Social Security Disability, Medical Records, and a Person's LimitationsHow do medical records show limitations? That is the problem for most individuals who receive a disability claim denial since most medical records do not indicate the limitations that are suffered by patients. Medical records will usually refer to a patient's diagnosed conditions, the type of treatment they have received, or are receiving, and their complaints and symptoms. But doctors are simply not in the habit of indicating in their notes if a patient is having difficulty sitting for longer than a certain period, or difficulty standing or walking for more than a certain amount of time. Yet, this is the information that social security needs in order to make an approval on a disability claim. Notations in the medical records as to a person's limitations can allow a disability examiner or judge to get an overall idea of an individual's degree of limitations. It can also allow the decison-maker on a disability claim to determine if the claimant can return to their past work. If it is obvious that the claimant cannot return to their past work, the decision-maker can make a determination as to whether or not the claimant could do some type of other work. If that is not possible, of course, and the claimant's condition will effectively rule out the ability to work for at least one full year, then they will have met the social security administation definition of disability and will be eligible to receive disability benefits. When the medical records that have been received by the disability examiner working on the case contain very little reference to how limited a person is as a result of their condition, it is often helpful to have a detailed statement from the claimant's treating physician. These statements are usually called medical source statements and they allow the claimant's doctor to provide the necessary that the doctor's treatment notes did not. Medical source statements, if they are detailed, objective, and supported by the rest of the claimant's medical record, can assist in winning a claim. But they are usually of little benefit unless a case is at the hearing level. Unfortunately, most claims are initially denied (denied at the application level) and result in a claimant receiving a boilerplate notice of denial. What should be done once a notice of denial is received? Continued at: Social Security Denial - What should be done if your disability is denied? 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 in Durham, North Carolina Social Security Denied Me But Didn't Have All My Medical Records? How Can You Get Medical Records For A Disability Case without Insurance? Can you be denied disability if social security cannot find your medical records? Social Security Disability Medical Records How Far Back Does Social Security Look At Medical Records for SSDI SSI? Social Security Disability, Medical Records, and a Person's Limitations Medical Evidence on a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim Getting your medical records can speed up your disability claim Will a Disability attorney try to Help You get Your Medical Records? Getting a Disability Lawyer in New York If you apply for disability in New York Will I qualify for disability Benefits in New York |
