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Applying for disability benefits can be a long and detailed process. Unfortunately, many applicants face delays that could have been avoided with the right preparation. When someone is dealing with a serious health issue, waiting months—or even years—for help can create financial and emotional strain. Working with our San Francisco, CA disability benefits lawyer can help you avoid these mistakes. Our law firm’s many wins include securing disability benefits for families and reversing denied claims.
1. Incomplete Applications
One of the most frequent reasons for a delay is submitting an application that’s missing key information. Disability forms require detailed answers about medical history, work background, and daily limitations. We need to take the time to go over the application line by line before submitting it to make sure it’s complete.
2. Missing Medical Records
Medical records are a key part of proving a disability claim. If the application doesn’t include recent records or doesn’t cover the full timeline of the condition, the decision may be delayed. We should gather all relevant documents before applying. This includes test results, treatment notes, and statements from doctors. It’s also helpful if doctors provide clear opinions about how the condition affects your ability to work. Medical records can also lead credence to the type of personal injury, which your disability attorney can use when estimating your settlement.
3. Waiting Too Long To Apply
Some people wait too long to file, thinking their condition will improve. While that might happen in some cases, delays in applying can hurt the claim. Benefits can take months to process, and back pay only goes so far. Our team recommends filing as soon as possible, and our social security disability attorney can streamline the process.
4. Not Following Doctor’s Orders
You want to do your best to follow your doctor’s orders because failing to do so can make you ineligible for benefits. While there are valid reasons someone might not follow treatment—like side effects or cost—those reasons should be documented. We should always talk with our medical providers and let them know if we can’t follow a treatment plan.
5. Conflicting Information In The File
Sometimes, different parts of the application or medical records tell a different story. For example, if one doctor says we’re unable to work, but another says we can perform certain tasks, it can cause confusion and delay. We want all records to be consistent and reflect the actual limitations we face. If there’s an error in the records, we should address it before applying or during the appeal process.
Applying for disability benefits isn’t something we have to handle on our own. If you’re dealing with a delay or unsure about your application, working with our team can make a huge difference. At The Law Office of Bennett M. Cohen, we help clients avoid costly mistakes and stay on track throughout the process. Our attorney has been helping clients obtain disability benefits for over 30 years, and whether you need help getting started or are dealing with a delay or a denied claim, we’re just one call away! Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
