Real Social Security Disability Case: Why It Helps to Have a Lawyer Who Knows Medical Terms
Here’s a real example from our Alabama disability law practice of why you want a lawyer who focuses on Social Security Disability cases and knows how to break down the fine details of medical issues and medical terms:
A client came to our disability lawyers with serious back problems.
Their doctor completed a medical statement saying they were experiencing such intense pain that they couldn’t work.
The doctor said, among other things, that the person had an “abnormal gait” when they walked.
But a disability judge reviewing the claim rejected the doctor’s opinion, saying they contradicted themselves because the doctor’s files also said the patient DID NOT have an “ataxic” gait.
The Social Security judge was mixing up medical terms. An “ataxic” gait is when a person loses muscle control because of a brain condition.
But you don’t have to have that exact neurological disease to have an abnormal walk like the doctor said. There’s another term, called an “antalgic gait,” which means you limp because of pain. That’s what the doctor was talking about.
The Clarkson Pennington Social Security Disability attorneys caught the error and explained it to a federal judge, straightening out the confusion and winning disability benefits for our client.
A major role of a disability lawyer is to spot the mistakes that led to your denial of benefits, so you can turn the denial into an approval.
You need someone who deals with these cases all the time, knows what to look for, and knows how to interpret what doctors say in a way Social Security will understand.
Give us a call for a free initial review of your situation.
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Medical Evidence Is the Core of Your Social Security Disability Claim
Every Social Security Disability claim relies on medical evidence. In particular, Social Security says it requires “objective medical evidence from an acceptable medical source.”
Social Security won’t just take your word for it that your health problems are severe enough that you can’t work and need benefits. They’re trying to stop false claims, so they make the process demanding.
These are the kinds of objective medical evidence Social Security is talking about:
- Medical exam reports
- Lab test findings
- Medical imaging
- Other medical test results (stress tests, breathing tests, etc.)
- Your doctor’s written diagnosis
- Details of your medical history
- A list of your prescription medications
- Description of your treatments and results
- Mental health evaluations
Again, not every lawyer knows the world of medical records. But skilled Social Security Disability lawyers do.
In fact, at Clarkson Pennington, Alabama disability attorney John Pennington was a nurse before he became a lawyer. He has more firsthand experience with medical conditions, medical records and medical lingo than most lawyers.
Our disability law firm can take care of interpreting what your doctors say to meet the rules Social Security uses.
Get in touch with us to seek disability benefits and find your path to a healthier, calmer, steadier situation.
Contact Us Today! »Other Ways Clarkson Pennington Law Can Help You
Clarkson Pennington Law connects people in need with benefits and compensation that can make their situations better. Our attorney serves people all over Alabama with these kinds of cases:
Do You Have Questions About Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability is a huge, complicated program that often doesn’t seem like it cares much about you and your needs. Can’t get answers to your questions? Your disability attorney from Clarkson Pennington Law is the one who truly cares and guides you. Talk to us.
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