TREATING SOURCE STATEMENTS STILL HAVE VALUE



New rules by Social Security have clouded the issue of which doctor's opinions get controlling weight.  However, we continue to believe that the opinion of your treating doctor(s) will be very important to the outcome of your claim, especially at the appeal level.

For all clients that we represent in Social Security matters, we try to obtain a Medical Source Statement.  The statement is most helpful if it is from....
  • a doctor who has treated you a long time
  • a specialist in his/her medical field
The new rule can actually work in favor of the claimant who doesn't have a long term treating relationship with a doctor.  A thorough examination by a new doctor may convince Social Security of a disability and enable a claim to be paid.

You should talk to your representative to arrange for a treating source statement from your doctor, if possible.  I would repeat my precaution once again that a form approved by Social Security will be of much more value than a general letter written by your doctor.

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