What if Social Security Disability does not follow my doctor's assessment of my condition?
How does Social Security decide that I can do a certain level of work when my doctors clearly state that I can't?
Disability examiners review the medical records they obtain and draw up something known as an RFC, or residual functional capacity, statement. On the RFC form, they determine if you are rated as sedentary, light, or medium based on how they perceive your physical limitations.
To some extent, this is subjective. They usually (unless they are classified as an SDM, single decision maker) consult with a physician who works in their case processing unit as a medical expert. So, basically, an MD and a disability examiner together come to the conclusion of what your physical exertional capacity is, which determines whether or not you are considered to have the capacity to return to your past work.
Unfortunately, at the initial claim and reconsideration appeal levels, it is not uncommon for a claimant's treating physician's opinion to be disregarded even when it is presented on an independent medical source statement.
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.
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