If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and your application for disability benefits was denied, you have 60 days to appeal the decision. The Social Security Administration denies over 60% of the claims that are submitted but the odds of approval are much better for appeals.
The key to a successful appeal is to make sure you are providing as much information as possible to support your claim. These three tips will help you to win your disability appeal with multiple sclerosis.
Tip #1 - Review, and then Add More
You can never have too much information in a disability benefits appeal. In most cases, claims are denied because not enough information is provided so it is in your best interest to provide as much as possible.
Review your original claim to see how much medical documentation you provided. If it looks like it is missing information, then add it in. Similarly, if anything has changed with your condition then make sure you add that in, too.
Tip #2 - Use a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
One of the single most valuable pieces of evidence to your appeal for disability benefits is the residual functional capacity (RFC) form. The RFC helps the SSA to determine whether you qualify for benefits because it outlines the maximum amount of work you are able to perform given your condition. Your doctor is the one who fills out the form and bases the determination on your condition and any side effects that you experience from the treatment.
Since you cannot meet with the SSA in person, the RFC is a way for you to “speak” to the SSA reviewer working on your appeal to explain how your MS is preventing you from working.
Tip #3 - Obtain Further Testing
Another tip is to ask your doctor if there are any additional tests or exams you can have. The SSA can take between three and five months to make a decision on your initial claim, and in that time your condition may have changed. It could be worse, or you could have new side effects that are preventing you from working.
Whether your initial application was incomplete or your circumstances have changed since you originally filed, obtaining more testing can help to strengthen your appeal.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
Filing an appeal is not easy. It can be intimidating and stressful, so you might consider hiring a disability attorney who can help you to gather evidence, keep track of deadlines and ensure that your appeal is as complete as possible. Having an advocate working with you on the appeal can also reduce your stress, too.
Disability attorneys work on a contingency basis, so there are no fees required upfront and you only pay if you win your appeal. That means there is very little risk involved, and though there is no guarantee that you will win because you are working with a disability attorney, having an attorney on your side will greatly increase your chances for approval. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form to get in contact with a lawyer that takes cases in your area today.
