Types of Evidence You May Need to Support SSDI Claims
If you are trying to collect Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), you will need to prove that you have an actual disability. It’s not enough to simply have a medical issue that prevents you from working—you’ll need evidence to support that claim. Otherwise, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will deny your claim.
One of the best things you can do for your case is work with an SSDI attorney in Park Hills, MO. The claims process is long, involved and often confusing, especially when you’re struggling with a disability. An attorney can ensure that your case is presented in the best possible light, with plenty of supporting documentation that shows how your disability affects you.
What you need to prove
To be eligible for SSDI, you need to show that a) you have a disability, b) it prevents you from doing the work you did before the disability, c) you can’t do other types of work due to your disability and d) the disability will last a year or more, or result in death.
Certain conditions are severe enough that the SSA considers them automatically eligible for benefits, such as heart disease, asthma and more. These can be found in the Blue Book—but keep in mind that you’ll still need medical evidence to support these claims.
Types of evidence used to support SSDI claims
Here are examples of the evidence you might need to support your claim:
- Medical opinions: The most compelling evidence is, of course, a trusted doctor’s opinion. You’ll need to provide your medical history and evidence regarding your disability, its initial onset and documentation. This can include x-rays, test results, MRI and CAT scans, list of prescriptions and treatments you’ve tried and notes from your doctor or mental health professional. Please note that your doctor must be a licensed professional or the SSA will not give their opinion the desired weight.
- Journaling: Another way to document your disability is by keeping a journal about it. Be honest about your limitations—for example, being unable to sit, stand, lift heavy objects or otherwise function normally. Avoid exaggerations and hyperbole. The goal is to create a written record of how your disability affects your daily ability to work.
- Other evidence: There may be other evidence you can submit, such as attendance records, disability-related disciplinary records and more. If you’ve had trouble at work due to your disability, try to get documentation to show that it is directly affecting your ability to earn a living. You might meet with vocational experts who will talk with you, observe your daily activities and submit a written opinion about your ability to work.
When you’re gathering information, the most important thing to remember is that it should be honest and consistent. Assume that the SSA will look for reasons to deny your claim. Have a Park Hills, MO SSDI attorney who is well-versed in Social Security law help you review the documentation.
For help with your SSDI claim, call Maynard & Joyce, LLC today.