When you hire a lawyer to assist you in your Social Security Disability claim their office will help you prepare your case. They will communicate with Social Security on your behalf and help you fill out forms, appeal on your behalf, request important information to add to you file and if needed, represent you in a hearing. However, there are still things you can do to help your case be successful. As the claimant you have the burden of proof-you must show Social Security that you are medically unable to work. It is important that you receive medical treatment for your physical and mental health impairments on a regular basis. And when you are receiving medical treatment it is important that you talk to your doctor about all of the things that are going on with you. Be honest with your doctors and be on time for your appointment. Talk to your doctors about any problems you might have sleeping, and problems you have eating, pain, side effects from medication, sadness, irritability, crying spells, too much or too little energy and anxiety. If you are going to school or working and having difficulty with that, tell your doctor about that.
Applying for disability is a long process. During the time you wait for a hearing, you should think about your limitations in your ability to perform daily activities. You should think about what you are able to do and what you have difficulty doing around the house. Sometimes it can be helpful to keep a journal. You should keep track of any days that you have difficulty performing your personal hygiene like showering or dressing. You should keep track of good and bad days. You can keep track of where your pain is and what kind of movements or activities make it worse. These are all issues you will discuss at your hearing.
