The Social Security Disability (SSD) benefit application process can be stressful. You know you are hurt, but you must prove it to the Social Security Administration. One of the biggest hurdles is gathering the right medical evidence to prove your claim.
If you’re applying for benefits, you need to know the importance of medical evidence in Tennessee SSD claims. Without solid documentation of your condition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will likely deny your claim, no matter how much you’re struggling.
Here is what you can do to make sure your claim has the strongest possible foundation.
Medical Evidence Is the Backbone of Your SSD Claim
When the SSA reviews your application, they will not just take your word that you have a serious medical condition. They want proof in your medical records that shows:
- You have a serious health condition.
- Your condition prevents you from working.
- Your disability has lasted, or will last, at least 12 months.
The SSA decision-makers cannot see how much pain you are in or how your health has impacted your daily life. This is why your medical records are so important. They are the evidence the SSA uses to determine if you meet their strict definition of “disabled.”
What Type of Medical Evidence Do You Need?
If you want to build a strong claim, you need to include as much medical evidence as possible. This might include:
- Doctor’s notes and treatment records: These show your diagnosis, symptoms, and how your condition has progressed over time.
- Test results and imaging: X-rays, MRIs, blood tests, and other diagnostics can help prove the severity of your condition.
- Specialist reports: If you have seen a cardiologist, neurologist, or other specialist, their evaluations can carry extra weight with the SSA.
- Mental health records: If your disability involves depression, anxiety, or another mental health issue, therapy notes and psychiatric evaluations are vital to your claim.
- Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) forms: These are detailed assessments from your doctor about what you can and cannot do because of your condition.
Complete and consistent records increase the chance of approval.
Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Claim
The SSA is strict when it comes to medical evidence. Even if you are unable to work, these issues could lead to a denial:
- Gaps in treatment: If you have not seen a doctor regularly, the SSA might assume your condition is not serious.
- Inconsistent records: Notes from different providers that do not line up can create doubts about your claim.
- Missing key documents: If test results or specialist reports are not included, your file may look incomplete.
- Not following treatment plans: If you have skipped medications or therapies, the SSA might think your condition could improve with proper care.
Having a Lawyer Can Help
Even if you have a serious disability, the SSD process is complicated and full of red tape. Many people are denied benefits the first time they apply. Often, this is not because they are not eligible, but because their medical evidence was not presented in the right way.
For this reason, you want to have an experienced Social Security Disability attorney. We know what the SSA is looking for, and we can help you:
- Identify gaps or weaknesses in your medical records.
- Work with your doctors to get detailed statements about your condition.
- Submit all your paperwork on time and in the right format.
- Represent you in hearings and appeals if needed.
If you are like many people, you need these benefits. You don’t want to go through the entire process only to be denied. Getting legal help is the first step to making sure you are approved for these benefits.
Don’t Let Medical Evidence Mistakes Stand in Your Way
The importance of medical evidence in Tennessee SSD claims cannot be underestimated. Your medical records, doctor notes, and reports are vital to getting financial support.
At Easter & DeVore, Attorneys at Law, we help people across Tennessee build strong SSD claims and fight back against denials. If you’re thinking about applying for SSD or appealing a denial, contact us today for a free consultation.
