When filing a disability claim, it’s easy to misspeak out of nervousness, anxiety, stress, or pain after a serious injury or illness. You may be used to talking to family, friends, or a social security disability attorney about what has happened to you. However, there are certain phrases you’ll want to avoid telling a disability doctor. If you still have questions or concerns about your claim after reading the following, please contact us at Marc Whitehead & Associates. Wherever you live, whatever your disability, we will fight with all our might to win the Social Security Disability benefits you deserve.
Do not tell your disability doctor: “I’m good.”
When asked, many people will respond, “I’m doing good” or “I’m okay” when asked how we’re doing today. This response is often automatic—even if we’re having a terrible day or in pain. However, once you walk into the exam room, you’ll need to think carefully before responding to even the simplest question, as the disability doctor could put in the report: “Patient says they’re fine.”
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“It hurts everywhere—a 10/10.”
If you truly feel worse than you have ever felt and are suffering a great deal, you should be honest. However, you don’t want to exaggerate a limp, say that you have pain everywhere if it’s localized, or overplay your hand.
“I have trouble climbing my front steps.”
Remember to give only the details that you need to provide. Extra or unnecessary information about your living situation can be used against you. For instance, if you say you have trouble climbing your front steps, the SSA could recommend that you have a ramp installed at your home to alleviate your pain. Instead, say, “I have trouble climbing steps, ” which is a more generalized way to state your condition.
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“I can’t answer that.”
The medical exam is not the time to plead your Fifth Amendment rights, as the disability doctorcould report that you were “uncooperative.” Ideally, you’ll answer all questions to the best of your ability. However, if you can’t answer, it’s okay to ask for clarification or say you are unsure.
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“I don’t know why I have to come here.”
Though you may be frustrated with the insurance company by the time you end up in the exam room, try to stick to the basic facts–how you were injured and how you’re feeling now. Avoid mentioning that you “don’t trust doctors” or feel you’re not getting proper care.
How a Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help
From a disability doctor’sperspective, exam referrals from the Social Security Administration (SSA) are ideal. New patients come through their doors. The SSA pays for all the exams, so bill collection is easy. Though doctors are supposed to give unbiased opinions, they may experience some pressure to provide information that could lead to a claim denial, so the SSA continues to refer business their way.
On average, only 31% of social security disability applicants are approved the first time, so you’ll want a social security disability lawyer advocating for you as soon as possible. While experienced attorneyscan often get these cases appealed, it’s always preferable to help you succeed the first time around. One part of the process is knowing what to say or not to say at the doctor’s office. Remember, you don’t have to go through the experience alone.
Contact us at Marc Whitehead & Associates for your free consultation. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the laws governing disability and government benefit programs. Based in Houston, Texas, we serve clients nationwide.
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