Medical records are the documentation that describe the medical condition(s) for which you are applying for disability benefits. Medical records can include:
- Medical diagnoses
- Lab test results
- Doctor’s statements
- Medication schedules
- Other documents from a physician, healthcare provider, or facility where you received treatment
Your medical records form the crux of a successful Social Security or VA disability claim. Without strong medical evidence, you will find it difficult to receive a grant of benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) or Veterans Affair will be unable to corroborate the statements made on your application.
A Social Security disability lawyer or Veterans Affairs (VA) disability lawyer can help you gather the medical evidence you need. Our legal team can also put together a compelling claim for benefits on your behalf. Call 865-566-0800 for a free case evaluation with the Disability Advantage Group.
The Medical Records You Need for a Successful Social Security Disability Claim
The SSA and VA require you to prove your disability before you can receive an approval for benefits. We can submit thorough, compelling medical evidence on your behalf. If you leave any doubt as to whether you are totally disabled, the SSA or VA is not likely to approve your claim. Medical records might include the following information.
Diagnoses and Medical Opinions
Arguably the most important part of your medical records consists of your diagnosis and the medical opinion of your doctor. The SSA recognizes medical opinions from the following types of physicians:
- Medical doctors (MDs)
- Doctors of osteopathy (DOs)
- Psychologists
- Optometrists
The SSA does not currently recognize the medical opinion of a chiropractor. This is important if you are applying for benefits based on a back injury. If you are receiving care primarily from a chiropractor, contact us. You will need to get a medical opinion from an orthopedist or another MD or DO to have a good chance of getting approved, and we can help.
Lab Test Results
Lab test results are important evidence because they offer quantifiable values. For instance, hypertension is a serious condition, but there is a big difference between a blood pressure reading of 140/90 and 180/120. No matter what medical condition you have, your lab test results offer a window into how severe and disabling it is.
Other Considerations
In our observation as disability lawyers, the SSA gives more weight to medical evidence when it comes from your long-term doctor. There is a risk to submitting records from a doctor you have just started seeing. The SSA may suspect that you shopped around to find a physician receptive to the idea that you have a disability.
If you are unsure of the medical records you need to bolster your application, contact us. It is worth your time to sit down with a Social Security or VA disability lawyer.
Call 865-566-0800 for a Free Disability Case Evaluation
The disability attorneys at the Disability Advantage Group, are eager to help you receive the benefits you deserve. We offer a free case evaluation. To speak with a member of our team today, call us at 865-566-0800.