Getting letters from doctors to help win disability benefitsLetters from doctors can definitely help to win Social Security Disability and SSI cases but there are times when it can be difficult to obtain such a letter. Why is it Difficult to get a Doctor's help on a Social Security Disability Case? Related: 1. Should you get a Statement from a Personal Physician for your SSD or SSI Disability Case? 2. Will Social Security Attempt To Get A Letter From Your Doctor To Help Your Case? 3. Will my doctor charge me for a letter for my Social Security Disability claim? 4. Why does Social Security or DDS disregard my doctor's statement supporting my case? 5. Social Security Disability Doctor, Supportive Statements Even addressing this particular question presupposes that many doctors are reluctant, or even unwilling, to help their patients with their Social Security Disability case. Unfortunately, this is sometimes the reality. In the area of disability representation, I have found it to be true that many doctors will --- A) Completely refuse to provide a detailed, supporting letter B) Will agree to complete and provide a statement but will provide one that is ineffective because it lacks any useful information about a claimant's functionality (which is needed to establish whether or not a claimant can return to their past work or perform some type of other work). C) Will agree to provide the type of residual functional capacity statement that is needed by a claimant or a claimant's disability attorney, but only in return for a ridiculous fee (believe it or not, some doctors will try to charge as much as five hundred dollars for a statement that should only take ten to 15 minutes). Working in claimant representation, I have had physicians tell me on the phone that they simply do not fill out forms or write letters to help their patients who are filing for disability. Why does this happen? My own estimation is that too many doctors simply do not want to be bothered with taking time from their busy schedules. The unfortunate reality for many claimants is that, though a statement from a doctor may help them to win their Social Security Disability case at a hearing, their doctor may not assist them. Despite this reality, however, a claimant should always make the attempt to get a completed statement from their doctor in support of their case. Further yet, if the doctor expresses reluctance in doing this, they should not give up. I have personally been involved in situations in which a physician finally agreed to supply a statement (or complete a form, such as a residual functional capacity form ) after several requests had been made. Of course, claimants who do not feel comfortable in making such requests and who are represented by a disability lawyer may never have to do this on their own. Typically, a Social Security Disability representative will, in the course of preparing a case for hearing, attempt to gain a supporting statement from a claimant's treating physician 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: Can your doctor help you get disability? What if a husband and wife are both receiving disability? If you receive disability, can you work and supplement your income? How to file for disability in New Mexico Filing for disability with arthritis, osteoarthritis Should you get a Disability Lawyer before you File When do you get a letter about your disability benefit amount? Applying for SSD and SSI at the same time Help from a disability attorney Permanent disability benefits Eligible for disability back pay benefits How long does SSDI and SSI disability take to get? How to file for disability in Connecticut When do I get my disability check and back pay check? Decision by the judge at a disability hearing |
