HOW YOUR DOCTOR CAN HELP YOU GET DISABILITY BENEFITS

Doctors can't decide whether you are disabled and whether you get Social Security benefits. However, doctors can be an important part of that decision making process.

We often think of the doctor's role merely as providing records of your treatment to Social Security. Actually, they should do much more.

Your doctor should give you a Medical Source Statement. This is a form which details the limitations you have in the ability to perform various work related activities: sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, concentrating, remembering, etc.

The Medical Source Statement (MSS) does not require a special examination. It merely asks you doctor to estimate his or her opinion about your functional ability in several important areas. This opinion is based on the doctor's observation and treatment over a period of months or years.

You may pick up a Medical Source Statement form at your attorney's office or download one on the internet. A common form is HA-1151 (for physical impairments) or HA-1152 (for mental impairments). Your doctor will not have one of these forms. You must find the form, take it to the doctor and ask him or her to complete it for you.