Medical Source Statements

Medical Source Statements

By Attorney Nicholas Wearne

Snow, Carpio & Weekley

As important as it is to have a good lawyer, it is equally as important to your social security case to have a supportive doctor.  To qualify for social security benefits you must prove that you are unable to work or, in some cases, that you can only do light work.  While there is an occasional outlier, the only way I have seen people successfully prove this, is with supporting medical opinion. 

One of the first things I do when a person comes in is give them a Medical Source Statement form.  It is a form that asks your doctors what your restrictions are.  It specifically asks about sitting and standing limitations, lifting limitations, percentage of time you will be off task, number of days you will be absent from work in a given month, etc.  These forms are the primary evidence I use at hearing in order show that someone is disabled.  Your word alone, albeit convincing, is usually not sufficient to convince the judge that you should receive benefits. 

Whether you represent yourself or have an attorney represent you I recommend having your doctor fill out one of these forms.  The more specialized your doctor is, the more convincing the restrictions will be.  If they are not willing to fill out the form, try finding a doctor who will, or see if they are willing to write a letter that states your restrictions in their own words.  Some doctors do not like being limited to a form.  Versions of this form may be found online.  

If you believe you would qualify for social security disability and need a medical source statement form, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation.

For more information on Workers' Compensation or Social Security Disability, please contact Snow, Carpio & Weekley toll-free at 855-325-4781 or visit our website at www.workinjuryaz.com. We serve the entire State of Arizona and have offices located in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma and Lake Havasu City.