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Mistakes You May Be Making With Your Doctor That Could Hurt Your Disability Claim

Navigating a Social Security disability or long-term disability insurance claim can be a complex and lengthy process, and one of the most critical aspects of your case is the medical evidence that supports your claim. The relationship you have with your doctor and how you communicate about your condition can make or break your chances of receiving benefits. Here are some common mistakes people make with their doctors that can hurt their disability claims—and how to avoid them.

1. You Didn’t Receive a Firm and Specific Medical Diagnosis

One of the most important parts of any disability claim is having a clear and firm diagnosis from a medical professional. Without it, the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the insurance company may not have enough evidence to prove that your condition is disabling. Some claimants delay seeking a diagnosis, hoping their symptoms will improve, or they may see multiple doctors without getting a clear medical opinion.

What to do instead: Work with your doctor to get a clear diagnosis. Make sure they thoroughly document your condition thoroughly, including lab results, imaging studies, or other objective findings. The SSA and the insurance company rely on this documentation to evaluate the severity of your disability.

2. You Are Minimizing or Exaggerating Your Symptoms

Some people make the mistake of minimizing their symptoms when talking to their doctor because they don’t want to seem like a burden or complain. On the other hand, others may exaggerate their symptoms in the hope that it will strengthen their case. Either approach can hurt your case.

  • Minimizing Symptoms: If you don’t fully explain the extent of your limitations, your medical records may reflect that you’re in better shape than you really are. This could lead the individual reviewing your claim to believe that your impairments aren’t severe enough to prevent you from working.
  • Exaggerating Symptoms: Overstating your symptoms can backfire. Doctors are trained to spot inconsistencies and may note in your records that your complaints don’t match clinical findings, which can damage your credibility.

What to do instead: Be honest and thorough. Describe how your condition affects your daily life, your ability to work, and any activities you find difficult. You don’t need to overstate or understate your symptoms—just give an accurate and detailed picture.

The SSA and the insurance company expect to see that you’ve followed your doctor’s recommended treatment plan. Not following prescribed treatments – such as physical therapy, medication, or surgery – can signal that you’re not doing everything possible to improve your condition. This can lead to a denial of benefits.

What to do instead: Follow your treatment plan as closely as possible, and if you can’t follow it because of side effects or other problems, tell your doctor. Make sure they document any problems you have with the treatment so that your refusal to follow it isn’t perceived as noncompliance.

4. You Have Not Avoided Certain Activities

Even if you are unable to work, engaging in activities that contradict your disability claim can raise red flags. For example, if you claim that you can’t stand or walk for long periods of time, but your medical records or doctor’s notes indicate that you’re able to participate in physically demanding hobbies, it can hurt your case.

What to do instead: Consider how your activities fit with the limitations you’ve described to your doctor and in your disability claim. If you can perform certain tasks on an occasional basis, be open with your doctor so they can provide accurate context about your abilities and limitations.

5. You Have Expressed General Dissatisfaction with Work or Your Job

Telling your doctor that you’re unhappy with your job or that you’d rather not work can be misinterpreted as evidence that you’re claiming disability because you’re unhappy with your job rather than because of a legitimate medical condition. Doctors often include patient comments in medical records, and these comments could damage your credibility.

What to do instead: Focus on your medical condition and its effect on your ability to work, rather than expressing general dissatisfaction with your job or work life. Your doctor’s notes should reflect that you can’t work because of your disability, not because you don’t want to work.

Why These Details Matter

The SSA and disability insurance companies rely heavily on your medical records when deciding whether to approve your disability claim. Small inconsistencies or gaps in your treatment history can raise questions about the validity of your claim. To give yourself the best chance of success, it’s important to build a strong relationship with your doctor, communicate clearly, and follow through with recommended treatments.

If you’re struggling to manage your medical records or feel unsure about your claim, working with an experienced disability attorney, like Nick Ortiz of the Ortiz Law Firm, can help you avoid these common pitfalls. Contact us today to learn how we can strengthen your case and ensure that your medical evidence supports your claim. Call (888) 321-8131 to schedule a free case evaluation today.