What medical evidence is needed for Social Security Disability Claims?

On Behalf of | May 31, 2022 | SSDI

In order to determine eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, each applicant must submit supporting medical evidence to demonstrate a severe disability that inhibits his or her ability to maintain employment.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a responsibility to investigate an applicant’s claim by examining provided medical records and data. The burden to fortify these records, however, depends largely on the strength of medical evidence supplied by the applicant.

Required medical evidence

Many SSDI applications are extensive and time-consuming. Applicants may require an additional medical assessment to validate the degree of physical, mental or emotional impairment required to qualify for disability under social security. To increase the likelihood of approval, strong applications should include:

  • Diagnostic records from all medical providers
  • Details about all medical conditions, including history and treatments
  • Direct links between impairing symptoms and work ability
  • Proof of thorough medical assessment for the impairing condition
  • Comprehensive test results relevant to the condition

The most supportive medical evidence demonstrates the full measure of the applicant’s medical conditions with honest evaluations and irrefutable data.

SSDI applications

In some cases, certain medical details may harm an SSDI application, or the SSA may request that an approved medical provider perform additional tests. Applications for SSDI can grow complex and, when denied, the appeals process further complicates what the applicant must do in order to receive benefits.

It is important to ensure a thorough understanding of the SSDI laws and regulations that govern applications and to submit only the strongest medical evidence to boost a claim.