5 Steps To Avoiding Problems

3) Describe the Side Effects of Any Medication You Take in Detail.

During the course of an application, there are a number of places where you will be asked to describe what medications you are taking and whether you experience any side effects. When we review our clients applications, many have chosen to leave these responses blank. But when questioned, most clients admit that they experience some adverse side effects from their medication. In some cases, the side effects from the drugs can be worse than the medical condition itself. Don't miss the opportunity to discuss the effects of your medication. The combination of side effects can often impact your ability to stay focused, alert and productive at work. If the medication you take causes drowsiness, nap taking, frequent urination, constipation, palpations, headaches, dizziness or any unwanted symptom, list the effect.

4) Failing to Complete Supplemental Questionnaires.

We will be the first to agree that the application process can be overwhelming. Many of our clients don't feel well, they are mentally drained and the last thing they want to do is fill out page after page of forms. Social Security will often send out, what seems like redundant forms about specific conditions. For instance, supplemental pain questionnaires are common if you have an orthopedic condition. If you have a heart condition, you will receive a cardiac questionnaire.

Social Security has forms for just about every condition, so if you are claiming to have certain medical conditions, you are likely to encounter one of these forms. Do not fail to return one of these forms. The information you provide can help substantiate work restrictions affiliated with your condition. For instance, if you have degenerative disk disease, odds are good you have some type of back pain. But Social Security doesn't know if your pain is mild or severe. They don't know how often you get pain, the location of your pain or what makes it better or worse. The supplemental pain questionnaire gives you an opportunity to tell SSA this information, in as much detail as you care to provide. It is our experience that people in pain can describe their symptoms in detail. They can tell you exactly when they hurt, where they hurt and they can give examples of what makes their pain better or worse.

Again, the information you provide at the beginning will stick with you throughout your claim. Spend the time to give the information necessary to support your claims on these auxiliary forms. If you have an attorney, be sure to submit the form to your attorney for review prior to submission of the form.