight, exercise, diet, checking blood sugars, follow thru with physical therapy etc.
- Unsuccessful work attempts and efforts to find work
- Unsuccessful but sincere attempt to participate in a Vocational Rehabilitation Program
- Prior military service with a good discharge
- Significant reduction in daily activities from pre-disability level
- Unable to drive & Handicapped License Plate
- Need for third-party help with personal needs and daily activities
- Non-smoker and no history of substance abuse
- No criminal record
- Less than a high-school education or illiteracy
Things that hurt your case:
- Lack of medical care/treatment and medical records
- Not following doctor’s orders
- “Quitting” physical therapy
- Spotty/inconsistent work record
- Doctor shopping
- History of smoking/substance abuse
- Criminal record
- Not being home bound
- Driving/no handicapped license plate
- Going out alone
- Going out socially
- Shopping
- Doing house work
- Bad military discharge
- Not attempting to participate in a Vocational Rehabilitation program
- Quitting attempted jobs rather than letting employer decide you are not able to do job.
- High level of education with easily transferable job skills
- Not acting disabled/carrying on without expected decrease in daily activities
- Socializing
- Abusing and asking for pain medication
- Telling doctor what you believe doctor needs to do/say/find.
- Self-diagnosis
- Exaggerating your limitations
Too many red flags in a case will result in you being denied. Did you ever know some person who gets a disability when you can’t see why because they just don’t “act” all that disabled? Disability is there to help people who can’t work. If you think that you might have a disability but are unsure, contact us so we can help you.
