Gather Evidence
Evidence and proof of disability for claim
When you’re filing a claim for Social Security disability, it’s important to provide evidence that proves your disability. Your evidence should make it clear that your medical condition and its associated symptoms prevent you from doing any type of work.
Your medical records are a key piece of evidence in your Social Security disability claim. You’ll need to show a long-term illness or injury as well as a detailed list of medical treatment you’ve received. You’ll need to gather documents from any hospital visits, lab work, and results from imaging tests or X-rays.
You should also provide records from any medical treatments you’ve received, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy. This will help establish a pattern of care for your disability. It’s also a good idea to provide a list of medications you are taking and any supports you use to manage your disability (like braces, canes, etc).
Another important type of evidence is the opinion of a treating doctor. This can be in the form of a written statement or a completed questionnaire. This will help your claim by showing how the doctor views your medical condition and how it prohibits you from doing any type of work.
Collecting and gathering evidence for your claim.
By providing the right type of evidence, you can increase your chances of having your Social Security disability claim approved. It’s important to be thorough and provide accurate information to the Social Security Administration.
- Collect Medical Records and Reports. One of the most important pieces of evidence you will need to provide is your medical records and reports. These need to show your diagnosis(s), medications you’re taking, any tests you’ve had done, and any treatments you’ve received for your disability. Make sure you request these records from all of your doctors or healthcare providers.
- Obtain Statements from Your Treating Physicians. Having a statement from one or more of your doctors or specialist can also help to strengthen your claim. These statements should elaborate on your medical reports and provide information on how your disability affects your daily life. If your doctor can explain his/her opinion about your prognosis, this can be beneficial as well.
- Gather Work History Records. If you worked at any point in time within the past 15 years, it’s important to provide records or statements that show why you are no longer able to work or perform the duties associated with your job. Include the dates you worked, the type of work you did, and the reason you could no longer work.
- Have a Friend or Family Member Write a Statement. Having a friend or family member write a statement about how your disability affects your daily life can often help strengthen your case. This should be a fairly detailed description that paints a picture of how your disability restricts and limits you.
- Keep Accurate Documentation of Symptoms. It’s also important to keep track of any symptoms that you’re experiencing due to your disability. Make sure to document any pain, fatigue, limitations, or any other symptoms that have been caused by your disability. This can often be used as evidence to support your claim.
Gathering evidence takes a great deal of time and careful organization. Make sure to start gathering information right away, and keep copies of your documents for your records. Good luck with your Social Security disability claim!
How lawyers gather evidence for your Social Security disability claim
Gathering evidence for a Social Security disability claim is an essential part of the process. Properly gathered and presented evidence can help to ensure that your claim is approved. Lawyers understand this process completely, and they understand just what kind of evidence needs to be collected in order to make your claim successful.
The most important thing to remember is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) needs to have sufficient medical evidence to approve a disability claim. Lawyers understand that medical evidence typically comes in the form of medical records, lab tests, doctor’s notes, and diagnostic studies. Your attorney can assist you in obtaining copies of all the necessary medical records, along with any doctor’s visits and treatments related to your disability.
Your lawyer can also help you to obtain any additional evidence that might be beneficial in strengthening your disability claim. This can include evidence of how your disability has impacted your work, lifestyle, and ability to care for yourself. All information related to your physical condition, your medical treatments, and your daily activities can help to make your case stronger.
Your lawyer can also assist you in gathering evidence to help establish that your disability has had a profound impact on your finances. This information might consist of documents related to your income, housing costs, family dependency, and other types of financial information that the SSA will want to see when reviewing your claim.
Additionally, if you are working despite your disability, your lawyer can provide evidence that will help to demonstrate that your work is limited and that you are not able to engage in full-time, gainful employment on a consistent basis. This includes documentation from your employer, your wages, your hours of work, and any accommodations that you’ve needed in order to perform the job.
Your lawyer can also help you to prepare for any medical exams that might be ordered by the SSA. This includes gathering information from your doctor, physical therapist, or other healthcare provider about your functional limitations. Your attorney can help you to prepare for these exams, which may include gathering additional medical evidence, answering questions from the examiner, and presenting your case in the best light possible.
Finally, your lawyer can provide evidence of your daily activities and limitations. This may include journals, photos, or video recordings that can help to paint a clear picture of how your disability impacts your daily life.
By working with a knowledgeable lawyer, you can ensure that all the evidence necessary for a successful Social Security disability claim is gathered accurately and in a timely fashion. Your lawyer can help you to make sure that your case is presented in the best way possible, so you can receive the benefits you deserve.