Among the most difficult conditions to prove when it comes to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications is the ongoing impact of chronic pain.
Oftentimes, those suffering from chronic pain have little or no exterior or cosmetic symptoms, but the internal, day-to-day management of pain is so significant that it affects their ability to lead a normal life.
How the SSA Evaluates Pain
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) has found that you have a “medically determinable impairment,” you will have to prove your pain and it’s connection to the impairment. Essentially, your condition will have to match a certain level of medical credibility with the pain you’re experiencing.
You’ll have to detail how and why chronic pain affects your daily life alongside in-depth medical documentation to show any potential root causes of the pain plus all attempts you’ve made to remedy it. Statements from family members about the severity of your pain could help establish the case as well.
Be Specific and Detailed
If you have a condition where significant pain comes and goes (like arthritis), you have to be sure to detail when that pain happens and what the effects are. How it has affected work & personal life plus any burdens the uncertainties of pain create are also good to note.
All of the above is especially important should you have an initial claim denied and it has to begin the arduous appeal process. When things get to that point, it might be time to enlist a qualified Social Security claims attorney to help round out your application and documents with further ideas or papers that you may not have considered before.
The team at Drew L. Johnson, P.C. has plenty of experience helping Eugene and Albany residents work through this process and is ready to help you do the same. Call us today at (541) 434-6466 to learn more and schedule a free consultation.
