I have a question on how far back one should go on their medical records. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 16 years ago, but it was only within the last 3 years that my condition has worsened, along with other ailments being added. I have provided medical records for the last 3 years, but just received my second denial, so I will be appealing to go before an ALJ. Should I pull out some of my older medical records to provide more of a history of the condition and to show that I was once able to work but have deteriated to the point of having to leave my job, which I loved!?? Also, can I obtain a copy of the claim file? I am curious as to how much actual information that have received. :confused: Your comments and advice are greatly apreciate. Thank you. Csavage

I do not know much about this but, I would think that being able to show that you could hold down a full time job in the past, and that your fibro along with the other health issues have caused your health condition to be at the point that you can no longer work would only help your case. I would tried to get all the records that you can and contact a disability attorney if you have not already done so.

Nancy

I would provide the Social Security with ALL your medical records. Also once you file your appeal you can obtain a copy of all of the documents that Social Security has in your file regarding your disability claim. You need to call your local office and they can tell you where your file is located. I would also suggest and stress that you contact a lawyer who specializes in Social Security Disability claims. They have certain guidelines they must follow or they will not be paid by Social Security for their time. Their pay is based on your claim if you win. It is a percentage of your award amount deducted from your award check (one time payment). So if you recieve a lump sum because you get approved for back due money the lawyers fee is taken from your award check. That is all they get. There is also a cap on the amount they can recieve. DO NOT use an lawyer that does not handle your claim in that payment method..... A true disability attorney does not get any money for their services unless you win your claim or appeal.

Hi CS. For me all my medicals were all recent from working with voc rehab to try to get me employable again. I had thyroid probs. before in 2000.. They wanted and onset date to work from ..Mine was Aug 04 when my thyroid probs surfaced again. I was dx'ed with hashi's throid, sacrcroilitis, depression( i said frustrated because I can't work).Dementia and chronic fatigue believed to be from the thyroid. Now this month everything ruled out I was given the fibro dx..Sure explains alot now as I research it...I applied Ap 05 denied Sept 05 Appealed and given an on the record fully favorable decision OCT 05 and my backpay and first payment Nov 05.. We had to sell our mobile home and were living in a christian housing shelter.. I also informed our local congressman and trusted completely in the Lord..I gave old records from 01/02 but they were more intrested in all the recent findings..God Bless..Kim

Thanks to everyone for your responses. I do have a lawyer and he is working very hard to help me, but I was unsure whether I needed to provide older medical records. I will check with him, but I was hoping to hear how far back some of you had to go with your records. :) I appreciate your help. Thank you!

csavage

HI all,
I'm also in this rat race. I was wondering what reason are you using for your appeal? I have been denied once and I have medical records from way back before I even had a diagnosis so I wanted to use this to show how long I have been having my symptoms and progression but they only looked at my most recent reports. So for my appeal reason I used the fact that all medical records weren't considered.

csavage for my ALJ hearinig, I made sure the judge had ALL of my medical records from when my disability was FIRST documented. Which for me went back 10 years.

The judge thanked me for having a well documented file.
Yes, I was represented by an attorney. However, I was the one who obtained my medical records, not the attorney. ;)