Decisions Writers

[blahatthat]

I had a quick question. Are decision writers doctors?

[newdawn]

I had a quick question. Are decision writers doctors?

No.

Technically I don't think there's anything prohibiting someone who holds an MD or PhD from being a decision writer, but I have to imagine there are better job prospects for an MD or PhD than being a decision writer. 

[blahatthat]

Haha, I should have typed medical background?

[newdawn]

Haha, I should have typed medical background?

As far as I know, unless it's coincidental, I doubt many decision writers have a medical background or training in the traditional sense. I'm sure they pick up or have familiarity with certain things (medical terminology, blue book listing criteria, etc.) once they've been working as a decision writer for awhile.

Heck, I know more than I want to about a lot of medical conditions and treatments just hanging around my 70+ year old mom, 90+ year old grandma, and all their friends. I also had never heard of some conditions and certain things like "FEV values" until I had been reading this forum for a year or so. I'm not comparing myself to a decision writer; I'm just saying one can pick up things, learn, be trained, etc.

Determining disability is a somewhat complex medical/legal evaluation. An ALJ makes a decision based on the available medical and non-medical evidence according to SSA laws and so forth. Decision writers write up most of the decision letters based on how the ALJ directs them (as far as I know).

That said, sometimes an ALJ makes an error and a claimant might get denied when the claimant should have been approved based on their evidence and the law. This is why there are different levels of appeals.

[Just Me]

Decision writers do not make decisions. They only write them up. Their background is legal, not medical.

[blahatthat]

You are all the best! Thank you very much for the information.

[blahatthat]

Hello! It's me again, and not sure why I keep on reading my decision letter. I guess because I am still learning of the process. I had another question for the forum. In the listing for bipolar paragraph B lists says, "Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning." I was marked limitation in four areas. Who makes this decision?

Thank you!

Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning (see 12.00F):

    Understand, remember, or apply information (see 12.00E1).
    Interact with others (see 12.00E2).
    Concentrate, persist, or maintain pace (see 12.00E3).
    Adapt or manage oneself (see 12.00E4).

[Helper]

The ALJ makes the decision

[blahatthat]

The ALJ makes the decision

You did it again, Helper! Thank you.

[blahatthat]

I assume the decision ties with medical records?

[Just Me]

The decision is based on medical records and non medical evidence such as the Adult Function Form, testimony, etc.

[blahatthat]

Thank you, Just!