In order to be found disabled by SSA, you must be a credible witness on your own behalf. As your Phoenix Social Security disability lawyer will advise, there are are several factors that will be considered when assessing your credibility.
Your Phoenix Social Security Disability Lawyer on Objective Versus Subjective Evidence
Objective evidence includes the information contained in your medical record and claim file. The symptoms caused by your impairment are subjective evidence of your disability and will only be considered alongside objective evidence. Your Phoenix Social Security disability attorney will explain that the next step is for SSA to consider the intensity and duration of your impairment.
Your Phoenix Social Security Disability Attorney on Credibility
Your own description of symptoms must align with the objective medical evidence in order for SSA to find you credible. Adjudicators understand that not everyone will present with precisely the same symptoms, though, so establishing credibility will be essential to SSA finding more severe symptoms legitimate. Your Phoenix Social Security disability lawyer will remind you that the judge will have access to previous statements made by both you and other witnesses. Thus, your descriptions of symptoms that are inconsistent with observations by others are less reliable and damage your credibility.
Your Phoenix Social Security Disability Attorney on Credibility Assessment
As mentioned above, consistency is key. SSA will assess your credibility based on your consistency with medical records, doctors’ diagnoses, and observations by SSA personnel. Even the judge himself will be observing your behavior and limitations should your claim proceed to hearing.
Finding a Phoenix Social Security Disability Lawyer for Your Claim
Establishing and maintaining credibility will be key to the success of your disability claim. It may not be easy to describe your symptoms perfectly or to remember how you felt in the past. A knowledgeable Phoenix Social Security disability lawyer can help you to prepare. Call (602) 235-0539 to speak with an attorney from Schiffman Law Office, P.C. today.
