Social Security issued a new rule in March that steers Judges from specifically assessing your “credibility” per se. SSA is supposed to look at your statements and how they relate to what your doctors or other providers say about your symptoms and complaints, and whether your symptoms are consistent with the objective medical evidence in your records.
It is important not to exaggerate your symptoms. Discuss your symptoms with your doctors. If they ask how you are doing, describe for them how you are doing, don’t just say “I am doing ok.” Be honest about your symptoms and limitations, and be consistent with what you tell your doctors at each visit, and what you report to Social Security. Don’t report how you are doing or what your activity level is on your best day, as that may not be an accurate assessment of how you usually feel.
It is also important to have ongoing treatment by doctors. If you don’t treat, it may be perceived that your condition must not be that bad. You also need to comply with your doctors recommendations for treatment or medications.
Sometimes it is important to be evaluated by a specialist. With many conditions, treatment with your family doctor will not be sufficient. A perfect example is Fibromyalgia, you must be diagnosed by a Rheumatologist.