Medical evidence is one of the most important components of a Social Security disability case. What does that mean for you?
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better.
Today I’m going to be discussing the role of medical evidence in Social Security disability cases. The Social Security Administration uses medical evidence to determine whether an individual’s medical condition is severe enough to prevent them from working. Medical evidence is the primary way for an individual to demonstrate the extent of their medical impairments and functional limitations.
Included in medical evidence can be doctor’s opinions, observations, and test results, as well as imaging. Medical records should include the documentation of your medical conditions, the symptoms that you have, and your treatment history. It’s important that your medical records are detailed enough to allow the Social Security Administration to understand your conditions, as well as the limitations that you have because of those conditions.
Doctor opinion letters can provide valuable information to the Social Security Administration about your specific conditions and limitations while imaging studies and lab results can provide the objective evidence to back up those opinions. If you are unable to see your own doctors, the Social Security Administration may send you to a doctor for a brief consultative examination. That consultative exam will allow Social Security to understand your condition and what limitations you may have as a result. However, that is just one day and one brief appointment and may not include an accurate depiction of your medical status and functional limitations.
Overall, a lack of medical evidence or incomplete medical records can result in a denial of your SSDI claim while strong medical evidence can boost your chances for approval.
Thanks so much for watching. If you’re disabled and unable to work, click the scheduling link here or give us a call directly for a free consultation where we discuss your case and see what I can do to help you.
