I write regularly about the importance of medical opinion evidence in a Social Security disability claim. Hopefully a treating doctor’s opinion helps to persuade the judge that you are disabled.

Whether or not the administrative law judge (ALJ) is persuaded to allow your claim for disability benefits, a treating source opinion triggers certain requirements for the ALJ’s written decision.

Social Security Ruling 96-8p states:

The RFC assessment must always consider and address medical source opinions. If the RFC assessment conflicts with an opinion from a medical source, the adjudicator must explain why the opinion was not adopted.

Keep theis key provision in mind when you appeal an unfavorable ALJ decision to the Appeals Council or to federal court.