Two Heads Are Better Than One

Monday, July 7th, 2008

While statistics show that most applications for Social Security Disability (“SSD”) benefits are denied initially, about half of my clients’ applications are approved initially. A major reason for the success can be attributed to supplying medical evidence from more than one treating doctor, which is why two heads are better than one. I represent a 55 year old truck driver, whose application was approved today only three months after I submitted his application, and less than two months after I submitted records from several of his doctors.

First, to ensure that the claim could not be rejected for a lack of “objective” evidence, I submitted a lumbar MRI that revealed herniated and bulging discs impinging the thecal sac and L4 and S1 nerve roots. The second report was a consultative narrative report from a spine specialist that detailed the claimant’s positive clinical findings, such as tenderness, muscle spasms, restricted ranges of motion, and abnormal sensation. The third report was a detailed narrative from the claimant’s pain management doctor, which detailed clinical exam findings and concluded that. “THE PATIENT IS TOTALLY DISABLED”. The last document was an EMG that revealed a chronic right L5 radiculopathy.

Submitting a combination of medical records that detail the positive clinical exam and diagnostic test findings, together with functionality opinions, maximizes the chances of securing SSD benefits without having to await a hearing.

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