Types of Evidence to Support Your Disability Claim

To qualify for disability benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must be able to support your disability claim. This requires you to prove your disability and how it prevents you from working.

A Phoenix social Security disability lawyer from Dayes Law Firm PC can gather information to support your claim. From the initial application to all levels of appeal, our Social Security disability attorneys are prepared to assist you with your disability claim.

Medical Evidence

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers medical evidence to be the cornerstone of every disability claim. It states that each claimant has the responsibility of providing a developed record of his or her impairments and their severity.

The SSA only considers medical evidence provided by licensed health care providers. The records provided by your primary care physician may be given more weight since the documentation can establish the progression of impairments over the course of treatment. However, it may be necessary to seek medical treatment from a specialist

Some medical documentation that you may be able to provide to support your claim includes:

Medical records should:

• Be thorough and accurately describe your impairments
• Be recent enough that they provide an accurate snapshot of your current condition even if you have suffered from the particular medical condition for a long period of time
• Provide a diagnosis, treatment information and prognosis from your doctor
• Include doctor’s notes that are typed and professional so that SSA representatives can read through this information

SSA claims representatives should be able to review the medical evidence you submit to garner a firm understanding of your medical history.

If your medical records do not sufficiently supply information about your medical condition, the SSA may arrange a consultative examination on your behalf.

Decline in Productivity

If your medical condition has impacted your ability to work and maintain a job, it is important that you provide objective evidence of this fact. This could include:

• Attendance records, disciplinary reports based on not following instructions or employer’s rules and other employment records
• Documentation of reports of pain or the need to take several breaks
• A psychologist’s report stating that you have difficulty getting along with others or that depression may result in debilitating episodes in which you cannot function

Daily Activities

If you do not qualify for disability benefits based on a Blue Book listing, the SSA can consider whether you can work other jobs based on your limitations.

It is important that you note any limitations you have in your ability to perform daily activities, such as:

Additionally, you may want to consider keeping a detailed journal of your daily activities to note changes in your ability to perform different tasks and the severity of pain you experience from one day to the next.

Individuals who are familiar with your condition and spend time with you can provide information about your limitations and incidents they have witnessed. The following individuals may be able to act as witnesses and can provide their personal observations and details about how they have assisted you with daily activities:

Contact Our Social Security Disability Lawyers

Social Security disability claims are complex, which is why many claimants who do not have lawyers are initially denied.

Our experienced Social Security disability attorneys represent claimants who are applying for disability for the first time or whose claims have already been denied. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we only get paid if your claim is approved, so there is no risk in contacting us for a free case review.

Call us at 1-800-503-2000 to get your claim started today.