The Medical Source Statement (MSS)

A Medical Source Statement (MSS) from your doctor is very valuable in trying to prove your disability claim. A Medical Source Statement (MSS) is a detailed statement in which your doctor gives his or her opinion regarding your medical disorders, the severity of your symptoms, and the specific limitations and problems that you would have in performing common workplace activities as a result of your medical disorders. In an MSS, your doctor should address issues such as your ability to walk, lift and carry objects, continuously stand in one place or sit in one place, use your hands and fingers, climb stairs, bend over, stoop, perform overhead work, your ability to see and hear, follow specific directions, concentrate for long periods without interruption, your need for frequent and lengthy rest periods throughout the day, the likelihood that you would have frequent absences from work as a result of your medical condition, and any other limitations that may apply in your specific case. Your MSS should address your specific health problems and your unique symptoms and limitations. Your doctor(s) should address every mental or physical limitation that you have that would interfere with your ability to function in a work setting. In my practice, I use different MSS forms for different types of medical problems, which I send to the claimant's doctor(s).

An MSS from your doctor is valuable because it allows the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Social Security Judge to consider your treating doctor’s opinion about your specific limitations and your inability to engage in specific work related activities. The limitations and work restrictions that result from your health problems are the most important factor in the overall decision regarding whether or not you are disabled. The opinion of your treating doctor regarding this issue is, usually, afforded a great deal of weight by the SSA and the Judge. (See the “Five (5) Step Sequential Evaluation Process” link.)

There is no limit on the number of MSSs that can be submitted to the SSA and to the Social Security Judge for consideration. You can submit an MSS from any of your doctors who are willing to provide one.

A letter from your doctor that simply states that your doctor believes you to be disabled does not have as much persuasive power with the SSA or with the Social Security Judge as a detailed statement. Such a simple letter from your doctor, without any details or supporting evidence, is seen by the SSA as an unhelpful, legal conclusion. The SSA and the Judge consider it to be their responsibility to reach the final conclusions about your disability. If a simple letter stating that you are disabled is the most that you can get from your doctor, then you should obtain it and submit it to the SSA and the Social Security Judge for their consideration. However, you should also try to obtain a more detailed statement from your doctor about your health problems, your symptoms and the specific workplace limitations that you are experiencing as a result of your medical problems.

Although there are certain basic issues that should always be addressed in an MSS, the specific issues that need to be addressed in your case will depend on the nature of your medical disorders and the other circumstances of your case, including the information that is contained in your medical records. You should seek the advice of an experienced attorney regarding this issue.

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