File a New Claim With a New Doctor For SSDI

The task before you might seem challenging if you have to find a new doctor for a new SSDI claim. Physicians are generally busy so it might seem that for your new doctor, it will take some convincing and awhile before they are able to fill out the forms or complete letters for a new claim for SSDI. Look for a doctor who is willing to go above and beyond, and help your case for dability by filling out as detailed statement letter to support your claim. 

Working With A New Doctor: The RFC Form

If you new doctor is convinced you have a disability that prevents you from working, then making a claim for social security disability benefits will be the next step. A new doctor working with a new disability claim should have access or be given the treating doctor Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form that is used by other doctors to determine the level of capacity or ability to work in medical cases. The RFC form can be obtained from a social security office in your local area.

The RFC form is used determine either your physical or mental ability to do work. It will detail the doctor’s findings, and this form will be used during a hearing for disability benefits. Some states might also have the Ability to Do Work form, and it is essentially the same thing.    

Detailed Medical Records & Letters

As the new doctor currently treating you, he or she will need to provide as much information as possible to support your claim. The best supporting evidence will be reports that give detailed information about the disability and not just a brief statement.

The doctor should be encouraged to write detailed notes of your new disability within your medical records, and for any letters for the disability hearing. Another doctor employed by the Department of Social Security will review these medical records. If your doctor can give an accurate description of why you are disabled, how this prevents you from working, and what are your complications and prognosis, this may help your new SSDI claim.

The letter written by your doctor can be used during the hearing in front of the disability examiner. Again, it will be important for your doctor to give as much information as possible, without intruding on your privacy rights. In some instances, the disability examiner might request you are examined by one of the doctors employed by the Department of Social Security to confirm you really do have a disability.

Getting Legal Help

This information is just a guideline for cooperating with a new doctor to file a new SSDI claim, if you do have questions about your claim or if your claim is rejected, please consult an attorney as soon as possible.