For residents of Northeast Wisconsin who are getting Social Security Disability benefits, receiving a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that the case is going to have a medical review can be a scary occurrence. Knowing the details of this process is imperative as the benefits can be stopped, if the SSA believes it is warranted.
The SSA will take certain steps to determine of the person still meets the criteria to get benefits. The medical condition will be reviewed in this process. If the person’s medical issues or condition has not improved and the disability prevents the ability to work, the benefits will continue.
To make the decision, there are certain steps that the SSA will take. Medical professionals and facilities will be asked for the medical records, so they can be reviewed. The medical professionals will be asked how the recipient’s medical condition prevents them from working, as well as what tests and treatments were given to the person. When more information is required, the person might need to go to a physician or facility to have a special examination. The SSA will pay for it.
The facts of the case will be reviewed. If there are new issues that have come up, they can be part of the process. The decision will be made as to whether the person’s medical problems have improved enough, so they can stop receiving disability and get back to work. It is also important to consider the medical condition in the context of the type of work the person can do. When the medical condition has improved enough, the benefits will cease.
They will also be stopped if: the person can work after getting vocational training or because there were advances in treatment options; there was a mistake when the benefits were approved in the past; the person is not adhering to the medical treatment and is doing so without good reason when it would likely allow the person to work; if there were misleading or false statements in the past; if there is a lack of cooperation with the review; or if the person is working and the average earnings shows they meet the requirement for substantial gainful activity.
If the SSA stops the benefits, the person has the right to appeal that decision. A review can be concerning. Having legal help can provide protection from the start. A law firm that has experience in helping clients with their Social Security disability cases is a key to handling any issue that comes up.