1. Make sure Social Security gets all of your medical records from every provider: doctors, clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, psychologists, counselors and therapists. Generally, you want to go back at least 1 year from the date you file your application.
2. Get specific functional limitations from your doctor. Even getting all your medical records may not be enough, especially if you don't have a very severe or life threatening medical condition. Get your treating physician you fill out a Treating Source Form (also called a "Residual Functional Capacity form"). This form specifies such things as
- How long you can sit, stand and walk during an 8-hour workday
- How much you can lift on a repeated basis
- What are your postural limitations? Stooping, reaching, kneeling, crouching, crawling?
- Are you independent in our activities of daily living?
- How many days of work would you be expected to miss each month due to your symptoms or medical treatment needs?
3. Get an Attorney. The data we see indicates clearly that claimants with attorneys are much more likely to be approved. This is especially true at the appeal or hearing level. Whether you involve an attorney at the start of the process, or near the end, you will pay the same fee because attorneys work on a percentage of the back pay they are able to get for you, not by the hour.
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