Your doctor may hold the key to getting your Social Security disability claim approved. But you must know what to ask your doctor to do.
First, a word about what doctors may not do. A doctor may not render an opinion about whether a patient is disabled. He may not state that an individual is not able to work. Why? Under the law, these opinions are reserved only to the Commissioner of Social Security. A doctor may not draw a conclusion reserved for the Commissioner.
So, other than routine medical records, what may your doctor provide to help your claim?
The technical name for what you want from your doctor is a Residual Functional Capacity Opinion. These are also called Medical Source Statements.
This is a specific form used by Social Security. Doctors do not have the form; you need to obtain it from your attorney or representative, and take it to your doctor for completion.
Your doctor may offer to simply write a letter for you, instead. You should decline this offer and ask for the Medical Source Statement (form). Why? The doctor's letter will invaribly make statements that are not admissible as evidence (reserved to the Commissioner). The doctor's letter is always fail to give specific data that Social Security requires to make a favorable decision. Thus, use the form, not a letter.
A properly completed Medical Source Statement from your treating doctor can be a good tool to support your disability claim.
__________
THE FORSYTHE FIRM
Social Security Counselors
Huntsville, AL 35806
CALL US (256) 799-0297
Email Us: forsythefirm@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment