One of the most common questions that I get when talking to those trying to claim Social Security benefits is this. “What can I do to have a strong Social Security case?”

Sounds like a loaded question, but often there is a simple answer. The single best thing you can do to help your Social Security claim is see a physician who understands your illness and injuries. A physician who can provide you appropriate treatment for those illnesses and injuries. And most important, for you to follow their treatment plan to the letter.

Strong Social Security Case – Importance of Medical Records

As you follow your treatment plan, keep your doctor updated on new illnesses and injuries. Also, make sure that you see them on a consistent and frequent basis. The Social Security Administration rely heavily on medical your records. Your records are one of the few ways you can prove the extent of your illnesses and injuries to a third party.

If your claims of pain and sickness match what your physicians are writing in their records, the Social Security Administration tends to find you more credible. When SSA finds you to be a credible, they are more likely to believe your story and other statements you make. This includes statements about what you used to be able to do, but no longer can due to injury.

Follow the Treatment Plan

The other thing you can do to help your case is to listen to what your physicians tell you to do. If they prescribe you a particular medicine, take it. If they prescribe physical therapy, go to it. If they tell you to do at-home exercises, do them and keep a written record.

These records will help present the best case to the SSA. They do not look kindly upon when a physician is trying to help a patient and the patient is not listening or following their doctor’s advice. That is why it is the number one thing that you can do to help your case.

Make sure you are doing what you can to have a strong Social Security Case.

See a doctor that understands your issues
See them consistently and frequently
Make sure that you follow their advice to the letter
Keep details records

Helpful note

If you are a Duval County resident and do not have health insurance there is a program that may help. Those that have no insurance or are unable to consistently treat with a physician should look into the UF Health City Contract Program. This program allows low-income Duval County residents who quality, to see physicians at certain UF Health locations for a low cost.