Social Security will need 2 things from your doctor:
1. Your complete medical records.
2. An opinion of your functional limitations (called a Residual Functional Capacity statement).
Just like any other legal case, Social Security disability must be proven. This proof always rests in your doctor's office.
If you are considering filing for disability, I urge you to talk to your doctor. His or her support can be instrumental.
The truth is, Social Security denies about 75 percent of all disability applications at first. Those denials require an appeal process in order to be approved.
If we handle your SSDI case, we will obtain the necessary medical records for you. We will also request a Residual Functional Capacity opinion from your doctor. This detailed form is a lot of work for your doctor. But it can form the absolute best piece of evidence to help prove your case.
Let me say something about the term "your doctor." This refers to a qualified medical doctor who has treated you over a period of time and has an established professional relationship with you. This is not a new doctor you see just to get forms filled out for disability. The longer you have been treated by this doctor, the more weight is likely to be given to paperwork he or she provides. Also, the term doctor refers to a licensed physician--either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopath (OD). A podiatrist can provide evidence about foot or ankle disorders. An optometrist can provide records concerning vision. A licensed psychologist (Psy.D. or Ph.D.) can explain mental or psychological disorders. A psychiatrist, of course, is an MD or DO.
If your doctor is not supportive, it may be that you will have difficulty getting Social Security disability benefits.
Of course, doctors cannot approve you or sign you up for disability benefits. But they can provide important evidence.
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