Strong medical evidence is key for having your Social Security Disability (SSDI) claim approved. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has specific criteria and guidelines for evaluating whether your disability qualifies you for benefits. You must prove the severity of your medical condition and its impact on your ability to work. If compiled and presented correctly, medical evidence can provide objective documentation of how your condition fulfills the SSA’s criteria.
The SSA has put the onus on you to construct a claim and support it with sufficient evidence. The exact assortment of medical evidence you should include in your application, and the format in which you organize and present it, will ultimately depend on your specific disability and situation. There are a number of factors that play into which kinds of medical evidence will strengthen your case, and which will not. As such, your strategy is best determined by working with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney. We understand exactly what the SSA evaluates when reviewing a claim, and can help you select the right medical evidence to use based on your disability, age, work history, etc.. Keeping in mind that evidence varies from case to case, below are some examples of medical evidence commonly utilized by applicants in their Social Security Disability claims.
Medical Records
Detailed medical records from your healthcare provider(s) outlining your diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis are very important. These records can effectively prove the existence of your disability to the SSA, establish its severity, measure its impact on your work, and forecast the long-term functional limitations you are likely to experience. Diagnostic tests, documentation of symptoms, ongoing evaluations, and updates (including updates to your medication, symptoms, and test results) can all be worth referencing in your application.
Medical Source Statements
A Medical Source Statement is a comprehensive document written by a healthcare provider summarizing your medical condition and its impact on your ability to function in a work setting. Much of the information included within a well-crafted Medical Source Statement will overlap with and/or supplement the information featured in your medical records. A Medical Source Statement will cover your diagnosis and functional limitations, and include a formal opinion on your ability to work (this opinion can be provided in a narrative letter as well).
Get Your Life Back.
Before it awards you benefits, the SSA will require you to prove the existence of your disability, its severity, and its impacts on your ability to work. This is best achieved through a careful assortment and presentation of detailed medical evidence. Many different types of information can fall within the parameters of effective medical evidence. From diagnostic tests to prescription histories, there is a lot to keep track of and organize as you gather the necessary documentation. The laws and criteria associated with Social Security Disability benefits are complicated, but MCV Law is here to help. We know exactly what the SSA is looking for. We can advise you on what mistakes to avoid, and provide guidance on what information you will need and how you can obtain it throughout the application process.
Your path to ongoing benefits starts with a single message or phone call. Connect with our team today for a free consultation, and take the first step towards getting your life back.