Social Security Disability and Doctors

Get Your Doctor to Write a Statement Supporting Your Disability Case

The Social Security Administration is looking for a doctor's evaluation of how well a disability applicant can do basic tasks.

Social Security Disability and the Doctor's Residual Functional Capacity Form (RFC)

Your doctor's RFC form may be the most important part of your disability case.

Why Your Doctor, the Treating Physician, Is Important for Social Security Disability

Social Security has enacted a new rule that says an examiner or judge no longer needs to give special weight to the opinions of a treating physician.

How Failing to Seek or Comply With Your Doctor's Treatment Affects Your Disability Case

If you're filing for disability benefits and don't seek treatment for your impairment, your credibility may be jeopardized.

Functional Limitations in Your Medical Record Help Get Social Security Disability

Your functional limitations are the most important evidence for Social Security disability.

Nurse Practitioner's Opinion on Disability Should Not be Ignored, Federal Judge Rules

Read our case review & analysis of Dale v. Colvin 2016

What Do I Need From My Doctor to Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Your doctor's detailed opinion of your impairments and limitations are key in your Social Security disability claim.

Can You Send More Than One Doctor's Letter to Social Security?

Question: I see both my primary care physician and an orthopedist regularly. Should I have them both send statements to Social Security to support my disability claim?

Will My Doctor Charge Me to Write a Letter for Social Security Disability?

Your doctor may charge you a fee to fill out a lengthy RFC form, but it's probably worth the money.

Will Social Security Approve Me for Disability If I Haven't Had Any Doctor Appointments?

It is much more difficult, but not impossible, to get Social Security disability if you haven't seen a doctor.

Make Sure Your Doctor Is Supportive of Your Disability Case

If your doctor won't help you on your SSD or SSI case, consider switching.

Can a Doctor's Letter Win a Disability Case or Get You Approved?

To what extent can a letter from your personal doctor or physician help win a Social Security disability claim? It depends on the letter.

Getting Cooperation From Your Doctor for Your Disability Case

If your doctor is reluctant to help with your claim, you should find out why and address their concerns.

Can Social Security Ignore My Doctor's Opinion on Disability?

Not usually, but there are rules that govern when Social Security can discount your doctor's opinion.

What If a Doctor Says You Are Malingering (Faking) to Get Disability Benefits

Here's what to do if a doctor makes a notation in your medical record that you may be malingering or exaggerating to get Social Security disability benefits.

Should You Trust the Social Security Disability Doctor?

Exams will vary by doctor, but it's generally a good idea to be wary during a medical exam for Social Security.

What to Watch Out for at Social Security Medical Exams

The Social Security medical exam: rude, quick, and usually not helpful.

What Medical Evidence Is Required by Social Security Disability?

Social Security disability needs timely, accurate, and sufficient medical evidence.

Functional Limitations in Your Medical Record Help Get Social Security Disability

Your functional limitations are the most important evidence for Social Security disability.

Turn in Your Medical Records When You Apply for Social Security Disability or SSI

You should obtain copies of your medical records and submit them with their application or appeal.

Residual Functional Capacity Forms: Download an RFC Form

An RFC form completed by your doctor can greatly improve your chances of winning Social Security disability benefits.