The Importance of Medical Treatment in a Social Security Disability Claim
by: albert.tobega on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 at: 5:46 PM Go to: Previous Article Next Article
While it is possible for somebody who is not yet 50 years of age to obtain Social Security disability benefits, it is quite a bit more complicated than for somebody who is over 50 years of age. The burden of proof for a younger individual is that there is no work in the national economy that he/she can do. For somebody over 50, on the other hand, the only proof they need to provide is that they are no longer able to have the same vocation they did during the last fifteen years. If you do not have medical insurance, Social Security will send you to their doctors. These Social Security doctors are not actually there to treat you, but to examine your case impartially and methodically. Because of this, having a record of treatment from independent (non Social Security) doctors is generally the best way to provide proof of your disability. Doctors that know you and know what you are going through.
If you do not have medical insurance, there are two different places you can go for help. One of these is the county clinic in your county, and the other is a vocational rehabilitation center. County clinics are there for people who do not have medical insurance. When you first contact these clinics you should not immediately tell them of your medical problems. Often times, when the administrative staff hears about your complicated medical problems, they will tell you that they cannot help you because they do not have proper funding for your condition(s). They may decide to turn you away before you even get to see a doctor. You just simply them that you do not have medical insurance and you need a primary doctor. Say nothing else. Once you see the actual doctor, then you can tell him/her about all your medical conditions. Often (though not always), once you get in to see a doctor, the county clinic will send you to any necessary specialists and agree to pay.
Your other medical care option, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, is paid for by the state and works to train people for a vocation or career. But before they send you to work, they will look at your existing medical records from previous medical providers and they will also send you to their doctors. They will pay for doctor visits, medications, tests and even surgeries and/or procedures, if warranted. At the end, they will make a determination as to whether they feel you can or cannot work. If at the end of the decision process the program determines you unable to work, they will then send you over to Social Security to apply for benefits. Having this happen can be really boost your Social Security disability claim, as a government vocational program has already determined you to be unfit to work. And as a "bonus," you have also received the treatments and medicines you needed without having to pay a penny. On the other hand if they believe that you can work then they will train you and help you find a job. The records from the doctors that vocational rehabilitation sent you to can also be used as evidence in support of your claim for disability benefits.
The truth is, it is incredibly difficult to get Social Security disability benefits if you are under 50 unless you have received medical treatment outside of Social Security. Because of this, if you are looking to apply for Social Security disability, it is important to start the process by seeking medical treatment for your condition immediately.
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