MEDICAL RECORDS LOSE CASES!

Routine medical records are frequently insufficient to win a Social Security disability case!  The main fault I find with doctors' records is that they do not address vocational limitations or issues that restrict a claimant's ability to function in the work place.  And those kind of medical records will often not win a disability case.

 When Social Security requests medical records, your doctor is going to send them copies of your chart.  That will include dates the doctor saw you, your chief complaints, medicine prescribed, tests ordered, and test results.  Here is an illustration of a typical doctor's entry for an office visit (and this would be considered a pretty complete notation):

 "Patient presents on 1/1/12 complaining of low back pain radiating into R leg.  Says Tramadol 50 is not helping. Sleep is poor. On exam, LL area is sensitive to touch.  We may consider MRI if not improved next visit.  RX:  hydrocodone ----- mg., q. 6 hrs., PRN.  Return 2 weeks for followup."

 Even if the medical record also contains an MRI or X-ray showing degenerative disc disease, ruptured or protruding discs in the lumbar spine, that may still not be enough for a disability determination.  Again, it does not address functional limitation or quantitative restrictions on the ability to stand, walk, carry, lift, sit, push, pull, bend, balance, climb, etc.  And the ability (or lack of ability) to perform this kind of job related activity is at the core of Social Security disability claims.

 Unless a medical doctor has had a great deal of experience dealing with Social Security, he doesn't know what evidence is required  to win a disability claim.  I find that applies to the vast majority of doctors.  That's why your doctor may tell you, "I've sent in all your medical records, what more do they want?"  Well, quite a bit more, actually.  They want the medical data translated into what I call "Social Security language."  What are the restrictions?  Are the restrictions mild, moderate, severe or extreme?  When did they start and how long are they expected to last?  In short, how do the patient's condition(s) keep him/her from working? 

  Think function.  Think limitations of function.  Think severity of limitations.  Now, you're starting to think like Social Security.  

 The Forsythe firm in Huntsville is experienced at Social Security disability.  We serve disabled clients all over the state of Alabama and in Middle Tennessee.




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