For Social Security Disability Regular Treatment is Key

Regular treatment with a doctor is highly beneficial to a SSD/SSI claim because the Social Security Administration will view the doctor as a “treating physician.” The SSA views the opinion of a treating physician as holding great weight because the doctor has first-hand knowledge of a claimant’s medical conditions, symptoms and prognosis. To ensure that your doctor is considered a treating physician you should see the doctor regularly, follow the doctor’s treatment recommendations, and make sure the doctor provides proper information to the SSA.

In many cases, doctors are unaware of what kind of information Social Security needs to approve someone for disability benefits. You can help by learning about what information your doctor needs to provide to Social Security, attending regular appointments, and making sure your doctor maintains detailed records of all of your conditions and symptoms over an extended period of time. This will allow you to develop a comprehensive treatment record with your doctor, which can be used as compelling evidence in your claim.

Other than providing treatment records, your doctor can substantially strengthen your claim by filing out a Physical Residual Functioning Capacity (RFC) assessment. A Physical RFC assessment contains questions which your doctor will use to describe your disabling conditions and associated limitations. It can serve as strong evidence of your disability. If you suffer from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions, your doctor can fill out a Mental RFC assessment.

We understand that applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be overwhelming, especially when you are suffering from severe medical conditions. We can help. Please give us a call at 215.561.1000. Our experienced SSD/SSI team can assist you in working with your doctor to develop a strong case for your disability application.