“I applied for Social Security Disability Insurance. Why do they have to speak to my doctor?

Disclaimer: This story is based on a real case. The names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals involved. Information presented here is general in nature and should not be construed as formal legal advice or as the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Cases differ and past performance does not guarantee future results.

Gregory applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) two months ago after he dislocated and fractured his shoulder in a car accident. A gym instructor, who helped clients with their fitness goals, Gregory could not do his job and was advised to apply for Social Security disability benefits. He submitted documentation to the Social Security Administration and waited for a response. After a few weeks, his doctor’s office called to get authorization to release his medical information to a state agency. “Why do they need my information,” he wondered. Gregory saw a Cervoni Disability Law PLLC post on Twitter and decided to call us for information.

When Gregory called us we told him that the Disability Determination Services office in his state would need his medical information to determine his eligibility for services. We told him that his doctor would be asked:

• About his medical condition
• When the medical condition began
• How the medical condition affects his activities
• His medical test results
• His medical treatments

We told Gregory that the state agency would ask his doctors about how his injuries impacted walking, sitting, lifting, and carrying out and remembering instructions. We also told him that sometimes another physician was brought in to make an evaluation.

Gregory realized that there was more to filing a disability claim than he thought and decided to let us handle his case. We were able to successfully guide him through the process and he received benefits for his condition.

Want to learn more? Download the Beginner's Road Map to SSDI

If you have a friend, relative or client who has a question about Social Security Disability/SSI benefits, call Cervoni Disability Law PLLC for a free consultation.