Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 43 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Reductions in Social Security Disability Benefits."

Many people assume that once Social Security Disability benefits are approved, the hardest part is over. In reality, benefits can be reduced, suspended, or taken away long after approval - often without warning. A few extra hours of work, a change in medical status, or a missed report can trigger serious financial consequences. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, we explain the most common ways SSD benefits are affected after approval and why so many beneficiaries are caught off guard. A sudden drop in payments doesn’t always mean you did something wrong - but it does mean the rules are more complex than most people realize. We start with how work activity and income impact benefits, including what the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit really means, how the Trial Work Period works, and what happens during the Extended Period of Eligibility. We then cover other frequent causes of reductions, such as medical improvement reviews, overpayments, incarceration, debt offsets, and changes in assets or living arrangements. Finally, we examine the Windfall Elimination Provision, explaining who it affects, why it reduces benefits for certain federal, state, and military employees, and what the Supreme Court’s decision in Babcock v. Kijakazi means for National Guard dual-status technicians. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clearer picture of how SSD benefits can be disrupted, which problems are preventable, and how to take proactive steps to protect the benefits you’ve earned.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - Work and Income-Related Reductions

Two - Medical, Financial, and Other Factors

Three - National Guard Dual Status Technicians and Reduction of Social Security Benefits Under the Windfall Elimination Provision

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com


Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 42 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Inside the Social Security Disability System: Scams, Delays, and How to Protect Your Claim."

Most people applying for Social Security Disability face the same frustrations: endless waiting, inconsistent updates, and a flood of confusing - sometimes threatening - phone calls. Between the growing backlog of disability claims and the rise of scams targeting vulnerable applicants, it’s easy to feel lost in a system that seems impenetrable. But the reality is more layered than it looks. Delays don’t mean your case has been forgotten, and not every call claiming to be from Social Security is legitimate. There are patterns behind the slowdown, and there are ways to protect yourself while you wait. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, we break down how the system really works beneath the surface. We start with the scams that prey on disability applicants - what they look like, why they’re increasing, and how to spot the red flags before you lose money or personal information. Then we take you behind the curtain of Disability Determination Services to explain what’s driving the backlog, how claims are actually evaluated, and why the wait times have grown so dramatically. Finally, we give you concrete strategies for staying proactive while your claim is pending: keeping medical evidence current, strengthening your file, and supporting your mental and financial well-being during the long stretch between filing and decision. You’ll come away with a clearer picture of the Social Security Disability process, the safeguards you can rely on, and the steps that genuinely move your claim forward. Understanding the system is the first step - navigating it with confidence is the next.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - Slam the Scam - How to Spot and Stop Social Security Scams

Two - The Growing Backlog in Social Security Disability Claims

Three - Staying Proactive While You Wait - Taking Control of Your Disability Claim

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com


Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 41 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Social Security Myths: Fraud, Immigrants, and Inmates - What’s Really Going On."

Most people hear the same viral stories about Social Security - “deadbeat fraudsters gaming the system,” “illegal immigrants draining benefits,” or “prisoners collecting checks from their cells.” These narratives spread quickly through headlines and social media, creating the impression that Social Security is overflowing with abuse. But the truth is far more nuanced. Fraud exists, but it’s rare, and the sensational cases you see in the news are the exception. Undocumented workers aren’t bankrupting the system; many actually pay into it knowing they’ll never receive benefits. And prisoners do not continue getting checks while incarcerated. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, Nancy L. Cavey cuts through the noise to explain what’s really happening. She breaks down how Social Security evaluates disability claims, how contributions and eligibility work for citizens and non-citizens, and what the regulations actually say about fraud, incarceration, and repayment. Nancy also explores why these myths persist and how misunderstanding the system harms the people it’s meant to support. You’ll walk away with a clearer view of how Social Security functions, the safeguards already in place, and the facts behind the headlines. Understanding the truth is the first step. Let’s dive in.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - Are There Really Deadbeat Frauds Collecting Social Security Disability?

Two - Are Illegal Immigrants Bankrupting Social Security?

Three - Are Prisoners Collecting Social Security and Bankrupting the System?

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com


Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 40 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "The Role of the State Agency Doctor and Why You Might Want to Get an Independent Medical Exam."

Most people don’t realize that the first “medical decision-makers” in a Social Security Disability claim are doctors who never examine you. These state agency physicians review your records from a desk and issue opinions about the severity of your condition, the credibility of your symptoms, and the work you can still do - and their views often carry more weight early on than your own doctor’s. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, Nancy L. Cavey explains the real influence these agency doctors have and why their assessments can shape, or even derail, your claim. She breaks down how their opinions fit into the evaluation process, what happens when their conclusions don’t match your limitations, and the red flags that suggest their review may be incomplete. We also explore Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs): what they are, when they help, and how they can counter flawed agency opinions. Nancy outlines the benefits and risks of obtaining your own consultative exam, what a strong IME should include, and how attorneys use these reports to strengthen the medical evidence on appeal. You’ll learn which medical opinions matter most, how to build a record that reflects your true limitations, and the strategies that ensure the right evidence is working for your claim. Winning isn’t easy, but understanding the role of these doctors can make all the difference. Let’s get started.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - Why a State Agency Doctor’s Opinion Can Make or Break Your Social Security Disability Claim

Two - Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) and Their Role in Disability Claims

Three - Should I or My Lawyer Hire a Consultative Doctor in My Social Security Disability Claim?

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com


Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 39 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Social Security Disability Claims."

Most people think substance abuse and Social Security Disability benefits don’t mix - that a history of addiction means automatic denial. The reality is more nuanced. Substance abuse can affect your claim, but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you. The key is understanding how Social Security evaluates cases, what “materiality” means, and how your medical conditions fit the rules. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, disability law expert Nancy L. Cavey explains how substance abuse influences Social Security Disability claims - and what you must prove. She outlines the strict guidelines around addiction, what Social Security looks for in medical records, and why the central question is whether you’d still be disabled if you stopped using drugs or alcohol. Nancy also breaks down confusing scenarios: why addiction alone can’t qualify you, how substance abuse interacts with conditions like liver disease, neuropathy, or mental illness, and how Social Security decides if addiction remains “material” to your disability. You’ll learn which evidence matters most - treatment history, periods of sobriety, documentation of ongoing medical problems, and medical opinions showing your limitations independent of substance use. She clears up misconceptions about addiction-related claims and explains how judges assess your condition, what they expect in your records, and why consistent evidence is essential. By the end, you’ll understand how Social Security views addiction, the hurdles you may face, and the steps you and your attorney can take to show your disability is real and not solely due to substance use. Winning isn’t easy, but with preparation and honest documentation, you can present a strong case.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - Why Are Alcoholics or Drug Addicts Getting Paid Social Security Disability Benefits?

Two - What Do You Have to Prove to Get Your Social Security Disability Benefits?

Three - How Does the Social Security Administration Evaluate “Materiality” in Addiction-Related Disability Claims?

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com


Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 38 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Common Questions Asked by a Social Security Judge."

Most people think answering a judge’s questions at a Social Security Disability hearing is simple - just explain your medical problems and wait for a decision. But that moment in front of the judge is one of the most important (and misunderstood) parts of your entire claim. How you answer can carry just as much weight as your medical records - and the wrong response can seriously hurt your case. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, disability law expert Nancy L. Cavey breaks down how to handle the judge’s questions with confidence, honesty, and strategy. She explains what the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is really listening for, how your answers fit into Social Security’s strict definition of disability, and why consistency between your testimony and your medical evidence is absolutely critical. Nancy walks you through the questions most claimants struggle with - from “What keeps you from working?” to “How severe is your pain?” - and shows you how to give clear, credible answers that reflect your real limitations without exaggeration or understatement. You’ll also learn how judges use your daily activities, work history, and treatment records to assess your credibility, and why thoughtful preparation with your attorney can make all the difference. By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to stay calm under pressure, avoid common mistakes, and present your story in a way that’s truthful, consistent, and persuasive. When it comes to your Social Security Disability hearing, it’s not just what you say - it’s how you say it. Winning Isn’t Easy, but with the right preparation and guidance, you can make your testimony your strongest asset.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - How Should I Answer a Social Security Judge’s Question About “What Keeps You From Working?”

Two - How Should I Answer a Social Security Judge’s Question About “How Bad Is Your Pain?”

Three - Common Questions Social Security Judges Often Ask

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com


Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 37 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Inside Your Social Security Disability Hearing: What to Expect and How to Win."

Most people think a Social Security Disability hearing is just another appointment - a chance to tell the judge you can’t work and wait for a decision. But in reality, your hearing is one of the most critical - and strategic - stages of your entire claim. It’s not just about what you say; it’s about how you say it, what evidence supports it, and how it all fits into the Social Security Administration’s strict definition of disability. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, disability law expert Nancy L. Cavey breaks down everything you need to know about your Social Security Disability hearing. She explains what really happens in the hearing room, what the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is looking for, and how medical and vocational experts can shape the outcome of your case. Nancy also reveals why preparation is key - from organizing your medical records and understanding your limitations to practicing your testimony so it’s honest, clear, and persuasive. You’ll learn why your attorney might challenge your answers during prep, how credibility can make or break your claim, and what strategies can help you overcome common pitfalls. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect, how to handle tough questions, and how to make your case as strong as possible when it matters most. When it comes to Social Security Disability hearings, the truth is simple: Winning Isn’t Easy - but with the right preparation, the right story, and the right advocate, you can turn your hearing into your best chance for success.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - Understanding Social Security Disability Hearings

Two - Why You Should Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney if the Judge Calls a Medical Expert

Three - Why Your Social Security Lawyer May Be Mean to You During Your Disability Hearing

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com


Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 36 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Medical Proof That Wins (and Loses) Social Security Disability Claims."

When it comes to Social Security Disability, medical proof is everything. But here’s the catch - not all medical evidence is created equal. Many people think that having a diagnosis, or even a letter from their doctor saying they can’t work, should be enough to qualify for benefits. Unfortunately, that’s not how the Social Security Administration sees it. The SSA wants more than a label or a sympathetic note. They’re looking for detailed, consistent, and credible documentation that tells the full story of your limitations - what you can do, what you can’t, and how your condition truly affects your daily life. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, associate attorney Krysti Monaco steps in as host to break down what kind of medical evidence really matters. She’ll explain the crucial role your treating physicians play, how their opinions can make or break your case, and why Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) forms often carry more weight than lengthy or expensive evaluations. You’ll also learn why the SSA doesn’t apply an “average man” test, what types of medical proof they actually rely on, and the practical steps you can take to make sure your claim is built on strong, persuasive evidence - not just paperwork. Because in the world of Social Security Disability, it’s not just about proving you’re sick - it’s about proving how your condition limits your ability to work. Winning Isn’t Easy, but with the right medical evidence, you can give your claim the credibility and clarity it deserves.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - Does the Social Security Administration Use an “Average Man” Test in Determining My Entitlement to Social Security Disability Benefits?

Two - What Are the Five Things That the Social Security Administration Needs From Your Treating Physician That Can Make or Break Your Social Security Disability Claim?

Three - My Doctor Says That They Don’t Have Special Expertise to Estimate My Capacity for Performing Work-Related Activities and Won’t Fill Out a Residual Functional Capacity Form in Support of My Social Security Disability Claim. What Should I Do?

Four - Why Your Physician Should Not Refer You to a Functional Capacity Evaluation to Help You Win Your Social Security Disability Claim

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com


Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, a

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 35 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "Children's Supplemental Security Income Benefits."

For parents of children with disabilities, navigating the Social Security system can feel like a full-time job in itself. Between medical appointments, school meetings, and daily care, adding SSI paperwork and complex eligibility rules to the mix can be overwhelming. Yet understanding how Children’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) works is essential to securing the financial support your family needs. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, disability law experts Nancy L. Cavey and Krysti Monaco break down everything parents need to know about children’s SSI benefits - who qualifies, what the Social Security Administration looks for, and how to build a strong, well-documented claim. You’ll learn how medical and school records play a role, what kinds of functional limitations the SSA considers, and how income and household resources affect eligibility. We’ll also cover what happens after you apply, what to expect if your child’s claim is denied, and the steps you can take to appeal. Whether you’re just starting the process or trying to understand why a claim was denied, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward. Because when it comes to protecting your child’s future, knowing how to navigate the SSI system isn’t just helpful - it’s empowering. Winning Isn’t Easy, but with the right information, it can be done.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - What Is Children’s SSI, and Who Qualifies?

Two - The Application Process, and Life After Approval

Three - Common Pitfalls and Mistakes, Plus Practical Tips and Advocacy

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com


Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 34 of Winning Isn't Easy: Navigating Your Social Security Disability Claim. In this episode, we'll dive into the complicated topic of "The Role of Your Physician in Your Social Security Disability Claim."

For many Social Security Disability applicants, one of the most important and misunderstood parts of the process is the role of their physician. You might think that having your doctor say you’re disabled should be enough to win your case. But the Social Security Administration doesn’t automatically accept those statements, and what your doctor writes - or doesn’t write - can make or break your claim. In this episode of Winning Isn’t Easy, we’re unpacking how your physician’s opinions factor into your SSDI claim. We’ll explain what kinds of medical documentation the SSA actually relies on, how doctors should describe your symptoms and limitations, and when their opinions are given controlling weight under the rules. You’ll learn what makes a strong Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment, why vague or unsupported statements can be ignored, and how to make sure your doctor’s records align with your testimony and daily limitations. We’ll also discuss common mistakes that cause even supportive doctors’ statements to be overlooked and how to fix them. If you’re preparing an SSDI claim or appeal, this episode will help you understand how to turn your doctor’s input into persuasive, credible evidence the SSA can’t ignore. Because when it comes to winning disability benefits, the story your medical records tell matters just as much as the one you live.

In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:

One - What Are the Five Factors That Must Be Met Before Social Security Gives Your Treating Doctor’s Opinions Controlling Weight?

Two - The Role of Your Doctor at Step Three

Three - The Role of Your Doctor at Step Four

Four - Why and How the Social Security Administration Can Ignore Your Doctor’s Opinion That You Are Disabled

Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.


Listen to Our Sister Podcast:

We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ERISA Claims. Give it a listen: https://wiedisabilitypodcast.buzzsprout.com


Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

LINK TO YOUR RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/your-rights-to-social-security-disability-benefits

FREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/


Need Help Today?:

Need help with your Social Security Disability claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.

Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.

Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.