 Types Of Information Social Security Disability is Looking For?
One of the most difficult things for most people is trying to figure out the application process when applying for social security disability. One of the most important pieces of information is your work history. That history is important when determining if you are eligible for social security disability. When applying for social security disability, you want to make sure you take the proper steps to increase the success rate of your application.
Your work history
Social Security is going to want to see your work history for the last fifteen years. Employment beyond that timeframe will not be as relevant to your claim. This is mainly because any work beyond that period may contain skills that are out of date.
- The disability examiner will be looking for specific pieces of information:
- They will want a breakdown of the dates of employment for each job you’ve worked.
- You will want to make a list of job titles.
They will want a detailed list and descriptions of the work you did at each job. This would include activities performed day to day. Providing as much information about the job and what you have done is extremely important.
This information helps the disability examiner understand and categorize the claimant’s work. This is important, due to their use of the DOT, also called the dictionary of occupational titles. This guide helps the examiner understand the physical and mental requirements of certain jobs.
Providing a detailed breakdown of the work you’ve performed increases the likelihood of your work being placed in the correct category in the DOT. Many times, a disability claim will be denied incorrectly, due to being placed in the wrong DOT category. This means that your work categorization has a direct impact on the outcome of our disability claim.
For example, if your job is truly demanding on a physical level, and it takes it’s toll after a period of time, you are certainly qualified for social security disability. However, the disability examiner has to see, acknowledge and understand that. If your work history isn’t detailed enough for them to understand the scope of work and its physicality, you be wrongfully denied.
Therefore, the accuracy of the work performed is essential to the approval or denial of your case. This is also why it may be beneficial to consult with a social security disability attorney, who can help you to be as thorough as possible when providing information. They have experience with the system and understand what the disability examiners are looking for.
Medical History
Medical history is just as important. You want to be as thorough as possible when providing your medical history. This can be injuries, emergency room visits, and regular visits to your doctor. Some medical conditions develop over time. Providing a history of medical visits that show and prove the progression of your condition can help you with approval.
It is important to take the time to compile treatment dates and doctor visits. This helps to prove that you have consulted physicians, and that you have been treated and seen for specific conditions that may entitle you to social security disability. The disability examiner can also see how far back your condition was first diagnosed. From here there are two things you will need to know about. Those are AOD and EOD.
Alleged Onset of Disability
AOD stands for alleged onset of disability. This is when you think your disability began, and begins when you file a claim. This is the date that you give to describe when your condition began.
Established Onset of Disability
EOD is the established Onset Date, which is the date that the Social Security Administration determines that your disability has begun.
The difference depends on the information you provide. That is why it is important for you to see a doctor as soon as possible after a work injury. This will establish a medical history that will help you prove your condition and provide records for your claim. Not having documentation from day one doesn’t necessarily mean that you will not qualify for social security disability, it just means it may be more difficult for the examiner to determine the established onset date. Having records from day one may significantly improve your odds.
Having a SSD attorney to help you along the way can make the process easier, and may improve your chances of having your claim approved. They will also have the experience to know what the examiners are looking for when it comes to medical history and medical documents. Social security disability attorneys may request additional medical records that could help your case and improve your chances for success.