Medical Updates

It can take months, even years, to get a decision on a disability application or appeal. While waiting for a decision, it is important to provide updated medical information that further supports the disability claim.

I filed an appeal last November after a disability application was denied in October. Last week, I finally obtained records from the claimant’s new pain management specialist, who had administered epidural steroid injections (“ESIs”) in September and October 2007. The claimant decided to have the ESIs after a visit to the emergency room because her pain was so bad, and Morphine, Lyrica and Skelaxin failed to alleviate the pain.

The claimant’s application was denied even though her orthopedist and chiropractor provided medical reports concluding that she could not work. Today, shortly after providing the records from the pain management specialist and emergency room visit, the claimant’s appeal was approved.