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Objective medical evidence is essential SSD claim support

On Behalf of | Oct 19, 2020 | Firm News

If you are about to file a claim for Social Security Disability benefits, you will need to provide the Social Security Administration with medical records. 

The SSA requires “objective medical evidence” to support your claim. What does this mean? 

SSA requirements

To receive SSD benefits, you must provide the Social Security Administration with documents that confirm your disability and prove that you cannot work for a year. The SSA requires “objective medical evidence from an acceptable medical source” to show that you meet the SSA definition of “disabled.” 

Documents for a physical impairment

If your impairment is physical, documents with the signature of your doctor or other healthcare providers should include: 

  • Physical Residual Functional Capacity or RFC form signed by your doctor 
  • Letter signed by your doctor that contains diagnosis, onset date and how the condition or injury limits your ability to work 
  • Complete medical records with treatment notes including any drug side effects 
  • Assessment records for any medical equipment you need, such as a wheelchair or crutches 

Documents for mental impairment

  • Mental Residual Functional Capacity or RFC form signed by your psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist or counselor 
  • Your files from a Pennsylvania vocational rehabilitation program 
  • Caseworker assessments showing how well you function 
  • Psychiatric evaluations or neuropsychological tests 
  • IQ results from before and after the onset of your disability 

Help from professionals

You can work with your doctor or other healthcare professionals to put together the objective medical evidence you need for your SSD claim. You can also depend on legal guidance to ensure that you file a mistake-free application in order to receive the Social Security Disability benefits you deserve.