Letters from doctors for Social Security DisabilityLetters from doctors that simply state "My patient is disabled and unable to work" have little value in the eyes of a disability examiner or a federal judge. The Social Security Disability system focuses on a claimant's remaining ability to work, despite their condition, and looks to compare objective evidence regarding a claimant's functionality against the demands of their past work and other types of work they may potentially be suited for. For this reason, an assessment of a claimant's functionality and limitations by a treating physician can be vital. This is particularly the case at the disability hearing level. Should a physician submit a supporting statement prior to the disability hearing level In some cases, this type of statement may be instrumental in winning a case at the intial claim and reconsideration levels. However, state disability processing agencies (where disability examiners decide claims for the social security administration) often do not give credence to the opinion of a treating physician, choosing instead to adopt the opinion of an agency unit physician (employed by social security) who has never treated the claimant, or the opinion of an independent consultative medical examiner (a physician who has performed an outside exam, lasting, perhaps, 10 minutes on average, and who, once again, has no history of treatment with the claimant). At the disability hearing level, however, attitudes toward statements provided by treating physicians are often remarkably different. And such a statement can certainly win a disability case, as long as the statement is in line with the physician's history of treatment with the claimant. 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: A "proper" statement from your doctor can have a dramatic effect on your disability case Should you get a Statement from a Personal Physician for your SSD or SSI Disability Case? Will my doctor charge me for a letter for my Social Security Disability claim? Will Social Security Attempt To Get A Letter From Your Doctor To Help Your Case? Letters from doctors for Social Security Disability Social Security Disability Doctor, Supportive Statements |
