Having a Doctor Back Up Your SSDI Claim: Why You Need It, and How to Get It

When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it will make a huge difference in your case to have your doctor support your disability claim. In fact, usually you’ll have to have their help in some way to get disability at all.

Your doctor’s statements, medical records, and recommendations play a major role in proving to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that your disability truly prevents you from working.

However, discussing SSDI with your doctor can feel intimidating or confusing. Here’s how to talk to your doctor about supporting your SSDI claim and why it’s so essential for your application.

Importance of Having Your Doctor’s Support When Applying for SSDI

Disability benefits are hard enough to get even if you have every single thing in place. In fact, the SSA denies the majority of applicants on their first try.

So in addition to proving you qualify in every other way, it’s nearly impossible to get SSDI without a doctor to support your disability claim.

That’s because the SSA needs some way of knowing you have a disability in the first place. They rely as much as possible on hard data, which includes all of your medical records and a doctor’s testimony.

When I work with an SSDI client for the first time, I always ask them if they’ve gotten documentation from their doctors of their disability and how it affects their income. If not, I help them reach out to their doctor first thing. It’s that important.

How to Talk with Your Doctor About Supporting Your Disability Application

1. Explain Why You’re Applying for SSDI

Start by clearly explaining to your doctor why you’re applying for SSDI and how your condition prevents you from working.

Let them know the specific challenges you face in your daily life and work tasks, including any pain, fatigue, difficulty focusing, or limited mobility.

The more your doctor understands the day-to-day impact of your condition, the better they can support your claim.

2. Be Honest About Your Limitations

It’s important to be completely honest about how your condition limits you. Many people try to “tough it out” and downplay their symptoms, but this is the time to be transparent.

The SSA requires clear evidence of your limitations. So explain to your doctor in detail how your symptoms affect your ability to perform specific tasks, like sitting, standing, lifting, or concentrating.

3. Ask for Specific Documentation

For your SSDI claim to succeed, your doctor will need to provide specific medical documentation that supports your case. Politely ask if they can provide:

  • Detailed treatment records. This includes information on your diagnosis, treatments, medications, and how your condition has progressed over time.
  • Functional capacity evaluations. This is a report that details your physical or mental limitations and how they affect your ability to work.
  • Opinion letters. An opinion letter from your doctor can strengthen your case by providing their professional insight into why your condition prevents you from working.

The more of this information you can provide, the better. If you’ve worked with multiple doctors, request these from all of them.

If you’re unsure which documents to request or feel overwhelmed by the process, our experienced SSDI lawyers can help you understand what you need and help gather the right information from your doctor.

4. Discuss the Long-Term Nature of Your Condition

For SSDI eligibility, the SSA needs to see that your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For most applicants, only a doctor can make this prognosis because of their expertise.

Discuss the long-term outlook of your condition with your doctor. They can then make sure to reflect this information accurately in their reports.

If your doctor believes your condition will continue to limit your work ability for the long-term, ask them to clearly state this in their documentation.

5. Respect Your Doctor’s Time

Doctors are often extremely busy, so be respectful of their time. If possible, schedule an appointment specifically to discuss your SSDI claim, and bring any forms or paperwork you need their help with.

You may also have access to telehealth or remote appointments, saving everyone time.

How an SSDI Lawyer Can Help Support Your Disability Claim

If you’re unsure about how to approach your doctor, our SSDI lawyers can guide you through the process.

We work with doctors regularly to gather the necessary medical evidence for SSDI claims, and we know how to request the specific information that strengthens your case.

Our award-winning team helps make sure your medical records and doctor’s statements provide the strongest possible support for your claim. We communicate with you every step of the way and help you appeal if the SSA denies your claim on the first try.

And we don’t get paid a penny unless and until we win your case. (Even then, it’s just a small fraction of your past-due benefits. You keep every penny moving forward.)

As a Memphis SSDI lawyer, I understand the importance of having your doctor support your disability claim. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s work together to build a strong case and get the benefits you need.