WHY YOUR DOCTOR'S LETTER DIDN'T HELP YOU GET APPROVED

You have a Social Security hearing coming up on your disability claim.  You approach your doctor about filling out a form to support your claim.  The doctor is busy but offers to write you a  brief letter, instead.  Here's what a typical doctor's letter might say:

"Mr. Joe Claimant has been a patient of mine for over 20 years.  He suffers from back pain, migraine headaches, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and depression.  In my opinion, Mr. Claimant is not able to work and is fully disabled."  Signed [John M. Doctor, MD].

Why Social Security judges will probably ignore this letter?

REASON # 1:  The letter draws a conclusion that only the Commissioner of Social Security is able to reach, under the law (20 CFR 404.1527).  As odd as it sounds, doctors are not allowed to say whether or not you are disabled.

REASON # 2:  The letter is very non-specific.  It mentions medical conditions but not the functional limitations caused by those conditions.  It does not estimate how long Mr. Claimant can sit, stand or walk.  It does not estimate how severe his limitations are in terms of lifting, bending, kneeling, reaching, etc.  The letter does not say how many days per week Mr. Claimant would be expected to miss work because of migraine headaches.  It does not estimate how much Mr. Claimant would be off task in a job environment due to depression.  The letter is much, much too general.  That's why Social Security uses their own form.

Attorneys or advocates have their own form for doctors to complete.  The form we use will request the right information from the doctor.  The doctor will check the appropriate boxes and thus, all the correct information will be gathered.

Doctors mean well when they offer to write you a letter supporting your disability claim.  However, if they are not well versed in the specific evidence that Social Security requires, their letter will prove not to be helpful.
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THE FORSYTHE FIRM
7027 Madison Pike - Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
PH (256) 799-0297

*The Forsythe Firm is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or the US Government.  We work for you, the client, not Social Security.  We offer free consultations and never charge you a fee unless you win and collect back pay.




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