Frequently applicants for disability or SSI want to know why the opinion of their health care professional is not enough. The reason can be a number of things. Doctors are used to writing brief notes that excuse people from work, or perhaps some other function. The detail they provide is not enough to meet the regulations of the Social Security Administration. Also, Doctors typically have very little idea of what social security standards for disability are. Often the social security disability examiners or the Judge do not know from a letter your doctor has written if the doctor is just saying that you cannot do your last job and you are still able to do lighter or other jobs that might exist.

Another reason is perhaps the doctors statement is not backed up by a history of office visits to treat your disabling condition--or you don't have the tests to prove that you have the condition that the doctor is saying makes you disabled. This of course is frequently due to the lack of medical insurance or money to pay for tests from people who are applying for SSI or social security disability.

Helping the person applying for social security disability or SSI to obtain an adequate doctor statement from their treating doctor is one of the most valuable services that the social security disability attorney or advocate can provide.