Can your doctor get you approved for Social Security Disability or SSI?I just found this statement written in a forum post: "My doctor is going to try and get me on Social Security Disability". This, of course, begs at least a couple of questions, which are "What role does your doctor play in the Social Security Disability process?" and "Can your doctor actually get you approved for disability?". Related: 1. Does Your Doctor Decide If You Get Disability Benefits? 2. If my doctor says I am disabled, is there a waiting period? 3. Supportive doctor statement for a disability case 4. Why Will You be Sent to a Social Security Doctor for your disability case? Both these questions can be addressed in this way. Your personal doctor or treating physician has no direct influence on the outcome of a Social Security Disability or SSI disability claim. That decision is left completely up to the adjudicator. If your claim for benefits is at the initial claim level (the application level) or the first appeal level (known as the reconsideration or review), then that decision will be made by a disability examiner. If your disability claim is at the disability hearing level, that decision will be made by an administrative law judge. So, what input will your doctor provide on your disability claim? Actually, this is limited to two aspects. Your doctor can provide medical records if those records are requested by the social security administration (i.e. a disability examiner or a disability judge). Your doctor can also provide a detailed statement that supports your claim for disability. If your doctor does this, of course, the statement he or she provides should focus on indicating your level of functional restriction. In other words, how does your condition limit your ability to perform daily activities and to work. 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: How to file for disability in Louisiana Social Security Disability and Short Term Disability Benefits School records for a child SSI disability claim Does Social Security approve people for drug or alcohol abuse or use? Proving Functional Limitations and why this is Important on a Disability Case Filing for disability and ankylosing spondylitis How to file for disability in Minnesota What a lawyer says at a disability hearing Question about qualifying for SSI Social Security Disability SSI and Chronic Pain Enough Work Credits For Social Security Disability Benefits? Memory loss and filing for disability How long to get a Social Security decision letter? How to file for disability in New York Social Security medical disability determination process |
