You were probably relieved the day you heard your claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) was approved. Who wouldn’t be? You may be tempted to stop seeing your doctor and keeping track of your medical condition. Don’t be. You should keep documenting your SSDI claim after your claim is approved for several reasons.
The Social Security Administration reviews your SSDI claim
In fact, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is required by law to conduct reviews periodically. How often they review your claim depends on their assessment of your medical condition. The following scale is used:
- 6 to 8 months after benefits start when medical improvement is “expected” to occur.
- 3 years under normal conditions.
- 7 years if your condition is not expected to improve.
For example, Marge’s claim for SSDI benefits was approved because of her severe emphysema. Because her condition is not expected to improve, the SSA probably will not review her case for seven years.
You can prove you are still disabled after your SSDI claim is approved.
No matter when the SSA reviews your claim, they will review medical evidence. If your condition has improved to the point where you are no longer disabled, your benefits might be terminated. Of course, you could appeal if that happened. However, it helps to have documentation to show that your SSDI claim is still valid.
As an example, let’s consider Rosa. She left her job as a construction worker due to a serious heart condition. However, during her three-year review, the SSA caseworker decided that Rosa’s condition had improved due to therapy, exercise, weight loss, medication, and the implantation of a pacemaker. Rose argued that she still suffered from heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and poor circulation. She backed up her claim with documentation from her doctor and notes she kept on her condition.
You can prove when your condition improved.
Sometimes the SSA and the claimant agree that the disabling medical condition has improved. However, they disagree about when the improvement occurred. It may help to have medical records and other documentation to support your argument.
For example, Louis was unable to work due to a disabling back problem. After therapy and surgery, he felt he could return to work 18 months after his disability started. The SSA, however, felt he should have returned to work in 12 months instead of 18. Louis was able to prove his case using documents and medical records.
Learn more about your SSDI claim
It’s important to get the application right, so you can be approved for the benefits you need. But you also need to make sure your SSA reviews go well.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have the experience and ability to take on your case. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. We assist clients throughout Southern California from our home office in Anaheim.
