When filing an SSDI claim, it is critical to provide appropriate medical evidence. This fundamentally does two different things:
- Demonstrates that you do have a specific impairment or condition that qualifies for Social Security benefits
- Demonstrates the severity of that impairment, including how it affects your life and how long it may last
There is a reason that the Social Security Administration refers to medical evidence as the cornerstone of its determination process. It is one of the most important types of information that can be provided.
Examples of potential evidence include statements from medical professionals, medical and health records, laboratory test results and imaging results from MRIs, CT scans or X-rays.
What if you get denied?
Many SSDI claims are denied. In some cases, people believe that this means the Social Security Administration has determined that they are not disabled. These individuals are often confused and concerned because they know they are living with a disability every day.
But a better way to think about it is not that the SSA is saying you are not disabled. Instead, the agency may simply be saying that it does not yet have the appropriate evidence to determine whether you have a qualifying disability or how severe it is. As such, the primary obstacle to approval may simply be gathering and presenting the necessary medical evidence during the appeals process.
Mentally reframing a denial in this positive way can help you better understand the steps needed to seek a resolution. It can also help to work with an experienced SSDI attorney while exploring your legal options and building your case.