If you have applied for Social Security benefits and were denied, you can appeal. In this case, you will have to go before a judge. Get the doctor’s letter of support before you go to the judge or you may lose the appeal.
You must have an M. D. , D. O. , or Ph. D. fill out the form or letter for you. You cannot ask a nurse or physician’s assistant. If you have a mental condition, such as anxiety or depression, you should go to your psychiatrist if you have one. The best doctor to ask is one with whom you have a long relationship. If you ask a new doctor, they may not know enough about you or your condition to write an accurate letter. [5] X Expert Source Mohammad Dar, MDBoard Certified Internist & Health Policy Director Expert Interview. 28 September 2021.
When the condition started. For example, write down when you first experienced symptoms or identify how many years you have struggled with it. How the condition affects your life. For example, if you have severe depression, you may not leave your house for long periods of time. How the condition impacts your ability to work. For example, if you have a back injury, you may no longer be able to work your job in a warehouse. How the condition affects your ability to stand, sit, walk, or remember. For example, if you have arthritis, you may not be able to bend or stoop.
When you call, you can say, “I am filing for disability benefits, and I would like to talk to Dr. Stevens about supporting my application. ” Don’t try to squeeze the discussion in during a medical visit. Your doctor may not have time to both treat your condition and talk about your disability claims. While some doctors may offer walk-ins, it is best to make an appointment for this type of visit. This will ensure that the doctor has enough time to fully talk about the issue with you. [9] X Expert Source Mohammad Dar, MDBoard Certified Internist & Health Policy Director Expert Interview. 28 September 2021.
If you are filing for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration (SSA), bring a residual functional capacity (RFC) form. There are separate forms for physical and mental conditions. You can find these online or at a Social Security Center. If you are filing for disability benefits from a state, contact either your state’s Department of Health or Department of Labor for more information. If you are asking for disability for extra assistance or an excused leave in school or university, ask the administration for the proper forms. If you need the disability forms for work, human resources (HR) should be able to help you. If you work for a small business, ask your boss.
Describe in detail how the condition affects your life. You might say, “Because of my medications, I can no longer drive. Unless I can get a ride, I am stuck in my house. " Emphasize how this claim could help you recover. You might say, “I think I need some time to focus on my recovery so that I can eventually become healthy. ” If you are filing for benefits, explain how they will help you pay for treatment. You might say, “It’s very hard for me to afford my treatments right now. If I could get benefits, I would be able to get the care that I need. ”
For example, if your doctor asks how long your condition has lasted, don’t add months or years to make it sound more severe. Instead, give them an honest answer. If you can’t remember, tell them. They can consult your records.
Thank the doctor for their time if they refuse. You can say, “I’m disappointed, but I understand. Thank you anyways. ” If your doctor does not offer support, you might try to go to another doctor who has treated you but who is not your primary care physician.
Insist that the doctor takes the letter. You might say, “This copy is for you. I have this information. ”
You can tell your doctor what type of evidence you need. You might say, “To support my claim, they need as much information about my condition as possible. You should probably include the results of my bloodwork. ” Your doctor should include any tests that have been done, what procedures or therapies you have gone through, what medications you have taken to manage your condition, and how long the condition is expected to last.
You might say, “Hi, I am checking to see if Dr. Wolf has filled out my disability form. If not, is it possible to get it in the next week?”
If you are filing for SSA benefits, you will need to upload the letter to your online application or bring it with you to your appointment at a Social Security office. If you are submitting these documents for absence from work, give the documents directly to HR or your boss. If you need these documents for an excused absence or assistance at school, you may need to give them to the administration, nurse, or university accessibility services.
