Social Security has issued a new rule regarding the production of medical evidence for Social Security disability cases. Entitled Submission of Evidence in Disability Claims, the rule makes several changes in the regulations effective April 20, 2015.

If you are practicing in this area of law, you have to read the new rule. It is likely to affect your practice and your procedures.

One notable change is that any and all medical source statements and opinions from treating doctors must be submitted. The rule is explicit that medical source statements do not fall within the attorney work product exception. That should give you pause before you ask all treating providers for opinions.