Having your doctor fill out this form can be incredibly beneficial to your case.
Being approved for Social Security Disability benefits can be a long and difficult process, which often ends in frustration for those who attempt to file an application without the assistance of an experienced Social Security benefits attorney.
The Social Security Disability benefits process involves a five step evaluation, which starts with establishing that you are suffering a medically determinable to severe impairment. Once that has been demonstrated, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can then determine the persistence and severity of your symptoms and how they impact your ability to function in a workplace. To do so, the SSA will look to your residual functional capacity, which is defined as the most you can do despite your physical and/or mental limitations.
A residual functional capacity questionnaire can be incredibly helpful to your disability claim, because it helps your treating physical explain to the SSA the nature and severity of your medical condition, as well as how it impacts your ability to function at a work site. For claims filed prior to March 27, 2017, the opinion of a treating doctor about your residual functional capacity would be given controlling weight — that is, they would be considered as an authority — if they were supported by or were not inconsistent with the treatment records of the provider. For claims filed after March 27, 2017, the opinion of treating physicians is given the same weight of Social Security providers who may be asked to review your files.
An experienced Social Security benefits attorney understands these rules and regulations, and knows how to put together documentation to support your residual functional capacity questionnaire. For example, one of the factors that Social Security providers will take into consideration when considering how much weight to give the opinion of a treating physician is whether the treatment records support the opinion. Another is the length of the relationship between the physician and the patient (i.e., was it a one time visit, or has the patient seen this doctor regularly over time for this impairment?). Understanding these factors will allow your seasoned Social Security benefits attorney to put together the right types of documentation, and to help you choose the right treating physician to fill our your residual functional capacity questionnaire to increase your chances of being approved for Social Security Disability benefits.
At PLBH, our attorneys have more than 50 years of experience helping people apply for and receive Social Security Disability benefits. We know the system and the rules and regulations that govern the process. We will work with you and your providers to help you put forth the best possible application. To learn more about applying for benefits or to schedule a free initial consultation with a Social Security benefits attorney, contact us today at (800) 435-7542 or info@plblaw.com.