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The Importance of Medical Evidence in Disability Insurance Claims

The Importance of Medical Evidence in Disability Insurance Claims

Medical evidence can be a major determining factor in your eligibility for disability benefits. One of the most common reasons a disability claim is rejected is a lack of medical evidence. Knowing what types of medical evidence the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be looking for may help you improve your chances. So can talking to an experienced Philadelphia disability attorney.

Medical Evidence Impacts Disability Benefits Eligibility

The SSA looks at several types of medical evidence for disability benefits to determine various aspects of your disability. These aspects include the existence of a disability, disability severity, and symptoms. One of the most important deciding factors is how the disability impacts work performance.

The SSA requires objective medical evidence from a licensed professional that shows you were diagnosed with the disability. Medical records from the medical professional who diagnosed you usually meet this requirement. Depending on the type of disability, the SSA may request other medical evidence like:

  • Lab test resultsThe Importance of Medical Evidence in Disability Insurance Claims
  • Medical reports that include the prognosis
  • Medical records from a specialist
  • Doctor’s notes regarding symptoms or limitations

Severity can be determined by medical and non-medical evidence. To qualify for disability benefits, you must prove that your disability is severe enough to last a year or lead to premature death. Symptoms must be severe enough to significantly interfere with work performance.

These can be proven with medical evidence like documentation of symptoms or doctor’s notes. However, in some cases, the SSA will require more medical evidence that your doctor may not have. When this happens, the SSA can require a consultative examination by a licensed professional of their choosing.

A consultative examination may involve different tasks depending on the type of disability you are listing in your claim. The report generated from this evaluation will be used as additional information in your disability claim.

How Medical Evidence Affects Future Disability Benefits

Medical evidence not only affects the initial application for disability benefits but can also impact continuing eligibility for benefits. Certain disabilities that have the possibility of improving may undergo continuing eligibility reviews for disability benefits. This is done to ensure disability benefits are provided only to those who need them.

During this review, you might be asked for new medical records that include new medical evidence. New medical evidence ranges from medical documents to lab test results. The SSA will also ask for information like your doctor’s contact information, treatment records, and dates you worked.

These reviews are usually only done within about 18 months since you were deemed disabled if your condition is expected to improve. Disabilities that are not expected to improve might be reviewed every few years. Try contacting a Philadelphia disability lawyer for more information about how this process works.

Contact Edelstein & Nelson for Legal Help

Do not give up if your initial disability benefits application was denied. Feel free to reach out to a Philadelphia denied benefits appeal lawyer if you have questions about what evidence you need for your disability claim. Call Edelstein & Nelson by dialing (800) 300-0909 for a consultation today about your disability benefits options. Our experienced team might be able to help you improve your disability claim.