Why You Need a Doctor’s Opinion
When preparing your claim for Social Security disability benefits, your Iowa disability attorney might want to have your primary treating doctor provide an opinion or explanation to go with your claim and explain why you are disabled.
Isn’t My Doctor’s Opinion About My Ability to Perform Work Activities Very Subjective?
Yes, however, the Social Security Administration knows that disability claimants have a wide range of symptoms that are often difficult to quantify.
What Questions May the Attorney Ask My Doctor?
Many of the symptoms are subjective. I, Hugh Field, your Iowa disability attorney might ask your doctor for his or her opinion about the nature and severity of your symptoms, what functionality you still have despite your limitations and any mental or physical restrictions you have that prevent you from working. It is a professional judgment as to whether your symptoms can be attributed to a medical diagnosis, and whether they match up with the medical findings you have.
Should My Doctor Use a Typical Physical Exam to Decide if My Limitations Are Reasonable?
No, this test is not considered appropriate by the Social Security Administration and I will advise your doctor against using it. Some symptoms affect people more severely than others. A person with low back problems may be capable of performing some medium work activity, but another patient with the same problems may be in so much pain that he is effectively incapacitated.
Contact Us
For more information on qualifying for disability and what questions to ask your doctor, do not hesitate to contact Beecher, Field, Walker, Morris, Hoffman & Johnson, PC . Hugh Field, our north eastern Iowa disability attorney is here to help guide you through the process.