This episode explores how to improve the chances of winning a Social Security Disability case. The speaker, a Social Security Disability attorney with over 30 years of experience, shares insights gleaned from his extensive practice and a recent inquiry about a specific judge's preferences. More significantly, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on one or two severe impairments with objective medical evidence, such as MRI results or specialist reports, rather than listing numerous minor ailments. For instance, he highlights the need for substantial mental health treatment documentation, including hospitalizations or failed medication trials, to support claims of severe mental illness. The attorney also stresses the importance of consistency between medical findings and the claimant's testimony, and the need to present oneself as a person actively seeking recovery and a return to work. He concludes by suggesting that a combination of objective evidence, severity of condition, appropriate medication, and credible testimony significantly increases the likelihood of approval, particularly for claimants over 50. This advice offers valuable guidance for individuals navigating the complexities of the Social Security Disability application process.
