Very often, the patient will respond, “Yes, 5 days a week, I can’t do half that much.”įor a description of the definitions of various conditions, go to the Listings of Impairments, which are part of the regulations of the Social Security Administration. Also, doctors often just ask those questions, without asking whether the capacity is less on some days. Will your patient miss an average of two or more days of work a month, on average, due to a medically-diagnosed condition or combination of conditions?ĬAUTION: Doctors should not just rely on the statements of the patient, but should make independent examination. Side effects of medication, or depression, on the ability to be physically active, or the need for a psychological evaluation by DDS, to assess anxiety, depression, panic disorder, mental retardation, or other psychological issues. Need to lie down during the day (how often, and for how long - as well as any other needs, such as a dark and quiet room). Sitting, at one time and total in an 8-hour day.Ĭlimbing stairs and ladders - how many, and how oftenĮlevating the feet (how many minutes or hours a day? Using a foot stool, horizontal, or feet above the heart?) Standing, at one time and total in an 8-hour day. Walking, at one time and total in an 8-hour day, and the need to use a cane or to elevate the feet.Ĭarrying and lifting, occasionally (up to 1/3 of an 8-hour day) and frequently (up to 2/3 of an 8-hour day). Click here for a printable form, in Adobe Acrobat format, detailing information such as: The DDS will be more likely to defer to your medical judgment, in detail, that your patient is restricted in specific physical tasks, backed by medical tests or findings on examination.
While a statement by a doctor that a particular patient just can’t work might be helpful, the Social Security Administration jealously guards its authority to make such determinations.
The same is true for younger individuals who are simply not able to return to competitive work. Particularly among patients who are over 55, unable to return to past work, and limited to light or sedentary work, the patient may have a reasonable chance to qualify. If the person is denied, the attorney can almost never charge for any services, other than expenses incurred in handling the case, such as medical records or medical opinions. Generally, fees are limited to 25% of back benefits, in addition to any expenses incurred by the attorney. The Social Security Act regulates what attorneys who represent people before the Social Security Administration can charge for handling Social Security Disability or SSI cases.
Your patient can talk to an attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability cases, at no charge. If you have a patient who is seriously limited in his or her ability to work, you may wish to suggest that they at least consider filing for Social Security Disability, and perhaps contact the State of Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services to look into retraining. Click here to access information for medical professionals on the disability process. This particular page is for the use of physicians, who may be looking into the Social Security Disability system, either when they are considering performing examinations for the Disability Determination Services Bureau, or when a patient has asked them about a disability claim.ĭoctors can contract with the Disability Determination Services Bureau (DDS) to perform examinations, particularly of their own patients.
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