This podcast episode explores the importance of pain in winning Social Security Disability Benefits. It discusses the significance of documenting pain in medical records and provides examples of specific impairments. It emphasizes the need to understand how disability judges assess pain and the factors considered by the SSA when evaluating medical opinions. The episode also highlights a shift in weight given to SSA specialist doctors and discusses the importance of effectively communicating pain to doctors and aligning it with their expectations. It emphasizes the importance of understanding one's impairment and effectively communicating with doctors. Additionally, it explores the process of assessing pain, treatment options, and the severity of medical conditions from the patient and doctor's perspective. The section also touches upon pain medications and their connection to the severity of pain, work, and disability.
