Sample Medical Opinion Letter: We know that doctors are very busy people! They want to assist their patients with claims, but there just isn’t enough time in the day. Yet, the Social Security Administration (SSA) views the opinion of a treating doctor as extremely valuable in a disability claim. Your patients NEED you to weigh
Dear Doctor: The following resources have been created just for you. We know that the Social Security Disability rules and regulations can be complex, and sometimes, completely arbitrary. It is a difficult system to navigate. It is no wonder that doctors who want to help their patients obtain benefits often end up frustrated and giving up. Please know
Why should I help my patient with her Social Security Disability case? Some doctors and therapists are hesitant to play any part in a patient’s legal case. This is understandable because… In cases involving litigation: if a doctor completes a report for a case, he or she may end up in trial, if a doctor ends up in
FIVE Steps to Your Social Security Disability Determination 1. STEP ONE: Are you performing substantial gainful activity (working)? What does “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) mean? This means that you have worked and earned money during the time prior to your disability. Substantial: Work that requires significant physical or mental activities. Gainful: work that you do
Dear Doctor: The Social Security Administration (SSA) views the opinion of a treating doctor as extremely valuable in a disability claim. Your MS patient needs you to provide an opinion based on your understanding of your patient’s symptoms and knowledge of your patient’s impairments. In this guide you will find: (1) an overview of the
When applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must consider whether or not you are “disabled.” What does the SSA mean when they say “disabled?” 1) You must have a severe impairment; 2) You must be unable to do substantial work because of your medical condition(s); and 3) Your medical condition(s)