Will I have a better chance of being approved for disability if I present a physician's statement from my doctor?Will I have a better chance of being approved for disability if I present a physician's statement from my doctor? Unfortunately, state agency disability specialists, i.e. disability examiners, often do not give weight to a treating physician when making their disability determinations. This should not be the case since regulations clearly state that more weight should be given to a treating physician's opinion if it is supported by objective medical evidence. So'when would a physician's statement be worth obtaining? You may have guessed, the administrative law judge disability hearing is most likely the best time to submit a physician's statement. A word of caution: the physician's statement must contain specific information to be useful to your disability hearing. The statement should include a diagnosis, treatment and response to treatment, medications, a statement as to the limitations caused by your disabling condition, a prognosis, and an opinion as to your ability to perform work activities. Additionally, your medical evidence must support the statement, this is important. A physician's statement without meaningful medical evidence is not worth the paper it is written on. On the other hand, a clear concise physician's statement may very well be the determining factor in a favorable disability hearing decision. If you have an attorney or representative, they should be able to help you with regard to obtaining a proper physician's statement. I would suggest that you obtain the services of a competent disability representative to help you with your disability hearing. You do not have to have a representative, but hearing approval and denial data suggests that you are more likely to win your disability hearing if you have a representative. Lastly, most disability claimants wait a long time to get a disability hearing before an administrative law judge and for most it is the best chance of being approved. Therefore, you should do everything you can to do to improve your chances of winning your disability case. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Does sleep apnea treatment qualify a person for temporary SSI disability? SSDI Request for Reconsideration Appealing a Social Security Disability Claim decision Should I hire a disability lawyer? An SSI Reconsideration decision Why was my Social Security Disability check reduced? Can you collect your retirement and Social Security Disability? How does your work history affect a claim for disability? What about assets if you file for Disability? Social Security Disability in North Carolina Must be for a Severe Condition Medical records for SSD or SSI disability application To be Awarded Disability Benefits in North Carolina, How Severe Does Your Condition Need to Be? Can I apply for disability at age 62? |
