Your medical doctor can make or break your Social Security Disability case.
Some doctors will not fill out forms or write letters explaining your disability and how it limits you.
This does not mean you will lose your case if the doctor will not do these things.
However, if your doctor puts in your records that she questions your truthfulness or the extent of your limitations then you most likely will lose your disability case.
In other words, if the doctor does not believe you why should the Social Security Judge believe you are disabled.
Believe me, this does happen. I have seen records in which the doctor questions whether the patient can work, or if the patient is as bad off as they claim.
What can you do to avoid this?
Develop a working relationship with your doctor.
You do not have to tell them you are seeking disability or that you cannot work.
Some doctors misunderstand the process and what disability means. So you do not have to ask them to agree with you regarding the ultimate conclusion that you are disabled.
You need to make consistent appointments.
Follow treatment recommendations.
You also need to explain your symptoms, how often it happens, how long it lasts, and what you need to do to deal with the symptoms.
Be consistent in your explanations.
Do not expect the doctor to work on your behalf to get disability. Some doctors will do this but it is not the end of your case if they do not. The only thing you really need is detailed medical records explaining your conditions and limitations.
Above all be respectful to the doctor. This will go along way to laying the ground work for the type of medical records that will help your case.
Questions about your disability case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.