Bringing up a support letter with your doctor can seem daunting, especially if you are already dealing with fatigue, pain or the stress of being out of work. You might worry about saying too much or too little or appearing to impose on your physician’s time. However, a direct, respectful request can go a long way. Remember, strong medical documentation can help explain why working full-time is no longer possible for you.
Start with a simple, respectful request
Most doctors care deeply about their patients, but many are unfamiliar with what a disability claim needs. The best way to begin is with a calm, straightforward request, such as: “Would you be open to writing a short letter that describes how my condition makes it hard for me to work?”
Let your doctor know that this document should describe how your condition limits what you can do each day. Instead of just naming the diagnosis, they should explain how symptoms affect your work. For example, back pain might make it hard to stand longer than 10 minutes, or side effects from medication could disrupt focus by midday. These details help show why full-time work is no longer realistic.
Help your doctor support your claim
Doctors do not always see how your condition affects you outside the exam room. Preparing a short list can help. Write down a few job duties you can no longer manage—carrying packages, typing for hours, focusing during long meetings—and explain why those tasks have become difficult.
You are not expected to write the letter for them. However, giving real-life examples helps them speak with more clarity. An experienced disability attorney can help you prepare these key points before your medical appointment. Giving your doctor the right context can lead to a statement that strongly supports your SSDI claim.