My Doctor Disables Me from Working

Has your doctor told you stop working? Has he written in your medical records that you should not be working? Perhaps your doctor has filled out a form for Medicaid (insurance through the Department of Public Welfare) that states you’re not able to work or you are disabled.

Despite what the doctor has written or even told you, it does not mean that you are automatically entitled to Social Security disability benefits and it does not mean you have an “easy” case.

The truth is, although it's certainly helpful to have a doctor on board and willing to support your assertion that you are unable to work, the majority of doctors do not know Social Security's definition of disability.

Instead, it is important to understand that “disability” under Social Security is a legal determination that must be made by Social Security, often by an administrative law judge (also known as an “ALJ”).  This ALJ is a Social Security Judge who will ultimately determine whether you are disabled or not.  And in making that determination, the ALJ looks to the rules and regulations that Social Security has issued in order to make the decision.  As part of the decision, the ALJ will look to medical opinions and medical records from treating sources such as your doctor.  But, it is important to understand that this is only one area that the ALJ takes into consideration.  It is vital to have an experienced Social Security disability attorney, one who understands the Social Security’s rules and regulations on disability, aid you in the process of obtaining benefits—particularly at the appeal stage.

If you need help applying for Social Security Disability or SSI, please contact me at joshben99@gmail.com. I have over 20 years experience with Social Security Disability cases.

Location: Michigan, USA

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