SSDI pdoc

I filed for SSDI and was sent to a pdoc for an evaluation. He told me point blank that he didn't think I could hold a job.

How much weight does the pdoc's opinion carry with SSDI? Is it more likely I'll be awarded SSDI if the pdoc agrees, or does it matter that much?
Thanks!

Hmm...the one I had to see wasn't all the impressive and he didn't tell me his opinion. He just said I was "very intelligent" and he hoped id go back to school one day. (I dropped out when I was younger due to depression etc).

I got denied initially but appealed and was approved.

A lot. Your pdoc is the only one who can legally diagnose you with a medical condition that precludes you from work and therefore qualifies you for SSDI. If your pdoc told you straight out that he didn't think that you could hold a job, that's what he's going to report to Social Security, and you should reasonably expect to receive disability benefits. If for some reason you are denied benefits, this pdoc's opinion should be grounds for an appeal.

Well, it's supposed to carry a lot of weight. But Hexagram is right--if you get denied, the dr.'s opinion will help in the appeal.

That pdoc's opinion does carry a lot of weight, and it is a good sign that he told you that he doesn't think you are employable. That's what he is going to tell the SSA.

On the other hand, he's only seen you one time, if I'm understanding you correctly, and his opinion may not be enough to convince the SSA. They would be more convinced, if they heard from a pdoc who has been treating you over a period of time.

If you have not been getting treatment for your condition (from a pdoc,) then they might want to see if getting treatment could help you be able to work.