How does Social Security consider pain?As a Social Security Disability examiner, I saw cases involving pain all the time. And by that I mean chronic pain cases involving degenerative disc problems, RSD, fibromyalgia (and a number of other conditions which I won't list) and simply chronic pain by itself. How much consideration does the social security administration give to "pain". Sadly , not much at all. This is partly the fault of doctors (treating physicians) who fail to document the limiting effects of pain in their treatment notes (and, in general, doctors fail to note functional limitations in their records), and the fault of the social security administration in failing to address pain and the limitations caused by pain. How could SSA address something which a disability claimant's own doctors may have done little to document? Sending a medical source statement--also known as an RFC, or residual functional capacity form--to a claimant's treating physicians at the initial claim or reconsideration level might be a good way to start. Unfortunately, this is not something that SSA instructs disability examiners to do. Cost may be a factor since doctors are less likely to complete such forms without receiving compensation for their time. Likewise, SSA would probably be forced to pay on more claims if RFC forms were routinely sent out as a matter of case processing). However, claimants can take an active role in this regard by requesting that their treating physician(s) complete on their behalf a detailed statement regarding their medical condition and functional limitations. And if severe and unrelenting pain is a factor in a claimant's inability to work, there's no reason why this cannot be addressed in the physician's statement. Claimants who make such requests of their doctor(s) should, of course, explain the need for providing detail in describing mental or physical functional limitations. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Are Social Security Disability Claims Based On Back Pain Usually Turned Down? Social Security Disability and pain symptoms Never minimize your pain symptoms on a disability claim When does a case go to the Social Security Disability review board? How long will an SSI or SSDI disability claim take? Using a lawyer to potentially speed up the disability appeal process Speeding up the Social Security Disability or SSI Claim Process Social Security Award Letter and being due a substantial back pay amount Reasons to get a representative who specializes in disability claims only When you apply for Social Security Disability should you send copies of your xrays? Getting approved for disability based on being blind How to answer questions at a Social Security Disability CE examination What disability claimants get angry about - Part II How does Social Security consider pain? These pages provide answers to basic questions about pursuing disability benefits Who is eligible for SSI disability? How to get disability in Florida |
