One of the most common frustrations I hear from clients is when they have a supportive doctor telling them that they are disabled and should have no problem qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, but then Social Security denies their claim for benefits.
Unfortunately, this happens often because not all doctors understand the strict definition of disability under Social Security Administration (SSA) regulations.
SSA cannot take a letter written by a provider that says, “Patient is unable to work because of their conditions,” or anything along those lines, without medical records to back the letter up that outlines certain limitations.
Typically, SSA will want some objective findings that prove the physical limitations, such as imaging (i.e., x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans) or other testing (i.e., EEG, nerve conduction studies). When it comes to mental limitations, SSA tends to look at observations the provider makes, in tandem with results from psychological testing.
If you have a disability claim and a supportive doctor who tells you that you shouldn’t have a problem qualifying, ask if they would be willing to complete a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form. These forms, when coupled with appropriate medical records, can help to show SSA that you do have physical and/or mental limitations that prevent you from working.
If you need help with proving your disability case, contact an experienced attorney today.