The Social Security Disability filing process can be challenging, even for most patient applicants. Furthermore, if you are not careful, there is an opportunity for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to deny your claims.
In 2024, doctors will be required to fill out more detailed and complex forms when filing for SSD benefits. Knowing what to expect and how to properly complete the forms can help both doctors and their patients make the most of their SSD applications.
In this article, get started with the Social Security Disability forms for doctors to fill out.
Social Security documents are an integral part of the application process for disability benefits. These documents help provide evidence of disabling conditions and are used to support an individual’s claim for benefits. Some of the most important documents include the following:
1. Medical Release Form SSA-827
The Medical Release Form SSA-827 is used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to obtain medical records from a patient or patient's representative. This form is used to verify an individual's eligibility for Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both.
The SSA-827 form is used to request medical records from a doctor, hospital, or other medical providers. It authorizes the release of information related to the individual's health, including medical reports, test results, and other medical documents.
The form also allows the release of information pertaining to the individual's ability to work, such as work history and job performance.
2. Physical RFC
According to the Blue Book, you must meet the “disability” medical guidelines to qualify. In there, you will also find information about which disabilities and symptoms qualify for financial assistance.
If you are deemed to have submitted insufficient medical evidence, the next step is an RFC assessment. The Physical RFC Form is used to assess an individual’s residual functional capacity (RFC). The RFC is a measure of a person’s ability to perform physical activities. The form requires the individual to provide detailed information about their physical limitations, such as how long they can stand or walk, how much they can lift, and how often they need to take rest breaks.
3. Mental RFC
The Mental RFC Form assesses an individual’s ability to perform mental activities.This form requires the individual to provide detailed information about their cognitive limitations, such as their ability to concentrate, understand, follow instructions, and remember information.
4. All Medical Test Results
All test results, including laboratory tests and imaging studies, should be submitted with the disability application. These tests provide valuable information about the individual’s medical condition and can help support the claim for disability benefits.
5. Letter of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation is a medical professional document supporting an individual’s claim for disability benefits. This letter should include detailed information about the individual’s medical condition, the medical professional’s opinion on the disability, and the medical professional’s recommendations for treatment.
The most significant section of this letter of recommendation is the part where the doctor describes your medical prognosis. The information here will be used to estimate how long your qualifying illness or injury will require you to receive benefits.
If you have been denied Social Security Disability benefits, you must fill out additional forms to support your claim aside from providing documents. These forms can be found online or through the Social Security Administration.
1. Form HA-4486, Claimant’s Statement When Request for Hearing is Filed and the Issue Is Disability
Form HA-4486 helps the Social Security Administration understand why you think you are disabled and what evidence you have to support your claim. In addition to any medical evidence you may have, you should explain your medical condition and how it impacts your daily life.
2. Form SSA-3441, Disability Report—Appeal
Form SSA-3441 provides information about your medical condition, how it affects your daily life, and any medical evidence you may have that can support your claim. You will need to provide information about your work history, your education and training, and any evidence of other disability-related benefits you may have received.
3. Form SSA-3368, Disability Report—Adult
Form SSA-3368 supplies information about your medical history, including medical tests and treatments you have received. This form should be filled out by you, your representative, or both.
4. Form HA-4631, Claimant’s Recent Medical Treatment
The form for Claimant’s Recent Medical Treatment is used to deliver details about your recent medical treatment, including medical tests and treatments you have received. This form should be filled out by you, your representative, or both.
5. Form SSA-3369-BK, Work History Report
Finally, Form SSA-3369-BK tells the SSA about your work in the last 15 years. You will need to provide information about the type of work, dates of employment, and how much money you earned.
Now that you know the Social Security Disability forms for doctors to fill out, you can get started with your claims or appeals and talk with your doctor. For more information on Social Security Disability, check out our guide on the signs your SSD claim will be approved.
