When a chronic illness or debilitating injury has left you unable to work, you may qualify for disability insurance from the Social Security Administration (SSA). In order to qualify for these benefits, you must have paid into the system, and you must be able to show that your disability prevents you from working. In order to confirm the seriousness of your illness or injury, the SSA will require certain forms of medical evidence.
Evidence Required for Building the Strongest Possible Application
The doctor or doctors who are currently treating you will be able to provide the most convincing evidence of your disability; however, the SSA considers certain types of treatment providers to be “acceptable medical source.” Those include the following:
- Licensed physicians (not chiropractors)
- Licensed or certified psychologists
- Licensed optometrists
- Licensed podiatrists
- Qualified speech and language pathologists
- Hospitals
The SSA will want to see all medical records related to the disabling condition, including your doctor’s notes, test results, treatment history, prescriptions, laboratory findings, and any other relevant information. You will also be required to submit a statement from your doctor outlining the limitations you are experiencing due to the condition as well as limitations caused by treatment for the underlying condition. For example, medications may cause weakness and fatigue.
What Is a Consultative Medical Exam?
In addition to the information you provide, you may also be required to undergo a consultative medical exam. Usually, this can be performed by your regular doctor, but if the SSA is not satisfied that your doctor is qualified, they may require you to go to a doctor of their choosing. These exams are usually not a cause for alarm.
How a Disability Attorney Can Help
Knowing what kind of evidence to provide and getting it all together can be overwhelming. At Keller & Keller, we have helped thousands of people in Indiana obtain the disability benefits they deserved. We will contact your doctors and gather convincing evidence to support your application, taking a major burden off your shoulders. Call us to discuss your situation and find out if we can save you the time and frustration caused by a denied claim.
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