We know that doctors are very busy people! They want to assist their patients with claims, but there just isn’t enough time in the day. Yet, the Social Security Administration (SSA) views the opinion of a treating doctor as extremely valuable in a disability claim. Your patients NEED you to weigh in with an opinion letter.
We are pleased to provide this sample medical opinion letter for doctors who wish to help substantiate a claim of disability for their patients.
Sample Medical Opinion Letter
RE: Molly Hooper, D.O.B. 4-04-1970, SSN 123-45-6789
To Whom It May Concern:
My patient, Molly Hooper, has an MS diagnosis that is severe. She is limited in daily activities and is unable to work on a sustained basis. This diagnosis has been confirmed through physical examination, medical history, MRI, and a standard neurological examination. Ms. Hooper was first diagnosed with MS on January 18, 2012.
Ms. Hooper’s symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Weakness
- Bowel Problems
- Difficulty Remembering
- Depression
- Sensitivity to heat
- Unstable walking
- Pain
- Poor coordination
In an 8-hour work day, Ms. Hooper may:
- stand less than two hours ,
- sit less than four hours,
- require the ability to change position at-will,
- require frequent breaks to rest,
- occasionally lift less than 10 pounds,
- avoid lifting more than 10 pounds,
- frequently be off-task due to difficulty concentrating,
- be capable of low work stress, and
- miss at least 4 days of work per month as a result of impairment.
I am enclosing all medical records, medical history, specific tests used, lab results, and relevant clinical findings.
In my opinion, Ms. Hooper is unable to resume any type of gainful employment due to physical impairment. Her fatigue, pain, weakness, and other symptoms will significantly and consistently interfere with work performance and attendance. MS is a progressive neurological disorder without a cure. My expectation is that Ms. Hooper will see a continued decline in function over time, lasting longer than 12 months.
Sincerely,
Dr. John Watson
Does your patient need help applying for Social Security Disability?
If your patient is disabled and needs help navigating the Social Security Disability system. Have him or her Contact Deborah at The Hardin Law Firm, PLC, to help with the SSD appeal.
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DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this website is intended to convey general information. It should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. It is not an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship.
Originally published: January 30, 2016 at thehardinlawfirm.com.
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