Most of us usually rely on the experience of others to understand how to deal with similar situations. The real problem with this is that benefits are person-centered. Benefit programs fit each individual differently, based on a variety of facts and conditions, such as:

The more specifically you document your medical condition, the easier it will be to support a claim and to make a case for continuing benefits. Detailing in a daily journal even the most seemingly insignificant symptoms can be of great value. If you or the individual are too ill, or can't maintain the journal on a daily basis, a friend or relative can log the entries. This journal can also provide you with a way to inform providers about your medical condition.

It is common for individuals to have periods of time when they deny to themselves, their families, and medical provider(s) that a disabling condition exists. For some, it is an approach to coping with a new condition. During this period of time, the individual’s communication with medical providers may not accurately or fully describe the severity of a condition or how seriously it affects day to day activities.