Medical Records in Social Security Disability Cases: Why Are They So Important?
Many Social Security Disability applicants have likely heard that it is critical for them to provide their medical records to the Social Security Administration during the benefits application process. But fewer Social Security Disability applicants likely know why exactly medical records are so important for their case. To help Social Security disability applicants throughout the United States better understand why their medical records are so important in their Social Security Disability case we discuss their significance here.
Medical Records: Proof of a Disability
There is no doubt that the crux of every Social Security Disability applicant’s case – no matter where they are from across the country – is the medical evidence in their case. Medical evidence, in the form of medical records, first and foremost provide proof that the applicant has a “medically determinable physical or mental impairment” that keeps them from being able to work. Medical records are exactly how a Social Security Disability applicant proves to the Social Security Administration that they meet the definition of “disabled” for the purpose of receiving benefits.
Medical Records and Proof of Duration of Disabling Impairment
In addition to proving that an applicant does, in fact, have a disabling medical impairment, medical records also show the Social Security Administration the duration of the applicant’s disability. A Social Security Disability applicant’s disabling impairment must last or be expected to last at least 12 months. Accordingly, medical records are an important piece of the puzzle in determining how long an applicant’s disabling impairment is expected to last.
Medical Records and Establishing Credibility
One other way that the Social Security Administration may use an applicant’s medical records is in determining their credibility. An applicant is more credible to the Social Security Administration when their statements align with their medical evidence and they are consistent with their medical records. Discrepancies between an applicant’s records and their statements may be a “red flag” to the Social Security Administration when reviewing an applicant’s application for benefits.
Legal Help with Your Social Security Disability Case
One way that you can improve your chances of getting Social Security Disability benefits due to you is to work with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer. An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can help you gather your medical records and other important evidence in your case for the best chance of success in getting your Social Security Disability benefits due to you.
If you are seeking Social Security Disability benefits and you need legal help, contact the experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law. The experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law are here to help Social Security Disability benefits applicants get important Social Security Disability benefits due to them. Do not hesitate to speak with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer about your case today. Contact the experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law and speak with a lawyer about your Social Security Disability case now.
