The Social Security regulations list numerous conditions which render a person legally “disabled” for the purpose of receiving Social Security disability benefits. The conditions listed are collectively referred to as “the Listings.” In prior articles we have explained that a person is disabled if Social Security finds a condition which impairs ability to work to … Read more
This is the second in a two-part series on how people with conditions which are not among those listed and described in that portion of the Social Security regulations known as “the Listings” may still be regarded as legally disabled If your disabled patient’s condition does not meet or equal one of the medical conditions … Read more
Even if your patient’s specific disability does not appear under the “Listings, ” he or she may still be legally disabled and entitled to Social Security benefits of his or her impairment is “equal to” the severity of those on the Listings. Most physicians are aware that the Social Security Administration regulations list detailed medical … Read more
You can tell by looking at your patient and her history that there is no way she could make it through an 8-hour work day, even in a sedentary occupation. Her pain would not allow it. You firmly believe she is genuinely disabled. How do you tell the Social Security (SS) people that? Doctors need … Read more
As the treating physician, your opinion is vital to the outcome of your patient’s Social Security disability claim. In fact, it may control the outcome of the claim. Under a recent policy ruling, if a treating physician’s medical opinion is well-supported and not inconsistent with other substantial evidence in the record, it is given “controlling … Read more
Doctors with patients who have been inured or have Social Security disability claims are usually asked to provide evidence. But what do the Social Security people mean by “disability”? And what kind of evidence do they need from doctors? There is no universal definition of “disability.” It depends on who is defining it – Veterans … Read more
Lawyers handling personal-injury, Workers’ Compensation and the Social Security disability cases almost always work on a contingency basis. This means that they must succeed in winning the client’s case or proving the client is entitled to benefits in order to receive a fee for their services. In other words, they may devote many hours to … Read more