My doctor has noted that I am “disabled.” Am I a shoo-in to receive Social Security Disability benefits?

Not necessarily. The Social Security Administration does not have to accept your doctor’s opinion on your inability to work as determinative. The Administration is usually more interested in how an individual’s impairments affect their ability to perform work tasks. A physician’s opinion about a patient’s specific work restrictions will often be stronger evidence – especially if those opinions are supported by objective medical testing.