Roose & Ressler Lawyer Mary T. Meadows Presents in Washington, D.C.
Toledo, OH – October 30, 2017 – Social Security’s regulations and rulings have begun changing more frequently and the attorneys at Roose & Ressler continue to stay on the cutting edge of these changes. Indeed, Attorney Mary T Meadows, manager of the Toledo branch of Roose & Ressler, spoke on these changes to attorneys gathered in Washington, D.C., in June 2017 for the semi-annual conference of NOSSCR, the National Organization of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives.
The most recent change requires that claimants and their representatives inform or submit evidence to Social Security that relates to a claim of disability no later than five days before a hearing. While this seems like a reasonable request on its surface, there are several problems with it.
First, it is not always clear what “relates” to a claim of disability. If a claimant goes to an Emergency Room for an acute episode of nausea and vomiting, for example, does that relate to a claim of disability for back issues? What if the Emergency Room record claims back examination showed normal range of motion but the claimant tells the representative that no on examined his or her back?
Second, a claimant sometimes has difficulty remembering to advise his or her attorney of medical treatment. A claimant may be confused about what hospital he was in when or she may not see a particular treatment source as relevant. If a claimant routinely sees a physician, she may not think to advise her attorney of a recent office visit.
Third, there are often delays in obtaining copies of medical records. Treating sources are swamped with request, releases may not always be adequate, and some sources may simply confuse the request and send records for the wrong dates.
At Roose & Ressler, we work to make sure our practice standards address these potential pitfalls so that we can present a complete record to the judge by the time of the hearing. We routinely request updated medical evidence from our clients. We encourage clients to keep a medical diary to keep us advised of treatment. We ask clients at every appointment whether there has been any recent treatment visits or any new sources of treatment. And we notify Social Security of treatment at regular intervals long before a hearing is scheduled.
Download PDF: Mary speaking Roose press announcement-1 copy