For Ohioans who are seeking Social Security disability benefits, the Social Security Administration has certain evidentiary rules in order for the claim to be approved. This has to do with many aspects including medical requirements. A prior post discussed acceptable medical sources. This post will look at the medical reports submitted to the SSA that help support the claims the applicant is making regarding his or her impairments.
Physicians, psychologists and other medical professionals will be asked to provide a medical history of the claimant; clinical findings that arise from, for example, a mental examination or physical examination; laboratory findings such as x-rays or other tests; a diagnosis regarding the illness or condition; and a prescription for the treatment with the expected response and future prognosis.
In addition, the medical professional will issue a statement as to how the claimant can function with the impairment or impairments based on the findings. If a claimant is age 18 or older, the statement is expected to have a description as to what the claimant can do with work-related activities and will include the ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, carry, handle objects, hear, speak and travel. If it is an adult with mental impairments or limitations in mental functioning, the statement should detail the claimant's understanding, remembering of instructions and response to supervisors, coworkers and pressures at work.
When there is a child under 18 who is seeking benefits, the statement should have a description of the child's limitations in comparison to children of the same age that does not suffer from these issues when given and utilizing information, completing tasks, interacting with others, moving objects, taking care of him or herself and their personal well-being.
These issues might seem secondary to other factors when seeking Social Security disability, but they are keys to being approved. Seeking assistance during the application process for SSD benefits can be very helpful. This will ensure all the rules are followed and all the necessary information is provided to receive disability. Additionally, this will better protect the applicant's rights and interests in the matter.
Source: ssa.gov, "Disability Evaluation Under Social Security -- Part II Evidentiary Requirements -- Medical Reports," accessed on July 11, 2016
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