A lack of evidence is one of the most common reasons disability benefits are denied. There are acceptable medical sources for disability benefits and non-medical sources of evidence, and knowing the differences between these is vital when applying for disability benefits. Submitting the right evidence may increase your chances of receiving disability benefits. You can also request guidance from a Philadelphia disability attorney.

Acceptable Medical Sources

The Social Security Administration (SSA) accepts both acceptable medical sources and non-medical sources. These sources are used as evidence of your need for disability benefits. Acceptable medical sources come from licensed professionals and include objective medical evidence.

Medical opinions, symptoms, and the diagnosis itself cannot prove the existence of a medically determinable impairment. Objective medical evidence like lab results and signs must be used to support a medically determinable impairment caused by the disability. When there is not enough objective medical evidence, the SSA may request a consultative examination for more information.

A consultative examination usually involves a licensed professional chosen by the SSA who evaluates you for a disability. This may involve physical and mental assessments. Refusing to cooperate with a consultative exam may result in denied disability benefits.

The SSA lists licensed professionals who are considered acceptable medical sources. This list includes licensed physicians, psychologists, school psychologists, optometrists, podiatrists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists. Licensed physician assistants and licensed nurses may also be deemed acceptable medical sources depending on certain factors.

However, when a licensed professional happens to be your family member, then the SSA may not always accept their input as a medical source. The SSA, in this situation, may regard the family member as a non-medical source. Try contacting a Philadelphia disability lawyer for additional information about how this works.

Non-Medical Sources for Disability Benefits

While medical sources of evidence for disability benefits are important, non-medical sources can also be used to support your claim. The SSA deems non-medical sources as a piece of evidence that comes from anything other than a professional medical source. This includes:

·      Yourself

·      Your family members

·      Social welfare agencies

·      Educational staff

These non-medical sources may support your disability claim with statements about their observations related to your disability. They may describe how your disability physically or mentally hinders your daily functioning and work performance. Ultimately the SSA will determine whether to consider their statements and other information as relevant to your claim.

Filing a disability claim can be a tedious and often confusing process. You do not have to go through the complexities of these steps alone. Hiring a disability lawyer means you will have a professional at your side to guide you through each step. A lawyer might be able to increase your chances of receiving disability benefits.

Contact Edelstein & Nelson for Legal Aid

Proving a disability claim is not always easy and can become a tedious process when your claim is rejected. Reach out to a Philadelphia individual disability insurance lawyer to explore your legal options for disability benefits. Feel free to call Edelstein & Nelson by dialing (800) 300-0909 for a consultation today. Our team of attorneys might be able to help you obtain the disability benefits you need.