Why Medical Evidence Matters

SSDI decisions are based on whether your medical condition prevents you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. The SSA relies heavily on medical proof to determine whether you meet their definition of disability.

Essential Medical Records You Should Include

Diagnosis Documentation

Provide clear documentation from a qualified healthcare provider stating your diagnosis and its progression. This includes:

• Official diagnostic labels (e.g., chronic heart failure, multiple sclerosis)
• Reports from specialists or primary care doctors confirming your condition

Treatment History and Continuity of Care

Include records that show ongoing treatment, including:

• Dates of visits and types of care you received
• Treatment plans and monitoring
• Notes about how your condition has changed over time

Continuity helps prove that your condition has been consistent and disabling.

Test Results and Imaging

Submit test results that correlate with your condition, such as:

• Lab work (blood tests, metabolic panels)
• Imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
• Diagnostic reports (e.g. neurological testing, pulmonary function tests)

Functional Limitation Descriptions

Your medical records must describe how your impairment affects you, including:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, reach, carry, or perform other physical tasks
• Cognitive limitations such as memory, concentration, or decision‑making
• Emotional or mental health factors that affect daily functioning

Doctor’s Opinion or Medical Source Statement

A letter or functional assessment from your treating physician is especially helpful. It should include:

• Diagnosis and prognosis
• Detailed description of work‑related limitations
• Duration and severity of symptoms
• Restrictions on physical, mental, or environmental demands

What Proof May Be Required for Specific Conditions

SSDI considers different rules for certain categories of conditions:

• Listed Impairments: If your condition appears in the SSA’s Blue Book (e.g. advanced arthritis, certain cancers, severe mental disorders), it must meet specific medical thresholds and testing criteria.
• Non‑listed Conditions: If your condition isn’t listed, you must show that it is functionally equivalent in disabling effect. SSA evaluates whether you can perform any types of work despite your condition’s limitations.

Additional Documentation That Strengthens Your Claim

Consider including:

• Statements from family members, caregivers, or employers describing how your condition limits daily activities
• Medication lists showing dosages and side effects that affect your ability to function
• Hospitalization records or evidence of emergency care related to your condition
• Occupational therapy or functional capacity evaluation (FCE) reports, if available

Tips for Submitting Strong Medical Proof

• Request full medical records from all providers involved in your care
• Ensure records are detailed and reflect frequent, consistent treatment
• Ask your doctor for a specific work limitations statement
• Organize your documentation chronologically
• Include updated records whenever your condition changes or worsens