Evidentiary Requirements for Social Security Disability Claims

When filing a Social Security disability claim you will need to provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) with medical evidence of your disability. This medical evidence needs to confirm the diagnosis of your condition, detail all treatments past and present, and explain the severity of the impairment. For help in obtaining this evidence, a Fort Lauderdale Social Security disability attorney can assist you.

Acceptable Medical Evidence for a Social Security Disability Claim

The SSA will require medical evidence from acceptable medical sources. Your Fort Lauderdale Social Security disability attorney can assist you in contacting these sources and obtaining the proper records and documentation of your impairment to include with your Social Security disability claim. These accepted medical sources include:

• licensed physicians;
• licensed or certified psychologists (including school psychologists);
• licensed optometrists (for diagnosing vision disorders);
• licensed podiatrists (for diagnosing foot or foot/ankle impairments); and
• qualified speech-language pathologists (for establishing speech or language impairments).

One of these accepted medical sources must have diagnosed your impairment.

Medical Evidence to Determine Severity of Impairment

Records from accepted medical sources are considered in the assessment of the severity of your impairment when filing a Social Security disability claim. Evidence from treating sources is especially emphasized by the SSA as they are most likely to have the most accurate assessment of your condition and its impact on your life. When you are undergoing treatment for your disability you should keep timely, accurate records of treatments received for your Fort Lauderdale Social Security disability attorney to use in your claim.

The SSA will also request records from all health facilities associated with your diagnosis and treatment. Hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers are all common sources of medical evidence. You should inform your Fort Lauderdale Social Security disability attorney of all establishments and organizations that provide any form of medical treatment for your disability so they may be included in your Social Security disability claim.

Non-Medical Evidence for a Social Security Disability Claim

Evidence for your Social Security disability claim can come from non-medical sources as well. Common sources include:

• teachers or guidance counselors;
• employers;
• caregivers;
• parents of minor children;
• social workers;
• public and private agencies; and
• other practitioners such as chiropractors.

You may also undergo a consultative examination if your evidence is inadequate for your Social Security disability claim. The assistance of a Fort Lauderdale Social Security disability attorney can help you avoid this extra step by making sure your claim is submitted with the necessary evidence.

Contacting a Fort Lauderdale Social Security Disability Attorney

If you or your loved is suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility.

The process of securing Social Security Disability and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.

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