What Not to Say to a Disability Doctor

If the Social Security Administration (SSA) has requested you to go to a Consultative Examination (CE) before they approve or deny your application for Disability, you need to know what not to say to a disability doctor, such as “I’m fine” or “I’m not in pain.”

A Greenville Social Security Disability lawyer can advise you on what you should and shouldn’t say during your CE–or appointments with your regular doctor before you file your claim–and help you file an appeal if your first application is denied.

When you schedule a free consultation with Pilzer Klein, you get to speak directly with a South Carolina attorney experienced in Social Security Disability. Working with legal professionals may give you a better chance of getting approved.

What Not to Say to a Disability Doctor

Since the approval rate for social security disability is so low, you don’t want to jeopardize your chances by saying the wrong thing to the Disability doctor. 

Whether you’re talking to your primary care doctor about applying for Disability or you’re doing your CE, here are some things you should not talk about during your appointment.

Complaining About Past Doctors

Your CE appointment is not an appropriate time to complain about your previous medical care. You don’t want to come across as argumentative, and it will do nothing to help improve your chances of getting approved.

Downplaying Your Condition With “I’m Fine” or “I’m Okay”

While it’s a habit for many people to reply that they’re “fine” or “okay” when asked how they’re doing, downplaying your condition–even unintentionally–may result in your claim being denied.

When the doctor asks how you are, be very specific and accurate about how you’re actually doing.

Mentioning You Didn’t Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

Part of being approved for Disability requires showing that you have done everything your doctor has asked of you to manage your condition. If a treatment or medication isn’t working, talk to your doctor about changing it rather than deciding to stop it on your own.

Adding Non-Medical Information

Stick to the facts of your case, and don’t add any additional information without being asked. You never know how something you say off-hand might be used to deny your claim.

Exaggerating Symptoms

Although you don’t want to downplay your symptoms, you shouldn’t exaggerate, either. Be as specific and accurate as you can while discussing your struggles.

“I’m Not in Pain”

You might tell your friends or family members that you aren’t in pain since the knowledge that you are hurting won’t help them, but your Disability doctor needs to know exactly how much pain you’re in and how it’s affecting your ability to work.

Offering Your Opinion

Even if you were a medical doctor before your disability forced you to stop working, your opinion is not relevant in your Disability case. Let the examining doctor come to their own conclusions with the factual information you provide about your condition.

Discussing Your Financial Struggles

No matter how much you’re struggling financially, telling that to the doctor won’t improve your chances of being approved for Disability. 

In fact, there’s the potential for the doctor to misinterpret disclosure of any financial stress as a desperate attempt to claim Disability that you aren’t actually eligible to get.

What Forms Must You Fill Out When Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits?

If you’re preparing for a visit with your primary care doctor and haven’t yet applied, here are some of the many documents needed to apply for social security disability:

• Disability Report – Adult (Form SSA-3368)
• Work History Report (Form SSA-3369)
• Adult Function Report (Form SSA-3373)
• Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration (Form SSA-827)
• Medical and Job Worksheet – Adult (Form SSA-3381)

If you have questions, you can find information on how to complete SSA Form SSA-3368 and other forms in the Social Security Program Operations Manual System (POMS) or contact a South Carolina Social Security Disability lawyer at Pilzer Klein.

How Can a South Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer Help Me?

No matter what stage of the application process you’re at, a South Carolina Social Security Disability attorney can help you.

We can help you fill out the forms to improve your odds of being approved the first time, help you file an appeal, prepare you for a hearing, and even sue the SSA to get you the money you deserve.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Social Security Disability Attorney

When you need a Social Security Disability lawyer in South Carolina, schedule a free consultation with Pilzer Klein.

When you contact us, you’ll talk directly with a lawyer who specializes in Social Security Disability rather than a non-attorney representative.

You only pay us if we help you get money, so there’s no risk in scheduling a comprehensive evaluation of your Social Security Disability application or appeal.