If you suffer from polycythemia vera and your application for disability benefits was denied, then you can file an appeal with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Most applications are denied on the first attempt and there is a much higher approval rate for appeals, but you need to file your appeal within 60 days of receiving your decision.
The key to a successful appeal is providing all of the information your original claim might have been missing, and these three tips will help you win your appeal.
Tip #1 - Review Your Claim, and then Add More
Over 60% of disability claims are denied on the first attempt. These claims are denied for a variety of reasons, but the top reasons include not having a condition that is eligible for benefits or for not providing sufficient medical evidence that the condition prevents you from working.
When it comes to polycythemia vera, which is a form of blood cancer, there can be a number of reasons why you can’t work but you have to demonstrate this in your claim. Review your appeal to ensure that it is complete, and also review it to ensure that you have provided as much medical documentation as possible. The SSA reviews thousands of claims every week and you need to make sure that your appeal clearly outlines your condition and the impact it has on your ability to work.
Tip #2 - Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
One of the best ways to demonstrate how your polycythemia vera impacts your ability to work is to have your physician complete a residual functional capacity (RFC) form on your behalf. The RFC outlines the maximum amount of work you are capable of performing given your condition.
The RFC helps to present the details of your specific condition to the SSA reviewer working on your case. The SSA relies upon the Blue Book, a comprehensive list of medical conditions, to determine your eligibility for benefits.
If your claim doesn’t match their guidelines then you likely won’t qualify, but the RFC has greater credibility because it is completed by your doctor and it can factor in things like how your treatment might be causing long-term side effects that prevent you from working.
Tip #3 - Obtain Further Testing
It is very important that your appeal contains as many test results and medical reports as are available. If you have had more exams since filing your initial claim, make sure to include the results in your appeal.
Similarly, if your original claim was lacking enough evidence or if you have developed new side effects since you filed, then you should speak with your doctor about any other testing that could be done to help support your claim.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
Filing an appeal for disability benefits can be stressful, so you might consider working with a disability attorney who can help you gather evidence, meet deadlines and ensure that your case is as strong as possible.
There is very little risk involved in working with a disability benefits attorney, as they work on a contingency basis so you do not pay anything unless you win your case. And though working with a disability attorney will not guarantee that you will win your appeal, having an attorney working on your behalf will greatly improve the odds of success. To get in touch with a lawyer that takes cases in your area, complete the Free Case Evaluation today.
