At what point should my doctor provide a letter for my disability case?Someone recently wondered at what point a doctor should complete a medical source statement (see residual functional capacity form) months before the hearing or just right before the social security hearing. If your treating physician will agree to complete such a statement on your behalf, it is best to try to have the form completed sometime right before the hearing. This allows the form to be viewed as current medical evidence and indicative of the claimant's true condition and their level of functionality, as expressed by their doctor. Getting a form from a doctor too far in advance will not necessarily invalidate the information presented; however, logically, it does bring up the question in a disability adjudicator's mind: "Do these limitations currently apply to the claimant". In other words, it may "age out" the form. Disability claimant's who are not represented prior to their social security hearing and who wish to obtain a medical source statement from their doctor may find it productive to actually take the form to their doctor's office, noting the date of the hearing and the need to receive the completed form back sometime before the hearing takes place. Claimant's who are represented, on the other hand, will typically not have to bother with this as their disability attorney or non-attorney disability representative "should" be doing this on their own (to my mind, it would be questionable for a representative not to make such an attempt and a claimant who is represented by someone who does not attempt to procure such physician statements should perhaps consider finding other representation) 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: Applying for disability, medical conditions How long does it take to get a disability approval letter? What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? How to find out if approved for disability? Can you get Disability if you are unemployable? Sjogren's and applying for disability How hard is it to get on disability without being on medication? What Happens When You File an SSI or Social Security Disability Application? Disability requirements and how to file in Illinois How do you Apply for SSI? What medical conditions do they Award Disability Benefits for? |
