If you’re a blue-collar worker facing a serious medical condition, you may be worried about how to get approved for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. As a Social Security disability law firm, we’ve represented many hardworking people who can’t continue their jobs due to injury or illness.
Over the years, we’ve noticed common factors that help increase the odds of an approval. Below are our top tips for improving your odds for your Arkansas Social Security Disability approval.
Keep Up with Your Medical Treatment (No Gaps)
Disability judges want to see consistent, ongoing medical treatment. Even if your condition is chronic and not likely to improve, you should still visit your doctor regularly.
Any gap of many months (or even years) without treatment can hurt your case. Regular checkups show that you’re taking your condition seriously and can help build a solid medical record.
Get a Firm Diagnosis
Having a clear, specific diagnosis supports your disability claim. Conditions like “spinal stenosis,” “heart disease,” or “major depression” are easier to prove than vague problems no one can pinpoint.
If your doctor can run tests (like MRIs or nerve studies) that confirm your diagnosis, it strengthens your application.
Mental health diagnoses often rely on standardized tests or clear clinical notes, which also help.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders and Take Medications
If you skip medications or ignore your doctor’s advice, a judge may think you’re not truly disabled. Always take prescriptions as directed or tell your doctor if side effects are an issue.
Good communication with your medical team shows that you’re trying to manage your condition responsibly.
Show How Your Condition Limits The Ability To Work
Social Security focuses on your work capacity, not just medical labels. Close to the hearing it may beneficial to ask your doctor to fill out a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) or write a narrative report about your limitations—like how long you can sit, stand, walk, or lift.
Judges speak the language of work restrictions. A detailed statement from your doctor about how your symptoms prevent you from holding a job can be the key to winning.
Practice Answering Questions Before the Hearing
Your hearing usually lasts around 45 minutes to 1 hour, so you want to be ready. Work with an attorney or trusted advisor to go through sample questions in advance.
Know how to explain things like, “How long can you stand?” or “How much can you lift?”
Practicing helps you avoid stumbling or giving unclear answers.
We personally prepare every client for their hearing with how that particular judge does a case to improve your odds for your Arkansas Social Security Disability approval.
Consider Hiring an Arkansas Disability Lawyer
Facing a judge alone can be tough. Arkansas Social Security lawyers understand the system and speak its language. We make sure your medical file is up to date, identify the strongest arguments for your case, and explain rules like the “grid,” “RFC,” or “listings” that can help prove your disability.
Having an experienced attorney by your side can help you avoid mistakes and present the best possible claim to get your Arkansas Social Security Disability approval.
Avoid Anything Suggesting Drug-Seeking or Malingering
Judges will deny benefits if they suspect you’re exaggerating pain just to get medication or money. Don’t see multiple doctors for the same pain drugs and always be honest about your symptoms.
If you have severe pain, ask about treatment options that don’t rely solely on heavy narcotics. Being upfront and consistent helps maintain your credibility.
Show That You’re Willing to Work if You Could
Judges don’t like an “I deserve it” attitude. They want to see that you’d rather be working, but your condition simply won’t allow it.
Emphasize that you’ve tried to return to work or that you’d prefer a job over living on disability checks. Demonstrating motivation and honesty helps you gain the judge’s trust.
Ready to Strengthen Your Disability Case?
If you have questions about these tips or need help with your Social Security Disability claim, contact our office today. As a disability law firm who has guided many workers through the system, we understand how important these benefits are for you and your family.
Let’s work together to present the strongest possible claim so you can focus on your health and future.
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 [email protected].