Can You Medically Support Your Social Security Disability Claim?
Your medical history is vital to proving eligibility for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. Unless you have a life-threatening condition that qualifies you for compassionate allowance consideration, you must provide very detailed medical documentation to prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that your symptoms meet SSA’s definition of a disability.
The Medical Basics
Your disability application must include:
- Names, addresses and phone numbers of all the doctors you have seen.
- Names, addresses and phone numbers for all hospitals, clinics or treating sources you have been to.
- What treatments you have had and when.
- All medical tests you have had and when.
- The names and dosages of all prescribed medications you take and why.
The Doctor-Patient Connection
SSA also requires detailed reports from your doctors. How they describe your condition weighs heavily on SSA’s decision in determining if you are unable to work at any job because of your medical condition. You will want to make certain that the reports they provide properly supports your claim. Believe it or not, what you say, or don’t say, to your doctors about how you feel could harm your case.
Here’s an example:
- Your doctor tells you to minimize physical activities that could worsen your condition.
- You follow orders and tell your doctor at your next visit that you are feeling much better.
- Your doctor writes what you have said as a note in your medical file.
- Your doctor is contacted by SSA to provide a medical report about you for your disability case.
- The doctor includes all notations made in your file about your condition in the report.
- SSA interprets the one remark you made about feeling better as meaning that you have improved and are able to work.
You want to be sure that you are open and honest about your symptoms with your doctor so that misinformation does not get included in your disability case. Read more advice from one of our Freedom Disability advocate leaders about how important your doctors are in supporting your case.
Be Sure Your Medical Information is Current
The process to getting approved for disability benefits can take many months. You must make sure that your medical information stays current. If anything changes about your condition be sure SSA has been notified and has received updated information from your doctors.
Tips to Remember When You Visit Your Doctor
Remind your doctor that you are applying for Social Security disability benefits at office visits.
- Avoid minimizing your symptoms or exaggerating about your symptoms to your doctor.
- Be factual about how you describe your symptoms to your doctor.
- Don’t be concerned about discussing embarrassing details about your symptoms. Your doctor needs to understand how your life is affected by your condition.
- Ask if you can have access to your medical records.
- Be sure the doctor knows that SSA will be requesting your medical records.
- Ask the doctor to send your medical records to SSA as soon as possible after being contacted.
- Make notes about your condition between office visits to share with your doctor.
- If you go to a new doctor, be sure to explain how your condition impacts your daily activities.
Get Help with Freedom Disability
Gathering all the medical information necessary to support your disability case is not easy to handle on your own and it can be overwhelming. You can get expert help with Freedom Disability. Our advocates know what to look for to ensure that you have all the medical evidence necessary to prove your eligibility for disability benefits. Find out more about how to get started with Freedom Disability.
Learn More About Your Disability Benefits:
Your Medical History is Critical to Your Disability Claim – Tell Your Doctor
The Government Can Help You Find a Doctor
How to Win a Social Security Disability Case –That’s the Challenge
The Paper Trail to Social Security Disability Benefits – What It Takes to Get There
A Rare Illness Gave Me Insight into Understanding Disability
Lesson Learned – We Must Clearly Communicate with Our Claimants at All Times- Injured Carpenter Qualifies for Disability Benefits – A Lesson on Vocational Grids
38 comments to “Can You Medically Support Your Social Security Disability Claim?”
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Dear sirs, My name is Frank, I would be interested in getting information on SS disability. The problem is I am retired and have been for the last 10 years, (haven't worked) As I understand SS regulations I would not qualify for SS disability. I am inquiring at this time because there is a real possibility I will lose my pension and I cannot do any kind of work because of my back. I am currently being treated at the VA hospital in Northport, N.Y. I thank you for your time. F. Zammetti Bayshore N.Y.
Frank, If you paid into Social Security you are entitled to retirement benefits if you are of retirement age. If you are younger and haven't paid into Social Security for 10 years, you probably won't qualify for Social Security disabilty. But, you say you are being treated at a VA hospital. It may be worth it for you to find out if our veterans group, Alpha can help you get disability compensation through the VA.
Hello my name is angela. I had back surgrey almost 2yrs ago and it still bothers me. i can not sit stand or lay very long. I can not lift very much cause if i do then im in very bad pain. My spinal cord is norrowing and ive got real bad pinching in my neck the dr says its from my spine. Ive been dealing with black out spells and still going thru tests. I was doing in home health care but i cant any more. Ive tried diffrent things and i cant do them anymore cause i cant lift that much or sit or stand very long to do a job. Could i get SSI or SSDI?
Angela, From what you describe you could have a good case, especially if you have limited functionality. Other eligibilty factors include your work history and resources. It's hard to apply for disability benefits on your own, however, so it you'd like our help, please call 866-347-2910 or use our Contact form on the Web site so that an Eligibility Consultant can assess your situation and better advise you.
i just wanted to tell my story. i had back surgury in 2001. it was a failed fusion. it didnt work. i am left with chronic pain in my lower back, up to my neck, and down my right leg. i can not sit, stand or lay very long without serious pain. i go to pain management every month, but is still left with breakthrough pain that is unbearable. i"m being treated my several dr.s i applied to ssi in 2003 after they said i would never get better. i was a nurse. i was approved within a year. first time applied. never go without trying to get disability from ssi when you are permantly disabled. i am trying to get other help as of now, for heat, energy assistance and medications. if you have paid into it, and are permantly disabled please,use this site if you need help applying.
ive signed up for disibility because i have severe depression and anxiety, i was recently denied and ive appealed it but havent heard anything yet. can i get disibility for my problems even though ive been a house wife all my life and havent worked much?
Cynthia, To be eligible for SSDI you must be insured for it. Without a long enough and recent enough work history you may not meet this basic and very crucial requirement. Please read our article "Work History Required to Qualify for SSDI."
Hoping for a miracle! I have had back surgery at C3/4 diskectomy w/allograft fusion and plating (still get numbness and tingling in extremities from pressure on spinal cord); ruptured disk at T 8/9; bulging disk at L3/4; surgery at L4/5 w/spinal stenosis and arthropathy; surgery at L5/S1 (and bulging again). I have continuous unforgiving pain in my low back and right leg. Now my right leg stays asleep(numb) most of the time. I still have pain in my middle back from the untreated ruptured disk. Sometimes my back locks up and somehow seizes my chest so that I can barely breathe. I have severe depression, severe anxiety w/panic attacks, bipolar, and don't sleep w/o medication.I can't stand for more than 3-5 mins before severe pain sets in back and leg - same goes for sitting, driving, and laying down. I also have sleep apnea and use CPAP machine. I feel sleepy all day and do fall asleep at wheel sometimes. I had ACL reconstruction on my right knee which still flairs up w/pain and swelling. I also had a slight twist to my left knee and iacts up w/pain sometimes. I have irritable bowel syndrome w/constipation and can't go w/o medication - also flairs up with pain,nausea,diarrhea when feel stress; frequent urination when nervous; don't leave my house except for driving husband, son somewhere, & doctor appts. I really can't stand being around people or traffic. I often turn down invites to social occasions including just hanging out at my best friend's house. I don't like people over at my house. I don't feel like doing anything other than watching tv and often leave chores unfinished. My husband stays on edge w/me and says he usually walks on eggshells around me. I had a nervous breakdown in '94 when my mother died and again in '06 when my husband tried to hang himself in front of me. I have not recovered from either one. I'm afraid of most people and always feel like people are watching me. I couldn't even handle turning in my SSI paperwork because it was too stressful when I started the forms. I've waited a year to try and apply. I love my advocate. She doesn't treat me with aggravation or disdain, even when I have to have her repeat things to me. When you have a mental condition people treat you as a lesser person and often don't believe you have a condition. I was even accused of being strung out at work all the time (because of side effects of sleep apnea and medication reactions.). My boss didn't care. Another boss a few yrs before that treated me w/disdain and purposely put more pressure on me and constantly made me rearrange dr appts, until I finally resigned after being suspended a week for having an irrational upset at the office because she asked me to change an appt. w/my psychiatrist.
hi, my name is julia, i have a rare muscle disorder called myasthenia gravis i have been diagnosed for almost 4years now...i do still work but its not fulltime and no benefits etc. i call out often but as a 22 yr old i cant just not work, i live w/ my parents but they cant pay for all my medical and the everyday neccessities like gas and things. so i have an easy job, i work at a gym w/ no heavy lifting or fast movement etc, pretty much nothing i cant do w/ my condition, i have thought about quitting but only if i knew i could get this disability. my only thing is when i see my neurologist i say everythings ok, living w/ this disorder and changin my life and schedule around it is ok, but w/ medical payments and bills i will never be able to live on my own or anything. i have all the info i need but i jus feel like my 'doctors comments' might be my downfall
Julie, Sorry about your difficult health problems. The thing is it is very rare for someone of your age to get approved for Social Security disability insurance. Your condition would have to be very severe and meet SSA's strict definition of disability. You would basically not be able to physically perform any kind of job or train for a job that's suitable for you because of a minimal education or very low learning capabilities. You don't seem to be a person like that. Social Security disability benefits are based on your earnings record too. Considering your age and work history, if you did qualify your benefit wouldn't be that much. The longer you can manage to work and pay into Social Security the better it will be for your future.
I have epilepsy. I was diagnosed when I was 10years old. I have grand mal seizures. The last I had was November of 2010. I take medication but lately it has not been working as well. I work in a clerical field where I must use a computer. This is not healthy because the computer screen aggravates my condition. If I get sick at night I am unable to go into work. I have lost a job because of this before and maybe on the road to the same now. I have filed for SSI to no avail. I miss appts because of work and this also is not healthy. Can you help?
Angela, Epilepsy in various degrees of severity are qualifying medical conditions for disability benefits. But there are also other factors to consider, such as your age and work history and capacity for work. We would have to talk to you to assess your situation. The best thing would be for you to call in to talk to one of our Eligibility Consultants. Of course, we would like to help you. Please call 866-347-2910 so that we can better advise you on whether we can.
i have had severe back pains from diagnosed digenerative disc disease and spinal authritus. i also have authritus in my hands ( getting so i cannot grip very good), and have been suggested that i need my left knee(joint) replaced. besides that, i have heart arethmia problems. have been hospitalized 3 times for arrethmia attacks (atrio defibulation ?). i am a diesel truck mechanic and these problems are getting worse and have been affecting my ability to work, my pay is declining due to the fact that it is hard to do this kind of labor any more. i am under the treatment of a rumatologist, but the shots and drugs don't seeem to help any more, and i am concerned about surgery. because if i'm off work too long i could lose my job, and don't know if my problems are bad enough to be able to file for disability (and get it). with all my health issues it's hard to try and find another job. this is about all i've ever done. my boss told me to file for disability, but i would have to quit my job ( or be laid off) to be able to file. is that so. can you help me please? thanks, jim hall
Jim, You're in a tough situation. You should call in to talk to an Eligiblity Consultant at 866-347-2910 to review your options and what action you should take at this time. It can take a long time to get disability benefits. If it is advisable to apply at this time, we can help you.
Currently I'm receiving 40% Veterans Disibility for related injuries incurred while in, or related to after I got out of, the 82nd Airborne Division. One is a degenrative disk and the other is my right wrist which I'm currenlty being treated for. I still work because I have no choice but I miss about 30 days a year from work becasue of said injuries. I probably don't have a leg to stand on because I still work, but I work with pain every day. Especially due to the type of work I do. When it gets so bad I have to take a day off to allow the injury to get some relief. I know the military has partial disibility but I'm not sure about Social Security Disibility?
John The criteria for Social Securit disability is very different from VA disability benefits. It is based on the severity of your disabilities and if your medical condition prevents you from working at any job for 12 months or longer. Work history, age and functionality all factor in to the decision. You have to be totally disabled to get Social Security disability benefits. However, you may be able to get more VA compensation. You should check into our sister company, Alpha Veterans Disability to see if you could get more VA compensation.
I have Hep C and I am being treated with interferinal drugs. The side effects from these drugs are preventing me from working. I can't sleep well, i have loss of appetite and severe headaches. I have been a roofing mechanic for 18 years and it is very difficult to perform my responsibilities on the roof. I get dizzy and the weather is a major fact. I have been seeing a dr. and she can provide the medical information regarding my illness. Would I be eligible for disability benefits?
Fred, There are several fators that must be considered to determine eligiblity for Social Security disability benefits. Your age and work skills are considered as well as your medical condition. To better guide you on whether applying for benefits is an option for you at this time you should talk to one of our Eligibility Consultants. You can call toll free at 866-347-2910 if interested in our help.
I have severe depression and anxiety related to PTSD. I am a Rn that has been fired from the last few positions for not charting medications or being able to perform required duties. Does disability decision take that into consideration or just my medical records?
Mary, It must be clear to SSA that your medical condition is impacting your ability to work. PTSD is a medical condition that is interfering with your work functionality so it should be an important consideration in making a decision.
Hi, My name is Olga, I am 57 y/o and was wondering if I wold qualify for SSDIS. I am a diabetic, diagnosed in 2000, I started with oral medications at that time. Since then I have been switched to insulin. short and long acting as well as blood pressure and cholesterol meds. A few years later I was diagnosed with chronic Anemia and received Infed-iron IV treatments for 6 wks. 2 yrs later 2008 I had a recurrence and again received Iron-Iv treatments and even a blood transfusion when the treatments did not help. I then had a hysterectomy which has helped to keep my iron stable. I was diagnosed with back problems in 2005, I was still working (and by the way I am a Medical Assistant ) my primary advised me to leave it alone and get a better bed mattress. Eventually I started getting severe lumbar & shoulder pain...I went to an Orthopedist spine specialist -who requested, bone scan, Ct, MRI and Myelogram, the results showed a few issues but mostly I had a stenosis l4/l5 that needed decompression. I had surgery on 1/2011 L4L5 Lumbar Fusion, it was non-invasive and required to procedures, one were they entered through my left side (waistline) and through the back to insert metal brackets. I am highly allergic to pain meds, I reacted to anything stronger tan Tramadol and so that is what I am on, I was already on Lyrica and this dosage was increased along with a muscle relaxer. My left side is numb and I have a lot of pain that radiates to my leg and foot. I am unable to walk sit or stand for an period of time. My Specialist is unable to say how long it takes to recover "everyone is different" . I have already had Carpel Tunnel surgery on my right hand and surgery on my left shoulder-done in 2005..... I have worked in Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy for 27 yrs and as a patient rep on the phones for 2 1/2 yrs until a lay-off in May of 2010. I am currently on unemployment and have been searching for work but honestly I don't know if I will be able to do it, since I am always in pain, my foot in numb and I do not get adequate sleep. Do you think I am able to apply for SSDIS?
Olga, I think it's worth a try. If you feel your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working at any job, please call in for a free evaluation at 866-347-2910. The process for getting disability benefits is very difficult without expert help. You should also read our article "Can I Apply for and Win Social Security Disability Benefits While Collecting Unemployment?"
My name is william iam 32 I've worked most of my life starting at 16 starting at about age 22 I fell into a deep depression.I made several doc appointments between then and age 24 and was on 3or 4 differant medactions for depression and none helped so I quit going .well iam 32 now still suffering from depression and I just found out I have arthritis in my lower back and upper neck around my spinal cord.my back has been hurting for 2 years and both of my thighs are starting to go numb and my back is getting worse.I haven't had insurance and I've been working but all of this is affecting me and my abillity iam about to apply for medical help to see why my legs / thighs are going numb. iam afraid that its only gonna get worse and I have a problem tring to get help or doing things because iam very unsociable to the point where I think nothing will help me.do you have any advice
William, You are young to be getting Social Security disability, and it could be hard to prove that you can't work at any job at this point in time because of your condition. Hopefully you can find the medical help you need to manage your conditions and continue to work. The longer you can work and pay into Social Security, the more you can get in benefits when you get older.
I am wondering if a learning disability would qualify to receive disability from the SSA
I had kidney problems back in 2005 and now I can not stay in one position standing or sitting for long periods of time. I have tried to work since then and have not really been able to hold a job due to this. When I do sit or stand for an extended (2 or more hours) time my kidneys and bladder begin to bleed. I am 30 years old. I have not been hospitalized since then.
hi im am 32 yrs old and over the last 4 years i have had 4 surgeries and will be having a 5th in less than a month, i was diagnosed with ostio arthritis. the first 2 surgieres were 2 my right shoulder, first being opening up my ac joint by cutting down my collar bone, 2 being bicep tendonices as there was a tear and 3 inches was cut off and then reatched giving me a 7% disability in the right arm, i stillhave pain with any amount of physical work. 2nd surgeries were on both knees i have little to no cartilidge in both knees due to the arthritis they were scoped and cleaned out. this was done just over a year ago and i am already haveing problems with them again. standing or walking fro any period of time affects and brings back the pain. the dr told me i am looking at full replacements in the next 5-10 years. surgery in a month will be on my left shoulder with a poss bicep tendonices as well as opening up the ac joint again with results from mri showing the arthritis which is also degenerative. I do have pain associated with my back as well and sitting is very difficult. I currently work but am held back due to the amount of pain in all areas of body. Would this be an option for me?
Caren, Sorry for your physical difficulties. Your age may be a factor against you. SSDI is intended for people who have severe medical conditions that are expected to keep them from working for 12 months or longer, or could result in death. They must also be unable to engage in substantial gainful employment earning at most $1,000 a month. SSA takes a person's age, vocational history and education into consideration when deciding if a person qualifies for SSDI. It is a strict process that very often can take a lengthy amount of time before a decision is made. Please read more about SSA's eligibility requirements for SSDI, including our article on how SSA uses vocational guidelines to determine disability.
I am a 36 year old male and have been diagnosed with multiple heritable exotosis, which are bone tumors that grow on the growth plates of my bones. I have them all over my body, These tumors have caused me to lose most of the rotation in my left shoulder, I have them in both knees and lower legs which make it difficult and painful to stand for more than small periods of time or walk more than short distances. I also have one in my right elbow that has damaged the nerve going to my right hand so I have lost almost all functionality of that hand, and no feeling. I have not been able to work or find work without the use of my hand I can barely hold a pen to write my name and I am right handed. These tumors get bigger over time and only get worse. What options are open.
Robert, Sorry for your medical problems. Ir sounds like you're thinking about applying for Social Security disability (SSD) insurance. This is a long and difficult process because you must prove to SSA that your medical condition is so severe it is preventing you from working at any job. Social Security will also consider your age, education, and past work history to determine if you are unable to retrain for different work, given your condition that is expected to last 12 months or longer, worsen, or even result in death. It seems strict, and it is. The process is complicated and could take as long as two years or more before a decision is reached. You also must be insured for SSD, which means that you have worked five years within the last ten years from the onset of your disabling condition. If you do succeed in getting approved, your benefit will be calculated from how much you paid into Social Security through work.
I am a 49 year old type 1 diabetic. I have been diabetic since I was a teen. I had a heart attack in 2009 and have congestive heart problems. I am at stage 3 renal failure that is getting worse despite medications and compliant treatment and diabetic management. I also have gastroparesis that makes managing my type 1 diabetes almost impossible. I have vision problems and am no longer able to drive at night or in bad weather conditions. I am on several blood pressure meds as well as cholesterol, thyroid, and plavix and insulin. I was laid off from my job in Jan of this year and have not been able to find work since, I can't drive at night so can't work shift work, I have many doctor appointments each month and that makes any job hard to get and keep. I am no longer able to be on my feet for long amounts of time and become out of breath and worn out over the smallest tasks. Due to the health issues I often don't feel well and can not see how I can manage to go back to work at all.
Shawn, Social Security disability may be an option for you if you have paid into Social Security through past work. But keep in mind that it can take a long time to get through the process. If you are interested in a free evaluation for SSD please contact us at 866-347-2910.
Hi my name is Breanna, My mom has sever major depression and a few other things that swing her into bio polor and other stuff. She has had about 3 mental break downs. She is trying to get disability. Even walking into a store like walmart she has panic attacks. I was just wondering if there was any way you could help her. Thanks.
I just got turned down for social security disability benefits. I have worked for 3 weeks in the past 2 years. I have had 3 rotator cuff repair surgeries on my left shoulder and I am left handed. I am now looking at the prospect of surgery number 4, as the tendon in my shoulder will not heal because it was torn for 18 years before the first surgery and my tendon has atrophied to the point where it will not heal. I am 53 years old, and really want to work, but every I have tried to do has cost me another surgery. I need help, as I am running low on money and my Insurance will end farely soon too. I have worked for 35 years, and I am unsure where to turn now
Ron, We would need to know more about the denial of your case. If it was an initial denial, this is not unusual You have 60 days from the denial date to appeal the decision. When you enter into a request for reconsideration, or if you were denied a second time, and want to appeal to get a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, it is strongly advised to get an expert, such as a Freedom Disability Advocate, to help you prepare for an appeal. If you truly believe that your medical condition prevents you from working at jobs you once did, or if you feel you can't retrain for different work, and you do have the necessary work credits to be insured for disability benefits, which is that you have worked five years within the last 10 year period from when you became disabled, you could have a good case. One of our Eligiblity Consultant can give you a free evaluation to help you better decide your options. If interested in our help, please call 866-347-2910.
I been suffering from degenerative osteoarthritis and several knee dislocations for years now and I'm only 19 years old. I had two knee surgeries on my left knee because my patella keeps dislocating. First surgery I had two anchors put in to hold my knee in place and that's when I was told I was missing half my cartilage. That was May of 2009. August 2009 my same knee went out again and got fractured, and I had surgery again on September 2009. Since then it goes out constantly and all doctors I have seen won't help me either because I am overweight and they feel I should have weight loss surgery first, because a different doctor performed surgery or my age is a factor. I can't work because of this and I barely go out because walking causing too much pain and my knee goes out. What can I apply for because I need help?