Stay the Course: Skipping Treatments Could Harm Your Disability Case

Social Security Disability Requirements

The federal government administers programs aimed to help provide financial assistance to individuals with qualifying disabilities.  Two of these programs are the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.  SSD is similar to an insurance policy whereby individuals pay into the program when they are able to work, and then they later receive benefits if they develop a qualifying disability.  SSI, in contrast, focuses more on an applicant’s financial need for benefits. The application process for disability benefits is extensive and requires the submission of a substantial amount of information (such as medical records and treatment plans). Unfortunately, some applicants are denied benefits because they fail to provide the medical evidence needed to prove their disability claim, or they fail to follow the prescribed medical treatments for their conditions. An experienced Baltimore Disability lawyer at the Law Office of Emmett B. Irwin can advise you as to the best course of action to take to receive the best result on your disability application.

Be Sure to Follow Prescribed Treatments or Your Disability Benefits Could be Affected

Once an applicant files for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration (SSA), the applicant’s file is carefully reviewed by an SSA review examiner.  In many situations, the examiner closely reviews the medical records provided to confirm the diagnosis is one that qualifies an individual for disability benefits. For a medical disability case, detailed medical evidence is a core piece of information an examiner needs to consider when deciding whether or not to approve an applicant’s claim. 

The examiner also usually looks closely at doctor’s notes and treatment plans. The examiner wants to see applicants follow the recommended treatment protocol to determine if the treatment will help improve the applicant’s condition. If an applicant makes the mistake of stopping his or her treatment after being diagnosed with a serious medical issue that makes working no longer possible, the examiner may think that the condition is not serious enough to warrant disability benefits if the applicant is not willing to move forward with proper treatment.

Unfortunately, failure to follow prescribed medical treatments could result in the denial of an applicant’s benefits or could keep a disabled individual from maintaining disability benefits.  Accordingly, a Baltimore disability lawyer recommends that you stay the course and continue adhering to the treatment protocols recommended by your physician. This can help you get your disability claim approved, and help you maintain benefits that you have already begun to receive. 

Need the Help of a Trusted Baltimore Disability Lawyer? Contact The Law Office of Emmett B. Irwin Today 

Do you or a loved one have a disability that requires ongoing medical treatment? Do you wonder if it’s necessary to continue the treatment to qualify or maintain your disability benefits? If so, the experienced disability lawyers at the Law Office of Emmett B. Irwin are here to help you through the disability application process every step of the way.  If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, contact our Baltimore disability lawyer today to schedule a free case evaluation. We work with clients throughout Maryland and surrounding states.