You know that your injury or condition makes it impossible for you to work. After all, it was your career that this issue took away. You have no doubt about the impact it has had on your life.
You go to your doctor for treatment, and your doctor agrees that you are disabled. Is that the end of it? Does that settle it as far as seeking disability benefits is concerned?
There are a lot of steps in the Social Security Disability claims process
The short answer is that no, your doctor’s decision does not settle it. The Social Security Administration decides if you are disabled or not. Many people get denied and have to appeal, even when they have medical records and a doctor on their side. The SSA still has its own examiners who look at your case and decide whether you’re entitled to benefits or not based on numerous factors.
That’s not to say that your doctor’s opinion carries no weight. Medical records play a massive role in this process and help to establish exactly where you stand. They’re one of the key parts of the process, and it can definitely help to have a doctor who agrees with you that your condition is a disability.
Just remember that there are further steps you’ll need to take. Just hearing that you’re disabled from your doctor does not mean there’s nothing else you need to do.
If your Social Security Disability claim is denied, what comes next?
It can also help to have an experienced legal team on your side. If you are interested in getting benefits, you need to know exactly what next steps to take and what to do if you get denied. Help with your disability appeal is available.