Clients of an Albuquerque disability lawyer frequently have questions about their testimony in a social security disability case.
How Medical History will be Viewed in a Disability Case
The medical records will show a claimant’s medical history. Because of that, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will already have read them before the hearing. Since it is required that a claimant be disabled for 12 months, the key parts of the case will be the plateaus. If the case is not clear cut, the medical history could serve to help the ALJ understand the circumstances better.
Questions the Attorney Might Ask When Medical History is Important
Question: You suffered your back injury while working on January 10, 20_, correct?
Question: You didn’t return to work after the injury?
Question: Your problems worsened and you underwent multiple tests before a ruptured disc was discovered?
Question: You underwent surgery on May 3, 20_, did you not?
Question: Over the summer, you were recovering from the surgery?
Question: Would it be fair to say that by September 1, 20_, when the doctor informed the insurer for workers’ compensation that you had reached a plateau, your symptoms were essentially the same then as they currently are?
Treatment You are Currently Receiving
You might be asked about the following:
1) The names of people providing treatment.
2) What they specialize in.
3) How long the relationship has been.
4) How often you are treated.
5) What treatment you are given.
6) If the treatment has improved your condition.
7) What medications you are taking, how often, if there are side-effects and how much it helps.
8) If you’re not being medicated or treated, why is that?
Speak to an Experienced Albuquerque Disability Attorney
If you have questions about the importance of medical history in your testimony, call Michelle Baca Attorney at Law at 505-872-1142 today.
