Applying for disability benefits requires multiple steps, and one of the most significant is collecting medical evidence. Many disability claims are denied due to a lack of medical evidence. It is vital to find out how the Social Security Administration (SSA) collects medical evidence and your role in this process. You can also reach out to a Philadelphia individual disability insurance attorney who can help you collect the evidence you need.

How the SSA Collects Medical Evidence

Not only will you be asked to submit medical evidence to the SSA, but the SSA may also take steps to gather evidence. The SSA breaks disability benefits evidence into medical and non-medical evidence.

Medical evidence must come from a licensed healthcare professional, a certified speech-language pathologist, or a school psychologist. Non-medical evidence comes from any other source that is not a licensed professional in the healthcare field. In many cases, non-medical evidence comes from teachers, educational staff, social welfare staff, and loved ones.

The SSA and Disability Determination Services (DDS) will make every reasonable effort to collect evidence of your need for disability benefits. Every reasonable effort means that an initial request for medical records will be made. If the medical source does not respond, then a follow-up request will be made up to 20 days after this. Up to 10 additional days are given after the follow-up request for the medical professional to respond.

The DDS will make efforts to obtain your complete medical history, will contact your medical sources, and will review any submitted paperwork. All evidence will be examined to determine the decision on your disability claim. Do not panic if your initial disability claim was denied. This is common and can often be remedied by submitting a document or additional evidence.

Your Role in Submitting Medical Evidence

You will likely be asked to provide medical evidence throughout the duration of applying for disability benefits. Learning how to collect disability benefits evidence can be helpful and may improve your chances of receiving benefits. Be prepared to communicate with your doctor and any other health professional involved in assessing and treating your disability.

Evidence involved with disability benefits often comes from treating sources. These treating sources are medical sources that have treated your disability in the past or are currently treating your disability. Medical evidence may consist of lab test results, medical history, clinical findings, treatments, and statements about how your disability impairs daily functioning.

Your role includes submitting evidence, consulting with your doctor to determine how work performance is affected, and cooperating with requests by the SSA. Consider contacting a Philadelphia disability lawyer if you have any questions or concerns about this process. A lawyer can help you gather evidence and defend your need for disability benefits. 

Edelstein & Nelson Can Help

You may not have to settle for no disability benefits if your initial disability claim was rejected. Ask a Philadelphia denied benefits appeal lawyer about what your legal options are. Start by contacting Edelstein & Nelson at (800) 300-0909 for a consultation today about your disability claim. Our dedicated team of attorneys can help you take steps that can increase your chances of receiving disability benefits.