Say you have a disabling medical condition and wish to apply for SSDI benefits, but your doctor won’t support your claim. When this is the case, you may not know whether or not you can still file a claim or what the process will look like without the approval of your doctor.
If this is a situation you are facing, you should seek the help of a disability attorney in Eugene, Oregon. Drew L. Johnson, P.C., Attorneys at Law, is here to help you navigate the SSDI process, even if you need to get a second opinion for your disability claim.
Why Doctor Support Matters for Disability Claims
Having a doctor who won’t support your disability claim can often feel like a deadend. After all, the SSA relies heavily on medical professionals since they provide expert opinion regarding your health and physical limitations.
The SSA also has certain SSDI medical record requirements that must establish a legitimate disability that qualifies you for benefits. This evidence needs to come from an acceptable medical source and include objective medical evidence.
Because of these requirements, your opinion regarding your health and even your medical records alone aren’t enough to establish your disability. This doesn’t mean that you can’t still qualify for SSDI if your doctor won’t support you; it just means that it may be a bit more complicated.
Common Reasons Doctors Refuse to Support Claims
One of the first things you need to understand about the SSDI process is that doctors are not legally required to cooperate. And this can cause issues for SSDI applicants since having your doctor cooperate is helpful for the success of your claim.
Generally, there are a few reasons why doctors don’t support disability claims, including:
- Lack of sufficient medical evidence.
- Disagreements over the severity of your disability.
- Concerns about legal implications.
- Time constraints or worry over lack of compensation.
- Office policies against disability paperwork.
- Unfamiliarity with the disability process.
Steps to Take If Your Doctor Won’t Help
It isn’t uncommon for Oregon residents to have issues getting the support of their medical provider when filing a disability claim. So, if this is a situation you are facing, there are certain steps you can take to build a strong claim without the help of your doctor:
- Speak to your doctor: Depending on why your doctor isn’t supportive of your claim, you may be able to change their opinion. For example, if they aren’t familiar with the disability process, your attorney may be able to help. Or, you may simply need to have a more open conversation with them about your limitations if they have an unrealistic view of your disability.
- Get your medical records: Even without the support of your doctor, your medical records are a crucial part of qualifying for SSDI. So, you should request copies of all of your medical records that help to establish your condition and your ongoing treatment.
- Get a second opinion: If your doctor is entirely uncooperative and won’t support your SSDI claim, sometimes the best option is to simply get a second opinion. This may mean getting a new provider or getting a referral to a specialist who will have a better understanding of your condition.
SSA Consultative Exams For When Doctors Are Uncooperative
Because it isn’t uncommon for doctors to not support SSDI claims, the SSA provides consultative exams. A consultative exam is a backup plan that the SSA will initiate at its own expense if it can’t access all the information it needs from your medical sources and has used every reasonable effort.
During a consultative exam, you will need to answer questions about your medical history and any other specific details regarding your claim. You will then go through a more focused exam or testing to establish your disability and your limitations. Keep in mind that although a consultative exam is a good option when your doctor isn’t being supportive; it doesn’t take the place of your actual medical evidence.
Your disability attorney can help you prepare for the consultative exam so that all of the information you provide aligns with your claim.
FAQ Section
Can I still qualify for disability if my doctor doesn’t support me?
Yes, it is still possible to qualify for SSDI even if your doctor is uncooperative. However, you will need to ensure you still meet all of the medical evidence requirements set by the SSA.
Should I switch doctors during my disability claim?
It’s not generally recommended that you switch doctors in the middle of your disability claim, as you need to establish an ongoing relationship. Ideally, you should switch doctors before beginning your claim so that you have time to have multiple appointments with them.
What kind of medical evidence does SSA require?
The SSA requires objective medical evidence that comes from an acceptable medical source, which usually means medical documentation and expert opinion from a healthcare professional.
Can a disability lawyer help if my doctor refuses to cooperate?
Yes. A disability lawyer in Oregon can help you build a strong case, even if your doctor isn’t being supportive. This includes identifying any missing evidence, requesting your medical records, and appealing if your claim is denied.
Get the Help of a Disability Lawyer in Oregon Today
Although navigating the SSDI application process when your doctor won’t support your disability claim can be more challenging, it isn’t impossible. There are several options available when this is the case, and a Social Security lawyer in Albany, Oregon, can help you better understand how you should move forward.
At Drew L. Johnson, P.C., Attorneys at Law, we are committed to protecting the rights of our Oregon clients so that they can get the best possible outcome for their disability claim. So, if you have any questions about how to get a doctor’s support for your SSDI claim or you want the help of an Oregon lawyer, contact us today at 541-434-6466 for a free consultation.
