Your Social Security disability application depends heavily on your medical records for a final determination. In most cases, injuries or conditions leading to disability require ongoing medical care. Despite that, you may have a gap in your medical treatment.
Understand what it means for your case if you have a gap in your medical care.
Will a gap in care lead to denial of benefits?
There are situations when a gap in care will lead to benefit denial. In many instances, that gap in care may create the impression that you recovered enough that treatment was unnecessary. As a result, you may receive a denial.
Can you still qualify with a gap in care?
A gap in your medical treatment is not a guaranteed reason for denial. If you can document a reason for the gap other than your recovery, such as loss of insurance, your application can still qualify. For this to apply, your records must clearly indicate the loss of insurance or other reason for the disruption and a return to care once you mitigate that reason.
What reasons can justify the disruption of care?
There are several different reasons why you might stop medical treatment. Not only is loss of insurance a valid reason, but other financial difficulties also qualify. In addition, if your doctor recommends surgery that you are uncertain about and you are considering a second opinion, that can justify a delay as well.
Thorough documentation in your medical records makes a difference in reviewing your SSDI application. Ensure that any disruptions in your care are clearly explained.
