A typical doctor's office record will give the dates you saw the doctor, your chief complaints, a diagnosis or impression (sometimes), and a record of any prescriptions written. Even if the doctor ordered diagnostic tests such as X-Rays or blood work, they will not discuss functional limitations imposed on the patient by their findings.
In addition to what is contained in your doctor's reports, here is what Social Security needs to know: How severe is your condition? How does it affect your physical or mental function in the work place? Specifically, how much can you lift and carry frequently and occasionally? How long can you stand at one time? How long can you stand in an 8 hour day? Do you have limits that involve sitting, bending, kneeling, climbing, crouching, or reaching? Are there emotional or psychological limitations, including the ability to concentrate, understand and follow simple directions, get along with supervisors or coworkers; do you have any limitations in persistence or pace? Can you work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, 52 weeks per year without more than 2 days per month of absence due to your condition?
No doctor's chart ever addresses this vocational-related information, hence, Social Security does not have enough information to approve your claim. You must have your doctor address your condition in terms of how it restricts your ability to work. This burden lies upon the claimant or the claimant's representative. Do not count on Social Security to obtain this information.
We must emphasize that Social Security will not go to the effort to obtain this information from your treating sources. The claimant or representative must take the initiative and go after the data needed. Knowing exactly what vocational data is required, then obtaining it, will make all the difference in getting a Social Security disability claim approved.
To access the main web site for the Forsythe Firm, Huntsville Social Security disability advocates, click on this link.
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