For example, if you have severe COPD, your doctor might note in the MSS that you can only walk 100 feet before becoming short of breath, or that you need to rest after brief exertion. This level of detail can make a huge difference in your claim, as it helps SSA see how your condition impacts your ability to work day-to-day, beyond the diagnosis itself.
Why an MSS Is Critical to Your Disability Claim
An MSS is one of the strongest pieces of evidence you can submit in support of your disability claim because it provides specific information that goes beyond what’s usually found in medical records. SSA is not just interested in your diagnosis—they want to know how your condition limits your ability to function in a work environment.
For instance, a claimant with degenerative disc disease might submit an MSS from their treating physician that explains their limited range of motion, their inability to sit for more than 15 minutes, or their need for frequent breaks due to pain. This type of information gives SSA the clear, functional details needed to determine that the claimant is unable to work.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Assuming a diagnosis alone is enough: Some claimants think that because they have a well-documented diagnosis, they don’t need an MSS. This is a mistake. SSA needs to understand how the condition specifically affects your ability to work.
- Relying solely on SSA’s Consultative Exam (CE): A CE is usually a one-time exam with a doctor who may not be familiar with your full medical history. An MSS from your regular physician who has treated you for an extended period will carry much more weight.
When You Need a Medical Source Statement
You should request an MSS any time your condition affects your ability to work. This is especially important if:
- Your medical records don’t fully document your limitations (e.g., if you see a specialist only occasionally, or your primary doctor’s notes focus more on treatment than on your functional capacity).
- You’ve been scheduled for a Consultative Exam (CE) by SSA, and you want to provide your own supporting documentation to complement the CE results.
- You’re appealing a denial and need to present stronger evidence of your limitations.
Having an MSS can also be especially helpful if your condition is not explicitly listed in SSA’s Blue Book of qualifying impairments. In these cases, SSA will need to rely on the functional limitations outlined in the MSS to decide if your condition is severe enough to qualify for benefits.
What Should Be Included in an MSS?
An effective MSS should include the following:
- Physical limitations: Can you lift or carry objects? How much weight? Can you stand or sit for long periods? Are there restrictions on bending, reaching, or other physical movements?
- Mental or cognitive limitations: Does your condition affect your concentration, memory, or ability to stay on task? How do stress and fatigue impact your ability to focus or make decisions?
- Frequency and severity of symptoms: How often do you experience symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or dizziness? Are there “bad days” where your symptoms are particularly severe? How often do these bad days occur, and how long do they last?
In cases where the claimant’s condition fluctuates, such as with autoimmune diseases or migraines, it’s important that the MSS addresses how these fluctuations affect your ability to work consistently.
How an Attorney Can Help with an MSS
Requesting an MSS and ensuring that it includes all the necessary information can be challenging, especially if your doctor is not familiar with disability claims. This is where having an experienced attorney, like the team at Disability Law Group (DLG), can be invaluable.
DLG attorneys can help:
- Coordinate with your doctor: They know exactly what SSA is looking for in an MSS and can communicate directly with your physician to ensure all critical details are included.
- Fill in the gaps: If your doctor’s initial MSS is incomplete, your attorney can request additional information or clarifications, helping to avoid delays or denials.
- Ensure consistency: An attorney will compare the MSS with your other medical records to ensure there are no discrepancies that might raise red flags with SSA.
By working with a specialized disability attorney, you can increase the chances that your MSS will fully support your claim and lead to a successful outcome. Contact Disability Law Group today to learn how their team can help coordinate with your healthcare providers and strengthen your case.
