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WHERE'S THE BEEF?

"Where's the beef?"

I really loved that old hamburger commercial and I hope you remember it. 

What brings it to my mind is a paraphrase we sometimes use around the office.  We have a Social Security disability claim that looks pretty promising but we have to stop and ask ourselves:  "Where's the beef?"

That means, "Where's the evidence?"  

 We know that we must have objective medical evidence to prove the case. This evidence comes from treating physicians, clinics, hospitals, psychologists or other professionals who have examined the claimant and documented 3 things about his/her condition(s).....

1.  Severity

2.  Longevity

3.  Credibility

Objective medical evidence is based on fact, not opinion.  It is fact based evidence based on a doctor's treating relationship, examinations, imaging, laboratory  tests and professional observations.

Unfortunately, we sometimes see potential claimants who really are disabled and should receive a disability benefit.  However, they may not have the objective medical evidence to prove their disability. Where's the beef?  It's nowhere to be found.

What Can You Do If You Lack Objective Medical Evidence?

1.    Start seeing a doctor, hopefully a specialist in the area of your illness or injury.  Sometimes this is not possible due to lack of fianances or insurance.  Then what?  

2.  Seek out charity care (not a bad word).  Try one of the free clinics in the community or check with our local hospital. Many larger hospitals have programs to help the uninsured or can refer you to someone who can help.

We are often asked, "Won't Social Security send me to one of their doctors for an exam?"  Yes, they might.  However, these casual encounters with a doctor seldom help prove your disability.  You will get a 15 to 30 minute exam and probably no X-rays or other tests.  It's my experience that you cannot depend on a Social Security "consultative exam" to win the case. You need your own medical evidence from your own doctor, if possible.

The Forsythe Firm will send you a list of community clinics that may see uninsured patients free or at reduced costs.


 

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