When applying for Social Security Disability or SSISSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. Social Security administers this program. We pay monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Blind or disabled children may also get SSI. benefits, your medical treatment is most important. In this video, Social Security disability attorney Andrew Kinney of Hoglund Law Offices shares practical insights about why your ongoing medical care is so important when trying to be approved for Social Security benefits. With decades of experience helping thousands of clients (see his Google reviews!), Mr. Kinney emphasizes two simple but critical principles: (1) keep treating and (2) keep trying to get better.
At the core of any Social Security disability case is medical evidence. It’s not enough to explain your symptoms or describe how your medical issues impact your daily life. The Social Security Administration relies heavily on medical treatment notes from healthcare providers. This medical evidence includes diagnoses, test results, treatment histories, and professional observations. Without consistent and thorough medical treatment, even people who cannot work full-time can face significant challenges getting approved for the Social Security benefits they need.
Mr. Kinney explains that medical treatment is different depending on what’s wrong with you. For example, someone dealing with depression may begin with a primary care physician who prescribes medication. While that’s a solid starting point, you may wish to shift your mental health care to a mental health provider, engage in therapy, and begin sessions with a licensed psychologist. Medical treatment with specialists increases your chances of getting better. If you do not get better, it offers stronger documentation of your symptoms and limitations. Detailed medical treatment records over time from medical providers you trust can be strong evidence of disability, especially if you do not improve.
Physical conditions follow a similar pattern. Mr. Kinney offers the example of a person suffering from chronic back pain. An initial X-ray taken in an emergency room might confirm the generally source of discomfort, but it rarely tells the full story. To build a stronger case, further evaluation from specialists, such as MRIs or consultations with spine experts, can provide deeper insight into the specific medical condition. These additional steps to see specialists not only support a claim, but they also offer direction for further treatment.
Mr. Kinney also highlights consistency. Gaps in medical treatment can raise questions during the review process. If a person claims she is unable to work but hasn’t seen a doctor in months, it may weaken their case. Regular medical appointments (whenever possible) allow a continuity of care and help avoid questions in Social Security hearings about the severity of your symptoms. Even if medical improvement is slow, seeking medical treatment to get better provides a clearer medical timeline for those (like Social Security judges) reviewing your treatment later.
Insurance and access to care, of course, play a role in your medical treatment. Mr. Kinney notes that some people face real barriers such as long wait times for specialists or limited (or no) health insurance coverage. With budget cuts, more people are unable to afford health insurance—even today. While these challenges are real, he recommends pursuing available healthcare options the best you can to at least document your efforts to receive care. You may need to limit some kinds of care or explore alternative providers, but evidence you are trying can be important if medical treatment evidence is slim at your Social Security Disability hearing.
IMPORTANT: If you have a pending Social Security Disability or SSI claim and do not have good access to medical treatment, you can ask your local Social Security office to set up a “consultative examination” for your physical and/or mental health free of charge.
Ultimately, the goal of your medical treatment is twofold: to improve your health and to create a strong, evidence-based record of your conditions. Mr. Kinney points out that the best-case scenario, of course, is getting better enough to work!
For those trying to get Social Security Disability or SSI benefits, the takeaway is clear: Don’t delay or give up on the medical care you need. Consistent treatment not only supports your well-being, but it also can form the foundation of a successful claim.
Our lawyers at Hoglund Law Offices help clients across the country get approved for Social Security Disability and SSI benefits. No matter where you live, you can call us at 888-373-8806.