The support of your treating physician is critical for your Social Security Disability (SSD) claim, yet many patients are surprised when their doctor is unsupportive or reluctant to get involved. This lack of support can severely compromise your claim, making it vital to know how to approach the discussion.
Treating Physician Support is Critical
In an SSD claim, a treating doctor’s detailed opinion about your functional limitations remains critically important. If your doctor does not provide an opinion or complete the required forms, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will rely on the opinion of its own consulting physicians—who may have only reviewed your records—to deny your claim. A strong, well-documented opinion stating you are unable to sustain full-time work is vital to counter the SSA’s internal assessment. If your doctor explicitly refuses to support your claim, you have a significant problem that requires immediate attention.
How to Discuss Your Disability Claim
Timing is crucial when discussing a disability claim with your physician. Wait until you have established a relationship with them. Never bring up the claim on the first or second visit. Your primary focus must always be on treatment that allows you to return to work. A doctor will be reluctant to support a disability claim if they suspect your primary motivation is benefits rather than getting better. They will be more willing to support your claim once they have treated you for a period of time without meaningful results.
Many physicians are unaware of the SSA’s specific definition of disability. A doctor’s personal definition of disabled is often much stricter and harder to meet than the SSA’s definition. The key is how you frame the discussion around the SSA’s criteria.
Frame the Question Correctly
Avoid using the words disabled or permanent disability. These are broad, non-specific terms that doctors often reserve for only the most severely or permanently ill patients. Instead, frame your request using the SSA’s work-based standard.
State your claim simply. Tell your physician you have filed a claim for disability benefits because you are unable to sustain full-time work. Ask for their medical opinion on your ability to work. Ask your physician if they also believe you are unable to sustain full-time work at the present time.
Address the Duration of the Condition
The SSA requires that you be unable to work, or be expected to be unable to work, for at least 12 continuous months. If your physician agrees you are unable to sustain full-time work, ask for their support for a period of 18 to 24 months. This time frame satisfies the SSA’s minimum 12-month duration requirement.
This may help alleviate any concerns the physician may have about labeling your condition as permanent. Most doctors are more comfortable supporting an inability to work for a limited period, knowing you want to return to work after a period of recuperation. If you are still unable to work after that time, you can address the issue again.
Request Specific Documentation
If your physician agrees to support your claim, ask them to fill out specific documentation, including:
- Documenting their findings in your medical record, stating that you are unable to work.
- Detail specific reasons, focusing on your functional limitations.
- Complete a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form, clearly outlining your specific limitations in a way the SSA is accustomed to reviewing.
By approaching your physician with clarity about the SSA’s criteria and focusing on your current inability to sustain full-time work rather than a permanent disability label, you significantly increase your chances of obtaining the necessary support for your SSD claim. If you need further support in advocating for your claim, contact an SSD lawyer to get started.