Tips for presenting a successful disability case
The following tips will help patients present a successful disability case to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
1. Start now. Many people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) wait until other resources are gone. SSDI is based only on disability, not how much money an individual has in the bank, and for some, the process takes over a year.
2. Keep thorough records of diagnoses, prescribed therapies and failed treatments. Submit copies with your application.
3. Keep copies of all materials you submit to the SSA. Call the office you submitted your materials to several days after mailing them to verify their receipt.
4. Include all disabling symptoms/conditions. There may be emotional components or other associated conditions of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis that many people are hesitant to discuss. If this is relevant to you, include this information in your application as it can strengthen your case. For example, patients diagnosed with depression should include that information.
5. Involve your doctor. Many doctors hesitate to involve themselves in issues such as this, so be persistent and polite in asking your doctor(s) to write a letter describing how your medical conditions limit your ability to perform everyday functions. Give your doctor the template letter the National Psoriasis Foundation has provided to make it easier for him/her to support your efforts.
6. Consider contacting a disability representative. Some patients find it is easier to navigate the disability application process by working with a professional representative, such as an attorney. A disability representative cannot charge or collect a fee from you without first getting written approval from the SSA. A representative can, however, accept money from you in advance if it is held in a trust or escrow account. If you choose to work with a representative when applying for disability, you must notify the SSA as soon as possible in writing. For additional information on working with a representative on your case, please contact your local SSA office or visit the SSA Web site and read the section on "Your Right to Representation."
7. Contact the National Psoriasis Foundation. We can provide a letter and documentation describing the disabling nature of psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis. Contact us at getinfo@psoriasis.org and provide your name, address and a brief description of your symptoms. Please include whether you have psoriatic arthritis and/or psoriasis and the location of your symptoms.
8. Do not give up.
| 
