Medical Records in Your Social Security Disability Case – 3 Ways to Get Important Evidence for Your Case and How a Lawyer Can Help You
Something that some disabled Social Security Disability (“SSD”) applicants may not know is that when you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, medical records are truly the foundation of your case. Indeed, the truth is that the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) bases its decision regarding granting your benefits on whether you meet the definition of “disability” found in federal law, which requires that you have a medically determinable condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA relies heavily on medical evidence to determine whether your condition meets these standards. As such, without thorough and accurate medical documentation, even people with serious conditions can have their claims denied. Knowing how to gather, organize, and present this evidence, and when to get legal help, can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Here we explain three ways to obtain medical evidence for your SSD case, and where to turn to for legal help getting SSD benefits due to you.
#1. Requesting Your Medical Records
The first way to get important medical evidence for your case is to request complete copies of your treatment records from all of your doctors, hospitals, and clinics. The SSA needs more than just diagnosis notes; it looks for detailed records showing your symptoms, test results, and how your condition limits your daily activities. You have the right to request copies of your medical records directly from your healthcare providers. Make sure you ask for all documentation related to your condition, including imaging results, lab work, surgical reports, and mental health treatment notes if applicable. Having complete medical records helps show a consistent history of care, which the SSA uses to evaluate the severity of your condition under SSD laws.
#2. Getting Written Statements from Your Treating Doc
The second way to strengthen your claim is to get written statements from your treating physicians. The SSA gives significant weight to the opinions of doctors who have treated you regularly, especially if their statements are supported by objective medical evidence. A statement that clearly describes your diagnosis, treatment plan, and specific work-related limitations (such as difficulty standing, lifting, concentrating, or performing repetitive tasks) can be critical. An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can help you request these statements in the correct format and ensure that they address the issues the SSA focuses on in its review of your case.
#3. Working with an Experienced Social Security Disability Lawyer
The third way to build your case is to work with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer. Having a Social Security Disability lawyer involved and on your side from the beginning of your case can help you avoid mistakes and strengthen your case. An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer understands what types of medical evidence the SSA values most, how to link your medical findings to your work limitations, and how to respond if the SSA requests additional documentation. They can also request these records on your behalf, to make sure the record is complete.
If you are applying for SSD benefits and you need legal help, contact the experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law. Contact Nationwide Disability Law today and speak with a lawyer now.
