How to Get Disability with a Back Injury in Texas   Someone wrote in and said that they had sustained multiple back injuries and needed to file for disability. They were wondering how they should start and mentioned that their doctor would be supporting their claim with a letter he was writing. This is what I wrote back. The first step in Texas is always to get a disability application interview scheduled and attend it. My own personal opinion is to forego the online process. It isn't the the best way of applying because A) you will have questions that the website cannot answer and B) in many instances, a claims rep at a social security office will still need to contact you anyway to get certain questions answered. For these reasons, filing online isn't really as practical as many people think. The social security administration tries to push the idea of filing for disability online because they have manpower issues, but do yourself a favor and apply in person where you can have the chance to ask questions and get them answered directly. Now, as to your question, how to get disability in Texas, I will tell you that the decision on your claim will be based on whatever functional limitations are indicated in your medical records and it's great that your doctor is willing to supply a statement on your behalf. However, the doctor's statement does not guarantee that you will be awarded disability. This is for a couple of reasons. First, the disability system does not give proper credence to the opinions of treating physicians at the lower levels (disability application and reconsideration) as compared to the hearing level where a judge presides. Second, most doctors do not supply statements that are helpful. Your doctor needs to supply a statement that details your functional limitations, not simply a statement that says you are disabled. And for this purpose I would recommend having your doctor complete an RFC form. However, I will warn you that even solid RFC forms are sometimes effectively ignored by disability examiners. So, you may wish to consider the fact that you may be in the position of having to ask your doctor to complete an RFC form on your behalf at the initial claim level and, if you are denied, later at the disability hearing level. Having said that, its still not a bad idea to get a completed RFC form submitted when you file your initial claim. Just be aware that it may not carry as much weight as it might at a hearing, if a hearing becomes necessary. 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? 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