For instance, in case you have extreme COPD, your physician would possibly observe within the MSS that you would be able to solely stroll 100 ft earlier than changing into in need of breath, or that you should relaxation after temporary exertion. This stage of element could make an enormous distinction in your declare, because it helps SSA see how your situation impacts your means to work day-to-day, past the prognosis itself.
Why an MSS Is Vital to Your Incapacity Declare
An MSS is likely one of the strongest items of proof you may submit in help of your incapacity declare as a result of it offers particular info that goes past what’s often present in medical information. SSA is not only inquisitive about your prognosis—they wish to understand how your situation limits your means to perform in a piece setting.
For example, a claimant with degenerative disc illness would possibly submit an MSS from their treating doctor that explains their restricted vary of movement, their incapability to take a seat for greater than quarter-hour, or their want for frequent breaks attributable to ache. This kind of info offers SSA the clear, purposeful particulars wanted to find out that the claimant is unable to work.
Widespread errors to keep away from:
- Assuming a prognosis alone is sufficient: Some claimants suppose that as a result of they’ve a well-documented prognosis, they don’t want an MSS. It is a mistake. SSA wants to know how the situation particularly impacts your means to work.
- Relying solely on SSA’s Consultative Examination (CE): A CE is often a one-time examination with a health care provider who will not be acquainted with your full medical historical past. An MSS out of your common doctor who has handled you for an prolonged interval will carry far more weight.
When You Want a Medical Supply Assertion
It is best to request an MSS any time your situation impacts your means to work. That is particularly essential if:
- Your medical information don’t absolutely doc your limitations (e.g., should you see a specialist solely sometimes, or your main physician’s notes focus extra on therapy than in your purposeful capability).
- You’ve been scheduled for a Consultative Examination (CE) by SSA, and also you wish to present your personal supporting documentation to enhance the CE outcomes.
- You’re interesting a denial and must current stronger proof of your limitations.
Having an MSS may also be particularly useful in case your situation shouldn’t be explicitly listed in SSA’s Blue E-book of qualifying impairments. In these circumstances, SSA might want to depend on the purposeful limitations outlined within the MSS to resolve in case your situation is extreme sufficient to qualify for advantages.
What Ought to Be Included in an MSS?
An efficient MSS ought to embody the next:
- Bodily limitations: Are you able to carry or carry objects? How a lot weight? Are you able to stand or sit for lengthy durations? Are there restrictions on bending, reaching, or different bodily actions?
- Psychological or cognitive limitations: Does your situation have an effect on your focus, reminiscence, or means to remain on job? How do stress and fatigue impression your means to focus or make selections?
- Frequency and severity of signs: How typically do you expertise signs resembling ache, fatigue, or dizziness? Are there “unhealthy days” the place your signs are notably extreme? How typically do these unhealthy days happen, and the way lengthy do they final?
In circumstances the place the claimant’s situation fluctuates, resembling with autoimmune ailments or migraines, it’s essential that the MSS addresses how these fluctuations have an effect on your means to work persistently.
How an Lawyer Can Assist with an MSS
Requesting an MSS and making certain that it consists of all the mandatory info might be difficult, particularly in case your physician shouldn’t be acquainted with incapacity claims. That is the place having an skilled lawyer, just like the staff at Incapacity Legislation Group (DLG), might be invaluable.
DLG attorneys may also help:
- Coordinate together with your physician: They know precisely what SSA is in search of in an MSS and might talk straight together with your doctor to make sure all crucial particulars are included.
- Fill within the gaps: In case your physician’s preliminary MSS is incomplete, your lawyer can request extra info or clarifications, serving to to keep away from delays or denials.
- Guarantee consistency: An lawyer will evaluate the MSS together with your different medical information to make sure there aren’t any discrepancies that may elevate purple flags with SSA.
By working with a specialised incapacity lawyer, you may enhance the probabilities that your MSS will absolutely help your declare and result in a profitable final result. Contact Incapacity Legislation Group immediately to find out how their staff may also help coordinate together with your healthcare suppliers and strengthen your case.
