Accurately and thoroughly documenting your medical conditions when you are applying for long-term disability claims is vital to the success of your claim. The most persuasive documents typically are your medical records from your primary care doctor and any specialists who have been treating you. These records should clearly explain the nature of your medical conditions and how they impact your life, including your ability to work. Providing all existing records is key, as you never can have too many records to support your claim. On the other hand, omitting records can be a big mistake, even if they contain information that you would rather keep private. If the records have anything to do with your disabling conditions, it can be essential to an effective claim.

One common problem with medical records is that they do not fully describe your medical conditions in enough detail to truly show their disabling nature. They may gloss over symptoms or the effects of the conditions on the patient’s lives. Doctors’ notes may be sparse and non-descriptive, which is not helpful to your case. You may need to ask your doctors to write up a more detailed description of the steps that led to your diagnoses, your symptoms, and the treatment that you have undergone for inclusion in your medical records.

With that said, you also need to be forthcoming with your doctor concerning your symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work. Although diagnostic tests can tell doctors a lot, they cannot explain how you feel. Much of the information contained in your medical records is based on what you tell your doctors. If you minimize your symptoms or do not report your symptoms to your doctors, they cannot properly document those symptoms in your records.

You also should be explicit with your doctors about your application for long-term disability benefits. Letting them know about your application may cause them to be more diligent about documenting your conditions in your medical records.

We know that you are facing disability-related legal issues that can be crucial to your future. As a result, the attorneys at Bonnici Law Group have the skills and knowledge to advise you of all potential options. We know how vital this support can be to you when you are unable to work. As a result, we are here to represent your interests throughout any dealings that you must have with your insurance company. For legal advice about your claim, please contact Bonnici Law Group at 858-261-5454 or help@bonnicilawgroup.com