The key to prevailing in a claim for benefits from the Social Security Administration is the development of a medical source statement (opinion) from, preferably a treating physician, which objectively speaks to your limitations. Medical records (evidence) typically indicate the diagnosis of the patient, and what steps or services are recommended to resolve or make better the medical condition. But this in insufficient for the determination of disability. It does not allow for the adjudicator (person making the decision) to apply the medical evidence of impairment to a decision of the persons ability to work. An impairment does not render someone disabled; the functional imitations resulting from the impairment makes someone disabled. We work with your doctors to obtain the opinion of what your medical limitations are, then apply that information to show why this would prevent you from working.
A review of terms:
- Impairment: An identifiable physical or mental difference from normal.
- Handicap: A physical or mental attribute which causes difficulty in interacting with your environment.
- Disability: An inability to work due to a medical impairment.
In each case heard at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, a hearing brief is prepared, which outlines the background of the claimant, summarizes the medical conditions as they apply to the “listings of impairments”, asserts all applicable rules and case law supporting of a favorable decision and confirms that in a prevailing case, that an accurate accounting and payment of all past due benefits is effected.
