GET A MEDICAL SOURCE STATEMENT

Social Security Disability Tip # 12:  Get your doctor to provide a Medical Source Statement.

At Step 3 in the Social Security disability process, the administration must determine what your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) is.  Your RFC is the maximum you are able to perform in spite of your impairment(s).  It refers to your exertional limitations (lifting, walking, pushing, pulling, etc.) and your postural limitations (kneeling, bending, stooping, courching, crawling, sitting, etc.).

If you do not provide Social Security with a viable RFC, they will make up one for you.  This is detrimental to your case, as their RFC is always less limited than what you can really do.  Therefore, it is better to have your own doctor provide a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC).  This is accomplished by getting your doctor to complete a Medical Source Statement form.

There are two different Medical Source Statement forms.  One (HA-1151-BK) is for physical impairments.  The other (HA-1151-BK) is for mental impairments.

Having the proper medical source statement from your treating doctor greatly increases your odds of being awarded benefits, especially at the hearing level.  A MSS from a doctor who has been treating you over a period of time is the best.  (A one time visit to get a Medical Source Statement may not get much credibility with Social Security).  Also, the limitations on the Medical Source Statement should be commensurate with the diagnosis and observations in your medical records.
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