This week I got two reminders in the same day of how important it is to tell Social Security about each and every medical problem you have. Some people believe that they have just one major medical problem that is preventing them from working. As a result, they don’t realize the importance of listing all of the medical problems when applying for Social Security disability benefits.
The Cumulative Effect
This is a logical thing to believe, especially if that one medical condition is something serious such as cancer. That said, people applying for Social Security disability benefits need to remember that there is a cumulative effect for all of your medical problems. You might consider something like tingling and numbness if your hands to be minor as compared to having such conditions as multiple sclerosis or seizures. But, even a small limitation on your use of your hands could make the difference between getting approved and getting denied.
All Medical Records Matter
I had a hearing this week with a woman who did not think her back pain was all that important. She did not tell me about the treatment she was receiving for it. When the judge learned of her back problems, he asked me to get those medical records. I have received almost 200 pages so far. That same day, a fellow who is seriously ill with cancer brought me his medical records. In passing, he noted how he had had a hernia operation recently. He, too, thought that was not significant. I sent him to get those records immediately. It might mean the difference in the outcome of his case.
Do The Scan
When applying for Social Security disability benefits, take the time to mentally scan your body from the roots of your hair down to your toenails. If you have any problems of any kind anywhere in between, make sure Social Security knows about them. Get the medical records for each and every problem and make sure Social Security has those records.
