If you’re applying for Social Security Disability in Arkansas, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and you’re not alone.
Many hardworking people in Arkansas just like you face the same struggle when illness or injury prevents them from working.
At the Krebs Law Firm, we’ve helped clients for more than 25 years fight for the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve.
Based on our experience, here are the top eight ways you can improve your chances of winning your Arkansas Social Security disability case.
Keep a Consistent Medical Treatment History
One of the biggest mistakes disability applicants make is having long gaps in their medical treatment. Social Security judges expect to see a continuous record of care.
Even if your condition is permanent or hasn’t changed much, you still need regular visits with a doctor.
Tip: Don’t go 6 months, a year, or longer without treatment. Regular checkups show the judge that your condition is serious and ongoing.
Make Sure You Have a Clear Medical Diagnosis
Your case is stronger when you have a specific, well-documented diagnosis.
It’s much harder to win disability benefits if your condition is vague or poorly defined.
Examples of strong diagnoses:
- Spinal stenosis (shown on an MRI)
- Chronic venous insufficiency (confirmed with ultrasound)
- COPD or lung disease (verified with pulmonary function tests)
Judges are more comfortable awarding benefits for conditions that can be proven with objective tests.
That doesn’t mean mental health issues can’t qualify. But they require detailed psychological evaluations and treatment records.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions and Take Medications as Prescribed
Judges look closely at whether you are following medical advice.
If your medical records say you aren’t taking your medication or missing appointments, it may appear that your condition isn’t as bad as you claim.
If you are experiencing side effects from medications, talk to your doctor right away and get it in writing.
Don’t just stop taking medicine without documenting the reason.
Translate Your Medical Issues into Work Limitations
Social Security doesn’t just care about your diagnosis. They want to know how your condition affects your ability to work.
This is called your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC).
Ask your doctor to fill out a Functional Capacity Evaluation or write a letter that clearly explains:
- How long you can stand or sit
- How much weight you can lift
- How often you need to rest during a workday
This information is vital. It tells the judge how your medical issues limit you on the job.
Practice for Your Disability Hearing
At the Krebs Law Firm, we prepare our clients thoroughly before a hearing.
Most disability hearings last about 45 minutes, and we often spend several hours practicing with clients.
Example question: “How much can you lift?”
Bad answer: “I don’t know… not much.”
Better answer: “I can lift a gallon of milk once or twice, but then I need to lie down for 30 minutes because of the pain.”
Going in prepared helps you give clear, consistent answers that the judge can believe.
Don’t Go to Your Hearing Alone. Hire an Experienced Disability Attorney
Even if your medical records are strong, it’s risky to go into your hearing without an experienced Arkansas Social Security disability attorney.
Judges use a lot of legal and medical terms like RFC, AOD, DLI—that can be confusing.
An experienced Arkansas disability lawyer will:
- Build a theory for your case (using medical listings, work capacity rules, or age-related “grid rules”)
- Help identify the strongest facts for your claim
- Make sure your medical records are up-to-date and complete
- File a pre-hearing brief that summarizes your case for the judge
Disability law has its own language, and having an experienced guide can make all the difference.
Avoid Any Appearance of Drug-Seeking Behavior
Judges are very cautious when they see signs that an applicant may be trying to get pain medication improperly.
If you’ve gone to multiple doctors for pain pills or have had issues with substance abuse, this can hurt your credibility—even if your pain is real.
Tip: Let your doctor know that you prefer not to rely on narcotics and are seeking alternative ways to manage your condition. Judges respect that.
Don’t Act Like You’re Entitled to Disability Benefits
Your attitude matters. Going into a hearing with the mindset that “I deserve this” or “the system owes me” can backfire.
Judges want to hear that you don’t want to be disabled, that you’ve tried everything, and that your goal is to return to work if possible.
Better attitude: “I hate that I can’t work. I’m only here because I have no choice. I want to get better and go back to work if I can.”
This mindset shows the judge that you’re not trying to take advantage of the system. You’re just trying to survive during a tough time.
Why You Should Work with The Krebs Law Firm
At The Krebs Law Firm, we know how to navigate the Social Security system for our clients across Arkansas.
We’ve helped people in Harrison, Eureka Springs, Bentonville, Mountain Home, Batesville, and beyond present strong disability cases that get results.
We don’t get paid unless you win your case. And we’ll be with you every step of the way—from helping gather medical records to preparing you for your hearing.
Let Us Help You Get the Social Security Disability Benefits You Deserve
If you live in Arkansas and can’t work due to a serious medical condition, don’t try to face the Social Security Disability process alone.
Your odds are better with an experienced attorney in your corner.
Need Help with Your Arkansas Social Security Disability Claim?
At The Krebs Law Firm, we specialize in Social Security Disability law and are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of the application process. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
At The Krebs Law Firm, we fight as hard as we can to help you get the disability coverage you deserve. Call today for a free consultation at (870) 741-8100 or toll free at (800) 345-0535.
It can be daunting learning the ins and outs of Social Security Disability benefits, but it’s not a task you need to take on alone. Call on an Arkansas Disability Attorney from The Krebs Law Firm to help you every step of the way.
We offer a free book on Social Security Disability benefits to Arkansas residents. Give us a call at (870) 741-8100. We have an office in Harrison, Arkansas just a couple of doors down from the Harrison Social Security Office.
Jason Krebs is licensed in both Arkansas and Missouri. Our main office is in Springfield Missouri. Our Harrison Arkansas office is by appointment only. The address is 125 Industrial Park Road Suite E1 Harrison Arkansas 72601. Our local phone number in Harrison is (870) 741-8100. Our Toll Free phone number is (800) 345-0535. You can also send us an email to contact@KrebsLawOffice.com.