My doctor says I am disabled, I even submitted a letter from my doctor that I am disabled, so why is it that the Social Security Administration keeps denying my Social Security Disability claim?
This is a question that we are asked many times from people who been denied Social Security Disability benefits when they thought Social Security will approve their claim for Social Security Disability Benefits because their doctors submitted a statement that they are disabled.
Although Social Security Administration reviews your medical records from your doctors, your doctor’s opinion or statement that you are disabled does not mean Social Security Administration will find you disabled. Social Security Disability process/decision is a legal decision, not a medical decision. There are other factors involved in the decision process such as your age, work experience, and education.
When a doctor opines on a patient’s disability and/or ability to work, their opinion would be based on the medical symptoms that the patient exhibits. If the symptoms are consistent with patient’s diagnosis and working would aggravate them, most likely doctors would conclude that the patient is disabled. However, most doctors are unfamiliar with the legal definition of Social Security disability, therefore, you cannot solely rely on what your doctor says to get approved for Social Security disability benefits.
If your doctor wants to support your disability claim, there are ways she or he can do so. In my opinion, having your doctor document all your disorders and symptoms is the first thing you want talk to them about. Unfortunately, we see many doctors notes and medical records that are short and do not accurately describe patient’s disorders and presenting symptoms. You also want to make sure that your doctors don’t ignore the request they get from Social Security to provide your medical records to them. In addition, instead of a statement about your disability, your doctor can write a detail statement or complete a form about your functioning to support your claim.
If you want to file for Social Security Disability benefits, or if you have been denied Social Security Disability benefits, WE CAN HELP.
Call or text us at 310 420-3505 or 310 867-1229