What If Your Doctor Says You Cannot Work but Social Security Denies Your Disability Claim?
If your doctor says that you cannot work because of a serious medical condition, you may expect the Social Security Administration (SSA) to approve your application for disability benefits. Receiving a denial can therefore be frustrating and confusing. You may wonder how Social Security can deny your claim when the doctor who treats you believes that you are unable to work.
There is no question that a doctor’s medical evidence can be extremely important in a Social Security disability claim. However, a doctor’s statement that you are unable to work does not automatically mean that SSA will find you disabled under SSA’s rules. If your initial application is denied, an experienced Social Security disability lawyer can help you understand the decision and pursue an appeal.
Why Can Social Security Deny Your Claim If Your Doctor Says You Cannot Work?
SSA applies its own legal definition of disability when determining whether an applicant qualifies for benefits. As a result, the ultimate determination of whether someone meets Social Security’s definition of “disability” is made by SSA rather than an applicant’s doctor.
That does not mean your doctor’s medical evidence is unimportant. SSA considers medical evidence when evaluating the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to function. Your treatment history, examination findings, diagnoses, symptoms, testing, and information about your functional limitations can all become important to your disability claim.
What Information From Your Doctor Can Help Your Social Security Disability Claim?
Instead of simply stating that you are “disabled” or “unable to work,” medical information describing what you can and cannot do can help SSA evaluate your claim.
Depending on your medical condition, this may include information concerning your ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, concentrate, remember information, interact with others, or perform other physical and mental activities. Records documenting the treatment you have received and how your condition has responded to treatment may also be important.
Because every Social Security disability claim is different, the evidence needed to establish disability will depend on your particular medical conditions and limitations.
What Should You Do If Social Security Denies Your Disability Claim?
It is important to know that an initial denial does not necessarily mean that you cannot ultimately receive Social Security disability benefits. If SSA denies your application, carefully review the denial and consider getting legal help with your appeal.
Social Security disability appeals are subject to deadlines. Rather than simply filing a new application or assuming your doctor’s opinion should have guaranteed approval, an experienced Social Security disability lawyer can determine why your claim was denied and help develop evidence addressing the issues in your case.
A Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Fight for Your Benefits
If your doctor believes you cannot work but SSA denied your disability claim, you do not have to navigate the appeals process alone. An experienced Social Security disability lawyer can review your denial, evaluate your medical evidence, identify additional evidence that may strengthen your case, handle your appeal, and fight for the disability benefits you deserve.
The experienced Social Security disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law help disabled individuals pursue the benefits they need. If your Social Security disability claim was denied, contact Nationwide Disability Law today to discuss your case with an experienced Social Security disability lawyer.
