Question #47: How important is a patient's doctor in the process? Are they important in providing letters etc, or are medical records simply accessed?
Don Keck: Doctors are important at every level of the process and their opinions are especially important at the higher levels of appeal.Question #48: Would a severely handicapped child (now 13) be eligible for any benefits. The child suffers from cerebral palsy and the father is the only one working and they say he makes too much but yet medical expense is atrocious?
Don Keck: He would not be eligible through the SSDI program.Question #49: Because it is the parent who must be eligible, correct?
Don Keck: Correct.Question #50: Would the child be elgible for SSI?
Don Keck: The father's income would be a factor. SSI is means based.Question #51: If someone does not have well documented medical records do they have a tougher time? What can they do to improve their chances?
Don Keck: Medical documentation is extremely important in the process. SSA may decide to send the claimant on a consultative examination to help gather information for their decision.Question #52: To their own doctors? To a doctor chosen by SSA I meant.
Don Keck: Ordinarily not.Question #53: Are SSA doctors specialists in the claimants particular problem? Would someone with RA be sent to a board certified rheumatolgist?
Don Keck: Not necessarily.Question #54: All physical evidence is considered, correct? X-rays, lab results, surgeries?
Don Keck: Correct. All medical evidence is considered.Question #55: A person must have actually stopped working in order to apply, correct?
Don Keck: Correct.Question #56: Would statements from your employers help (i.e. documented difficulties in performing your job)?
Don Keck: Yes.Question #57: What is Allsup's success rate on initial applications?
Don Keck: About 47%, however we want to emphasis the importance of staying in the process and taking advantage of all appeals.Question #58: It is imperative not to be stopped by frustration then?
Don Keck: Absolutely!Question #59: Are there any states that are better or worse when applying or appealing? Do some states take a ridiculous amount of time to decide?
Don Keck: Yes. Award rates and processing times vary slightly across the country.Question #60: I was scared to go before a law judge since I didn't know what to expect. (What can a person expect?)
Carol Eustice: This article will let you know what to expect at a hearing and how to prepare. See Preparing for Your Day in Court.Question #61: Do you assist in dealing with private disability insurance issues or only with SSA?
Don Keck: We only deal with SSA. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to chat and answer some very good questions. Anyone needing more information can call 800.279.4357 or visit www.allsupinc.com.Related Resources
Source: Chat transcript (edited)- Host Carol Eustice with Don Keck from Allsup Inc., Nationwide Social Security Disability Services, 3/7/06
