One of the strongest pieces of medical evidence you can submit to the Social Security Administration when applying for disability benefits (SSDI) is a medical source statement from one of your medical providers.
What Is a Medical Source Statement?
A medical source statement is a form completed by your doctor summarizing how limited you are physically and mentally as a result of your conditions. This document will help the SSA determine whether you are disabled.
Some important points about medical source statements:
- In order for a medical source statement to be most effective it needs to be signed by a medical doctor, even though many people today receive treatment from physician’s assistants, nurses, or nurse practitioners.
- While a medical source statement completed by one of these other medical sources is still helpful, it will be given greater weight by the judge if it is signed or co-signed by a medical doctor.
- For example, if you had a back surgery you would want to request that your orthopedic surgeon complete a medical source statement, as they are best positioned to determine how limited you are because of your back pain.
- Lastly, some doctors are hesitant to fill out medical source statements. It’s important to tell your doctor that they are simply being asked for their opinions about your physical and mental conditions. They are not being asked to make a decision on whether you are disabled or not.
What If My Doctor Won’t Fill One Out?
If a medical provider will not fill out a medical source statement, you can always request that they write a letter to the judge in their own words summarizing your medical treatment, diagnoses, and an overall prognosis.
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About Citizens Disability, LLC:
Since 2010, Citizens Disability has been America’s premier Social Security Disability institution. Our services include helping people in applying for SSDI benefits, managing the process through Reconsideration, and representing people in person at their Hearing, and if necessary, bringing their case to the Appeals Council. Our mission is to give a voice to the millions of Americans who are disabled and unable to work, helping them receive the Social Security Disability benefits to which they may be entitled. Learn more about us and disability benefits like SSDI & SSI or give us a call (800)492-3260.
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