Filing a disability claim can be overwhelming. If you’re unable to work, or permanently disabled, you’ll be required to demonstrate that you are and why.
One difficult task is locating and obtaining medical evidence for SSDI to show the Social Security Administration (SSA) how and why you are disabled. Many SSDI applications are denied because of insufficient proof of disability. Gathering medical evidence can feel like a full-time job when you’re unable to work.
Types of Needed Medical Evidence for SSDI
Medical records are key to proving and winning a claim. Gathering medical evidence can be time-consuming if you’re not sure where to find all your records.
Once you’ve shown that you are not engaged in any substantial gainful activity (SGA), or earning more than SSA sets as a limit, the claims examiner will review your list of impairments that prevent you from working. They will determine if the impairments—both physical and mental—will last 12 months or longer or will end in death.
SSA will need as much relevant information as possible to make this determination, including:
- The exact diagnosis of the medical condition that prevents you from working
- The date of that diagnosis
- The seriousness of your symptoms
- Your prognosis, or how your provider anticipates your condition to progress, and whether it will last more than one year or end in your death
- The treatments you’ve received, including prior and current medications
- Limitations due to your condition, both physical and mental
Medical evidence for SSDI should include clinical notes, journals and logs, and other documentation that not only describe but support your diagnosis. You should also describe your condition clearly to your physician so that he or she understands and takes notes that will go into your record. Be honest with your physician and discuss current and new symptoms, issues with medications, restrictions of movement, and any other developments. Their recommendations should also be in writing and included in your file.
Is Gathering Medical Evidence Enough?
Someone who is dealing with a disability has already seen at least one doctor about their condition, and probably more. Medical testing and treatments accompany the condition, and all providers will have medical records for evidence. But you (and your disability attorney) must also determine if your medical records tell your whole story.
SSA requires applicants to send all relevant medical evidence from doctors, healthcare facilities, and other “acceptable medical sources” to show evidence of their disability. Your primary treating doctor’s notes and opinion are given preference, but they will also accept evidence from others, such as:
- Licensed optometrists (for optical disorders only)
- Licensed physicians, both MDs and osteopathic doctors
- Licensed podiatrists (for ankle and/or foot conditions only)
- Licensed/certified psychologists
- Qualified speech/language pathologists, only for speech/language impairments
The SSA will be seeking objective medical evidence from these acceptable medical sources to make its determination. If you need help gathering medical evidence, your disability attorney can help.
Houston’s Social Security Disability Insurance Attorney
The laws surrounding SSDI are complex and the process can be difficult to maneuver. Many SSDI applications are denied the first time they are submitted. With an experienced disability law firm to help, you can get your application completed right the first time and have a better chance of receiving the benefits you deserve.
We’ve helped over 4,000 Houstonians get SSDI and other disability benefits. The Herren Law Firm in Houston, TX can assist with your application, appeals, and records gathering to prove your case and win your claim. Contact us today at 713-682-8194 (or use our online contact form) to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation, and no up-front fees, and we only collect a fee if we win your case.
