Quite often, pain is an integral part of why any given medical condition can become disabling. But pain is subjective. Everybody experiences it differently.
Worse, there’s no scientific way to test your pain, no scale on which it can be weighed — and no way to definitively show that your pain is very real and debilitating when you file a disability claim.
Documenting your pain starts at your next doctor’s appointment
The first thing you can do is make sure that your doctor is aware of your pain at your next medical visit — and every visit after. Disability examiners look for consistency in your medical records, so the more your doctor takes note of your pain and the limitations you cause, the more evidence there is in the record that your pain is real.
A pain journal can also provide valuable insight into your pain
Pain journals are also frequently helpful in disability claims. Pain journals serve two purposes. First, they document the pain that you’re feeling every day and the way that it changes. Second, they can sometimes uncover “triggers” that make your pain worse and the steps you can take to alleviate your symptoms.
Filing for disability is often tougher than it sounds
If you bought a long-term disability plan, you’re probably counting on it being there for you in your time of need. Unfortunately, companies that willingly take your payments every month aren’t always so willing to give you the benefits you’re supposed to have later.
If you’re struggling to get a long-term disability claim approved, it may be time to look for a little extra help. An attorney who understands the disability process can help.