Long Term Disability Claims: Understanding Your Medical Records

If you have a disability or medical condition that is preventing you from working full-time in Illinois, you may be entitled to long term disability benefits. Many workers in Cook County, IL are covered by employer sponsored group health plans that are regulated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Though, you also may be able to recover disability benefits under another private plan.

Unfortunately, in practice, obtaining and keeping your long term disability benefits can sometimes prove to be challenging. To get the full payments that you rightfully deserve, you must be able to present a strong legal case. One of the most important aspects of any disability claim includes medical records. In this post, our Chicago long term disability attorney highlights three parts of your medical records that the insurance company will want to examine.

• Chart Notes

The term ‘chart notes’ generally refers to the notes that are taken down by a nurse or physician’s assistant when you go in for a medical appointment. Often, your complaints, symptoms, and obvious physical or mental difficulties will be noted. Insurance companies will always review these notes. Often, these notes will be used to assess exactly when a disabling condition began to develop.

• Narrative Notes

Narrative notes are the more in-depth notes written by your doctor. These notes will describe more detailed information, including changes from previous visits, the results of the medical evaluation, and the doctor’s diagnosis/prognosis. When you are getting yourself checked out, it is imperative that you clearly and accurately describe your pain and your struggles. If you undersell your disability, your medical records will not accurately reflect the severity of your condition.

• Residual Functional Capacity Forms

In some cases, you may be asked to complete some version of a residual functional capacity form. In essence, this form is used to document your current ability to perform certain basic tasks. For example, medical professionals may note whether or not you can sit without pain, how much you can safely lift, or your ability to stand on your feet for an extended period of time. Like the other aspects of your medical records, it is crucial that these forms are completed accurately so as not to downplay your condition.

Contact Our Illinois Long Term Disability Lawyer Today

At Bartolic Law, our Cook County long term disability lawyer has the skills and experience necessary to help you build a strong disability claim. For a free, fully confidential review of your case, please call us now at (312) 635-1600. Our law firm is based in Downtown Chicago, and we represent clients throughout the region, including Evanston, Naperville, Highland Park, and Oak Brook.