What Evidence Do I Need for an SSD Claim?
As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you can always apply for Social Security Disability (SSD)—even if you’ve been turned down in the past. If you’re looking to apply, here’s a list of the evidence you’ll need to collect in order to fully complete the application. The SSD system can be complicated, but with trusted attorneys at law, like Black & Jones, your interests are always the priority, so you have a fighting chance to receive the compensation you deserve.
Here's what you’ll need to provide when making a SSD claim:
1. Credible Medical Evidence & Proof of Severity
If you’re filing for a disability claim, you will need to have proof of your impairment(s), as diagnosed by a medical professional. You must also share documents that detail the severity of your injury. Please note that the Social Security Administration (SSA) can help claimants obtain medical resources by requesting necessary copies. While processing your claim, the SSA will allow evidence backing up the severity of your impairment(s) from nonmedical sources to determine your ability to function in your job. This may include the following sources:
- Friends
- Family Members
- Neighbors
- Employers, etc.
2. Evidence Relating to Your Symptoms
There are also various factors that the SSA investigates in order to make their determination. According to the SSA, they’ll assess these symptoms as well as any pain as described by medical sources in their reports:
- Your daily activities
- The intensity of your injury or symptom
- Any factors that make it worse or prevent it from healing
- Types of treatments or medications you’re seeking
- Steps you’ve taken to alleviate pain or symptoms
- Any additional factors that may limit how you live and work
3. Ongoing Communication
As you go through the process of making a claim, you must be sure to disclose any new and relevant information that emerges. It is your duty to let the SSA know of the following:
- How severe your impairment(s) is
- The duration of your injury or symptoms
- If the impairment(s) prevent you from doing your job
4. Consultative Examinations & Accurate Report Content
The SSA can always ask for additional information if there isn’t enough evidence provided in your medical sources. They may arrange a consultive examination (CE) with your medical source or an independent medical source other than the one you’ve worked with. The latter can occur if they determine there are conflicts, inconsistencies or other issues with the medical source(s).
As described by the SSA, a CE report must provide substantial evidence to determine the scope of the impairment(s). It must also be consistent, with all explanations aligned with data from examinations and lab work. In order for it to be adequate, the report must not be missing any critical evidence as mentioned in the claim and it needs to be properly signed.
If you’re still unsure whether you’re eligible, check out the list of additional requirements here. Black & Jones Attorneys at Law are the local lawyers of the Greater Rockford Region. The team at Black & Jones has combined over 64 years of experience working on Social Security Disability cases and we continue to fight for justice in our hometown and nearby areas. Fill out your free case evaluation form here, or call (815) 967-9000 to get started today.