What is a medically determinable impairment?

One of the first steps in filing your Social Security disability benefits claim is to be able to prove you have a disabling condition that impairs you from performing substantial gainful activity. When evaluating your claim for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be looking to see if you have what is known as a medically determinable impairment.

The Meaning of "Medically Determinable Impairment"

The SSA requires any mental or physical condition that may qualify you for Social Security disability benefits to be one that can be determined through medical evidence. Your medical evidence should be a combination of signs, symptoms, and laboratory testing - simply stating your symptoms is not considered to be medical evidence.

A medically determinable impairment is one that is listed in the SSA's Listing of Impairments and you have documented proof of your suffering from this condition. This is where the medically determinable part comes into play - your proof needs to come from a medical professional and be substantial enough to support your claim of your inability to work.

Some conditions are problematic for the medically determinable impairment method of proof as they produce symptoms that are difficult to prove through testing. The SSA has had to clarify some common disabling conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, with additional clarification on what makes them medically determinable impairments.

The Importance of a Medically Determinable Impairment

Your Social Security disability benefits claim first and foremost relies on the presence of a well-documented medically determinable impairment to continue with the approval process. A sure-fire way to have your claim immediately denied is to fail to provide adequate medical documentation to support your disability claim.

Your medically determinable impairment should support the functional limitations you claim that make it impossible for you to engage in substantial gainful activity (i.e. employment). In some Social Security disability benefits claims a claimant may have multiple conditions which may qualify them for this approval. A Ft. Lauderdale disability attorney can help you review your medical conditions and properly document each one for consideration as a medically determinable impairment.

A Ft. Lauderdale disability attorney is a great resource for filing and pursuing your Social Security disability benefits claim. Not only can they assist you in gathering the proper medical evidence for your claim (including doctor's reports and test results), but they can also make sure your claim is followed through to settlement.

Contacting a Ft. Lauderdale 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 Ft. 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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