Recently, I was approved for a short term disability claim through my work. On it, the doctor told them that he didn't want me back at work until at least August 25th. I got my approval letter yesterday, but they only approved it through June 20th. I called, and they said that since my next doctor's appointment is June 18th, the doctor might think I'm well enough to go back to work and they "don't want me to have to pay back the money." Complete BS.

The letter I received with my first disability says that if I can't return to work by June 20th, (which I clearly won't be able to as my doctor already stated, especially since I still can't move my arm) I need to call them and share an update on my medical condition. That part is easy.

But I also have to have my doctor provide them with the following medical information:

Medical records: including treatment records, procedure records, physical therapy records, and test results from all treating providers

Restrictions and limitations (a list of things you should not and cannot do)

"A note from your physician stating you are unable to return to work is not considered sufficient medical documentation."

Now, this is my second go-round with RSD, but the first time I was in college and still under my parent's financial umbrella. I didn't have to worry about short-term disability. I'm completely at a loss for what to do regarding what constitutes sufficient medical documentation.

What types of medical records will the insurance companies count as enough evidence to continue my disability for the time period my doctor described? Because this is my second go-round with RSD, the doctor didn't do as much testing as they did 10 years ago, so there isn't as much documentation to give them.



I'm seeing my doctor on June 18th and won't begin physical therapy until after I see him. I'm also having a nerve conduction test on June 19th.

I'm concerned that without enough objective evidence they'll take away my disability and force me to go back to work before I'm physically able.

What can I have my doctor give them with which they'll be satisfied? I know RSD is a tricky disease that's hard to substantiate, so what can I do to help along the process?