Florida Social Security Disability Claims: Should I See A Specialist?
When a serious health condition prevents you from working, filing for Social Security disability may be one of the most important financial steps you can take. Unfortunately, even if you meet the eligibility requirements, getting benefits is harder than most people expect.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies nearly two-thirds of all initial disability applications, and the most common reason is insufficient medical evidence. Our experienced Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer explains how the type of doctor you visit can make a difference.
How the SSA Evaluates Your Medical Evidence
When reviewing Social Security disability claims, the SSA carefully evaluates your medical records. They look to see whether you have a qualifying condition and whether it prevents you from “substantial gainful activity” for a year or longer.
The SSA’s Disability Determination Services reviews records from all treating providers, but the agency also weighs the source and specificity of that evidence. Here’s what they are looking for:
- Whether your records show consistent treatment appropriate to the severity of your condition.
- Whether your physician has completed a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form documenting your specific work-related limitations.
- Whether your records address how your condition affects your ability to sit, stand, concentrate, or maintain a regular work schedule.
- Whether there are unexplained gaps in your treatment history that could suggest your condition is less severe than claimed.
When a general practitioner’s records lack the specificity the SSA needs, a specialist’s evaluation can fill that gap. Neurologists, rheumatologists, psychiatrists, orthopedists, and other specialists can document how a particular condition affects daily function in precise clinical terms, which carries more weight with disability examiners.
When a Specialist Can Make a Difference in Your Florida Disability Claim
Visiting a specialist does not guarantee you’ll be approved for Social Security disability, but it can significantly affect how the SSA interprets your condition.
At the hearing level, where SSA data shows approval rates climb to 51 percent, administrative law judges weigh the consistency of the medical record and the treating provider’s credibility. Taking the following steps can help improve your odds of getting benefits:
- Visit a specialist and request an RFC assessment.
- Provide any new diagnostic results to the SSA promptly, rather than waiting for a hearing.
- Keep your treatment consistent, since unexplained gaps work against you.
- Ask your providers to document functional limitations in concrete terms, not just clinical findings.
The SSA’s five-step sequential evaluation process includes an assessment of whether your impairment meets or equals a listed condition in the agency’s official Listing of Impairments. Specialist evaluations are often the most reliable way to establish that standard.
Contact Our Experienced Florida Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
The SSA is quick to deny disability benefits. Whether you are preparing an initial application or filing an appeal, the quality of your medical evidence matters.
At Farrell Disability Law, our Florida Social Security disability can guide you in the steps you need to take and help you gather information to strengthen your claim. Call or contact us online to request a consultation at our Jacksonville or Orlando office today.
Source:
ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/di_asr/2020/sect04.html
ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm
