Why You Need a Medical Source Statement?

Individuals who file Social Security disability claims must provide medical evidence demonstrating that they have a severe disability that prevents them from working.

A Medical Source Statement (MSS) is a document provided by your treating doctor that outlines the diagnosis, severity, and functional limitations caused by your disability. Using the form allows your doctor to explain various aspects of your disability. There are physical MSS forms and mental MSS forms. Form HA-1151 is used to assess your physical disabilities, and Form HA-1152 is used to analyze mental disabilities. This is a valuable way to improve your chances of being approved for the disability benefits you deserve.

Objective medical evidence is the strongest medical evidence you can submit with your disability claim application. A detailed medical source statement highlights the particulars about your symptoms and disability.

How do I obtain a Medical Source Statement?

All SSA forms are free and may be obtained from Social Security’s website. If you are unable to locate them, call the Law Office of Dan Wimmer at 833-833-2026, and we will provide you with the form we use for our clients.

Who can fill out an MSS?

Social Security rules define which medical professionals are deemed qualified as “acceptable medical sources.” The basic requirement is that the medical professional must be licensed, such as doctors, psychologists, optometrists, some podiatrists, and certain qualified speech-language pathologists. Although there are other “acceptable medical sources” that also qualify, many medical providers are not recognized by SSA. Our office can address any questions you may have about a medical professional.

Tips for improving your medical source statement.

• Have an MSS form with you when your condition affects your ability to work.
• Do not assume a medical diagnosis will satisfy SSA rules for disability.
• SSA often sends you to other specialists; take your completed MSS form with you.
• Attend every specialist appointment your treating doctor recommends, including those SSA refers you to.
• Tell your doctor about your limitations: “I can only walk 100 feet before resting.” I have sharp pains in my back every night that wake me up.
• Discuss all of your physical and mental limitations with your doctor and all appropriate medical specialists.
• Discuss the frequency and severity of every symptom or condition with each doctor.

Benefits gained when using medical source statements.

Your personal doctor’s medical records focus on treatments, not your functional abilities. SSA only awards benefits when your disabilities prevent you from performing the functional details of work-related activities. A detailed MSS that goes beyond your basic medical records will explain how your condition limits your work functions. This is a critical point that must be demonstrated on an MSS.