How to Build a Strong SSDI Case for Chronic Pain
Here are some tips for building a persuasive case for Social Security disability benefits for someone with a chronic pain diagnosis.
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better.
In today’s video, we talk about some tips for building a persuasive case for Social Security disability benefits for someone with a chronic pain diagnosis.
1. Maintain Consistent Medical Treatment and Documentation
Visit your doctor regularly to establish an ongoing record of your condition.
You also want to ensure that your medical records clearly document your pain symptoms, limitations, and treatments.
Following prescribed treatments and medications can show that you are doing what you can to help improve your condition.
2. Obtain Supportive Statements from Your Treating Physicians
Ask your doctors to provide detailed medical source statements describing:
- Your diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Functional limitations
- Inability to work
These statements should explain how your conditions and your pain impact specific work-related activities.
3. Keep a Pain Journal
Document the way pain impacts your daily activities and your ability to function.
Note any side effects from medications and record the frequency, duration, and severity of pain episodes.
4. Gather Witness Statements
Obtain statements from family, friends, or former co-workers that describe how they have observed your pain impacting your life and your ability to work.
5. Try to Link Your Pain to a Medically Determinable Impairment
Try to connect your chronic pain to a condition that’s listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book, such as:
- Back injuries
- Arthritis
- Neurological disorders
If that’s not possible, focus on the way that your pain limits your functional capacity.
6. Demonstrate How Pain Affects Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
Provide evidence of how pain restricts your ability to:
- Sit
- Stand
- Walk
- Lift
- Perform other related tasks
Similarly, document the mental health impacts. Include evidence of how the chronic pain affects your:
- Mood
- Concentration
- Memory
Final Thoughts
Remember, building a strong case takes time and effort. Be thorough in documenting your condition and its impacts on your daily life and ability to work.
Thanks so much for watching!
If you’re disabled and unable to work, we’re here to help. Click this scheduling link or call us directly to schedule a free consultation where we’ll discuss your case and see how we can help you.
