Most initial claims for Social Security disability benefits are denied, but many are successful on appeal. In some cases, the government agency determines that the individual is not too disabled to earn a living and will not approve benefits. Social Security Lawyers in Melbourne FL can provide guidance when this occurs. There are many instances in which the person’s claim eventually is approved, but attorneys can verify when this is unlikely to happen. They will point out weaknesses in the case that the agency will certainly discover. Even age can be a factor, as benefits are less likely to be granted to someone younger than 40. The individual then can devote more time and effort toward finding new job opportunities and perhaps acquiring retraining and further education.
If no diagnostic measures have identified specific injuries, illness or health disorder causing the disability, the claim will probably be denied. Diagnostic measures may include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and blood tests. In some instances, a doctor’s diagnosis is sufficient, although the Social Security agency may order a second opinion. For instance, fibromyalgia is not diagnosed through objective measures but by evaluating a cluster of symptoms. Attorneys with a firm such as Matheson, Horowitz & Devonmille know how to correctly fill out the application forms and which types of medical documents are essential for the application’s approval.
Another red flag for the agency is when the individual has not sought medical treatment on a regular basis. That indicates to the representatives that this person’s condition is not as bothersome as claimed. Social Security Lawyers in Melbourne FL will want to know details of how the prospective client is dealing with the health problem and why treatment has not been consistent. Perhaps an extenuating circumstance like lack of health insurance has been causing the person to delay. In some cases, the person may not feel like attention from a doctor is necessary. Someone filing for disability because of obesity and its related issues, for example, may assume that doctors cannot help. Yet the Social Security agency realizes that large numbers of obese people remain productive members of the workforce. They want additional verification as to why this particular person cannot do so.
