Why Medical Records are Important for Those Filing for SSDI
Experienced a physical or mental disability that prevents you from being able to work? Expecting your condition to prevent you from being able to work for at least 12 months? You want to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI payments will help replace the income you are losing as a result of your disabling condition.
However, the application process can take a while. Many initial applications are rejected. This requires applicants to go through the appeal process. To ensure your best chances at qualifying the first time around – or even during the appeals process – it’s important that you gather all the necessary medical records when filing for SSDI.
The Importance of Medical Records When Filing for SSDI
In order to qualify for SSDI payments, you’ll have to prove two things: that (1) you have a condition that is listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book or that the symptoms of your condition are similar to those of the symptoms listed in the Blue Book, and (2) that the symptoms that you are experiencing have prevented or are expected to prevent you from being able to work for at least a year (unless the symptoms you have will result in death).
You need detailed medical records. These should date all the way back to the injury or illness that caused your disability. The SSA will want to see documentation by your primary physician in particular. Their opinion and official diagnosis will be heavily factored in determining whether you qualify.
The Types of Medical Records You’ll Need
Already missed substantial time from work as a result of your disability? The Social Security Administration will need to see medical records that prove when you became disabled. This means that if you went to the hospital because of a serious injury that resulted in your disability, they will need to see your hospital records.
There are several types of medical documents that will help you establish that you not only have a mental or physical disability but that it is rendering you unable to work.
Official Diagnosis
First of all, you’ll need an official diagnosis from your doctor. One thing that can trip up an applicant is if the doctor has made a professional guess to the problem you’re experiencing but hasn’t officially diagnosed it. Not only does the doctor need to put in writing that you have a specific condition, but they may need to perform a variety of tests in order to prove that you have that condition. Without these documents, there could be some doubt as to the nature of your condition.
Documentation
You will also need documentation describing your symptoms and records of any efforts you have made to relieve those symptoms. The doctor may have recorded your symptoms. However, if there’s no record of hospital visits or additional records of treatment, then there’s no proof that you attempted to treat your condition. The SSA could interpret that you are in fact able to work.
Proof
Last but not least, you’ll need proof that your condition is preventing you from being able to work. Your doctor can provide a professional written opinion stating that you will be unable to work due to the extent of your disability for at least a year. If you’ve already missed significant time, your employer could provide a written account as well.
Because of all the medical records that are required, you may want to request copies from the hospital as well. If you don’t, you can request the information you need to strengthen your case.
More about SSDA USA
You’ll need detailed medical documents when filing for SSDI. For professional assistance, be sure to schedule a free consultation with SSDA USA. Call us anytime at 602-952-3200, and don’t forget about our LiveChat feature.
This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.
