When you have suffered a back injury so severe that you simply cannot return to work, you may participate in a treatment program. Then, as time passes, you may begin to feel better and it might be possible to return to work. However, until your doctor says that you're fully recovered, it's important to remain in treatment so you can continue to receive disability benefits and so you can have the best possible outcome.

The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention

After you have injured your back, you will want to seek medical attention immediately and begin working with specialists. This will help you make sure that you recover fully and that you are exhausting all of your treatment options.

When you are continuing to meet with specialists, you will be able to show that your condition still exists. If you have developed new symptoms as a result of your treatment or because your condition is deteriorating, you will be able to present this to the SSD.

Why You Might Be Hesitant to Follow a Treatment Plan

You might be concerned about participating in your treatment program for a variety of reasons. For example, you might feel that your condition is getting worse as a result of your back pain treatment. You might also not wish to take certain medications because you are concerned about the side effects. 

If you are concerned with the treatments that specialists recommend, make sure to bring this up with a disability benefits attorney. If you simply stop undergoing treatment, you might have your disability claim denied and will be forced to pay for your medical expenses and bills yourself.

The Consultative Examination

If you do not see the appropriate doctors or if you do not release your medical records, the SSA might require that you meet with a consultative examiner. This individual does not work for the SSA but is responsible for determining if you are actually injured. If you do not show up for the examination, your benefits will probably be denied.

The purpose of the examiner is to provide the SSA with information about your ability to work. Because the examiner will play a role in the decision of the SSA to deny your cancel your benefits, you must speak with an attorney before you meet with the examiner so you can maximize your chances that your benefits will not be denied.

If you or a loved one is looking to work with a general attorney, make sure to find a firm that suits your specific situation.