WHY YOU NEVER SAY, "I'm Fine."

Social Security may send you to the doctor when you apply for disability. These doctors work for Social Security. What is the first thing a doctor says when he or she walks into the room? "How are you today?"

Most of us are programmed to say, "I'm fine," or "I'm doing OK." It's just habit.

This is a bad mistake with a Social Security doctor. Never say, "I'm fine" or "I'm doing OK," or something like that.

Why not? Because the doctor will take it literally and it will be used against you. In the doctor's report, he/she will write: "Mr. Smith presented today saying that he is doing fine." Or, "Mr. Smith told me that he is generally feeling OK."

This sounds ridiculous, I know. But I've seen it happen dozens of times. I have even seen judges write something like the following in their denial decisions:

"The claimant alleges that he cannot work due to severe back and leg pain that radiates to both lower extremities. However, on 2/5/22, the claimant presented to Dr. John Dobetter for a consultative exam and told Dr. Dobetter that he is 'doing OK.' The doctor noted that the claimant was able to get on and off the exam table without help."

You must remember: Social Security is looking for an excuse to deny your claim. They really are. Why? Because they are cash strapped. Social Security is going broke. It's not just a rumor. (Ask them, they'll tell you).

Some other things I recommend you never say to a Social Security doctor:

1. My pain is 10 out of 10 most of the time.

2. Nobody would hire me.

3. I'm not able to do anything.

4. My hobbies include fishing, golf, swimming, horseback riding and amateur wrestling. (But, are you still able to do any of those things? If

not, they are no longer your hobbies).

5. Doctor, can you help me get my disability started?

6. I quit going to the doctor several years ago because they can't help me.

7. I see people on disability who are not as disabled as I am.