Getting a ‘Medical Source Statement’ From Your Doctor about Your Disability
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.
Since 2010, Citizens Disability has been America’s premier Social Security Disability advocate. 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. We have helped tens of thousands of individuals with their SSDI claims. Your success is our mission.
It is easy to get started.
It is easy to get started. No upfront costs – You only pay if we win!
Oops! We could not locate your form.
