If you suffer from sarcoidosis, a condition that causes growths of inflammatory cells across the body and particularly in the lungs, eyes and lymph nodes. It’s a chronic condition that has no cure, and it develops differently for everyone so it could impact your ability to work in different ways.
If you applied for Social Security disability benefits and were denied, you have 60 days to appeal the decision so you need to act quickly. These three tips will help guide you through the appeal process.
Tip #1 - Review, then Add
Over 60% of disability benefits claims are denied upon initial review. The approval rate for appeals is much higher, so your appeal needs to be stronger than your original application to ensure that it’s approved.
You need to review your appeal to make sure it is complete, and also look to see how much information you can add to it. If you have had any new tests done since filing your claim, or if you have gone to the doctor, make sure those results are included.
Tip #2 - Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
One of the strongest pieces of medical documentation you can have is the residual functional capacity (RFC) form. The RFC is a determination of the maximum amount of work you are capable of performing given your condition. Your doctor is the one who fills out the RFC form, and then the SSA can use it to determine whether you are able to work even with your sarcoidosis.
The RFC is your chance to “speak” directly to the SSA about your specific condition and how the treatment and side effects impact you.
Tip #3 - Obtain Further Testing
In addition to the RFC, you should consider seeking additional testing if it can help demonstrate your inability to work. The SSA usually takes between three and five months to make a decision on disability claims so in that span of time you may be experiencing new side effects that are preventing you from working, or your condition may be changing.
It’s a good idea to look at the testing you have completed and ask your physician if there are other tests that could help support your claim.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
Filing an appeal with the SSA can be intimidating and challenging, as well as being very stressful. Stress is the last thing you need, so you should consider working with a disability attorney who can ensure that your appeal is as strong as it can possibly be. They can help you gather documentation and offer guidance while also making sure that you stick to all of the important dates in filing your appeal.
There is no guarantee that working with a disability attorney will lead to a win, but having an attorney working on your behalf may greatly improve your chances for success. There is also very little risk involved, as disability attorneys work on a contingency basis so there is no payment expected up front and you only pay if you win your case.
Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form to get in touch with a disability lawyer that takes cases in your area today!
