When you are in the process of obtaining Social Security disability benefits, you may hear the term medical source statement (MSS) or treating source statement. A MSS is a medical opinion from your treating doctor about the nature and severity of your functional abilities and limitations. In its most common form, a MSS is a document provided to your doctor that is completed and signed by them. At MPES we have various MSS with specificity to individual conditions. MSS are for both physical and mental conditions.
MSS can be very helpful to define what your case looks like. It allows your doctor to talk about general limitations and to get specific regarding pain levels, fatigue, exertional levels, and other symptoms of your condition. It will also address your ability to perform work related activities (i.e., sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, handling objects, hearing, speaking, traveling, following instructions, working with others). Because MSSs can be so helpful to your case, it is important that you are being thorough when you visit your doctor, being sure to mention all the ways you are affected daily by your disabling condition.
While the length of your relationship with your treating doctor can be advantageous, Social Security will only consider that length so long as there are medical opinions from two or more doctors that are medically supported and consistent with all other evidence in the file.
Prior to March 27, 2017, the opinion of your treating doctor was supposed to be given greater weight than the opinion of a doctor that you only see one time (e.g., doctors that Social Security have examine you, specialists). However, on March 27, 2017, this policy was changed. Now, for any application filed after that date, the weightiest medical opinion will be the most persuasive one. That is, it will have supportability and consistency. Supportability means that the opinion is backed by medical evidence of blood tests, diagnostic procedures, symptoms, doctor’s clinic notes, etc. It must also be consistent with the rest of the medical evidence in the file. This includes other doctor’s opinions and your statements about your disability.
As your representative, we will work with you to get MSSs completed and submitted. We can provide you with a MSS specific to your condition that you can give to your doctor, or we can send the MSS directly to your doctor. Once it is completed, we will submit it to Social Security for you.
– Kayla
Source: Nolo’s Guide to Social Security Disability 10th Edition
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