When most people think about applying for Social Security disability benefits, they assume that medical records are all they need. While your medical evidence is the foundation of your claim, it often does not tell the full story.
At Kerr Robichaux & Carroll, our disability lawyers help clients present a complete picture of how their medical condition affects their ability to work to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Our attorneys Kevin Kerr and Sara Carroll break it down in this video:
In many cases, the strongest disability claims include evidence that goes beyond doctor’s appointments and test results. Here’s what you need to know about the evidence needed in the disability claims process.
Start with Your Medical Evidence
First, every disability claim should include the medical documentation that supports your diagnosis and treatment, including:
- Medical records
- Physician notes
- Counseling or therapy records
- MRI, X-ray, CT scan, or other imaging results
- Hospital records
- Treatment history
These records are the backbone of your disability claim and help establish your medical condition, the severity of your symptoms, and the care you’ve received.
A Doctor’s Opinion Can Be Powerful
One of the most valuable pieces of evidence is a letter or medical opinion from your treating physician that clearly outlines your functional limitations. The most effective medical opinions explain how your condition limits your ability to perform work-related activities, such as:
- Standing or walking for extended periods
- Sitting throughout the workday
- Lifting or carrying objects
- Concentrating or staying on task
- Interacting appropriately with coworkers or the public
- Maintaining a regular work schedule
When available, this type of evidence can significantly strengthen your disability claim.
Your Work History Tells an Important Story
Not every client can obtain a detailed doctor’s opinion. That’s why we also gather evidence that shows what was actually happening at work before you stopped working or while you were struggling to continue working.
Think of it as your “why you can’t work” portfolio.
Helpful workplace evidence may include:
- Attendance records. Frequent or excessive absences can show that your medical condition prevented you from maintaining regular employment.
- Disciplinary records. If your medical condition affected your behavior, concentration, or ability to interact with others, disciplinary write-ups may actually support your claim. For example, records documenting conflicts with coworkers, inappropriate interactions with customers, or performance issues may help explain how your condition impacted your ability to perform your job. These may not be moments you’re proud of, but they can provide crucial context for an Administrative Law Judge reviewing your case.
- FMLA documentation. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) records can show that you needed extended leave because of your health or that a family member had to take time off to care for you. This type of documentation can reinforce the seriousness of your medical limitations.
- Employer statements. A statement from a supervisor or employer describing the challenges you experienced at work can also be persuasive. These statements may explain declining performance, increasing absences, reduced productivity, or accommodations that were no longer enough to keep you working.
Every Piece of Evidence Helps Tell Your Story
Social Security disability hearings are relatively informal compared to other court proceedings. That means you can often submit evidence that helps establish your credibility and demonstrates why you are no longer able to maintain full-time employment.
The goal is to show how that condition affects your daily functioning and prevents you from performing sustained work. Sometimes the documents that seem insignificant to you, such as attendance logs, leave paperwork, or employer records, can become valuable evidence when viewed alongside your medical records.
Let Us Help Build the Strongest Case Possible
At Kerr Robichaux & Carroll, we work with our clients to gather the evidence that best supports their disability claims. From medical records to other non-medical-related requirements, we help build a complete picture of how your condition has affected your ability to work. If you’re applying for Social Security disability benefits, appealing a denied claim, or have any questions about the Social Security disability process, our team can help.
Contact us today by submitting an online form or calling our office at (503) 255-9092 for a free case evaluation.