why does my lawyer need my medical evidence for ss

by Westley Weimann 5 min read

Timely, accurate, and sufficient medical evidence from your treating doctors can eliminate the need for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to obtain additional medical evidence, which means you can get a faster determination on your disability claim.

How important is a medical source statement?

The Medical Source Statement is a very important part of a Social Security Disability claim. The SSA gives the majority of weight to the opinion of your treating physician when deciding whether or not to approve your Social Security Disability benefits.

What does medical evidence mean?

Objective medical evidence means signs, laboratory findings, or both, from a medical source. Objective medical evidence does not include symptoms, diagnoses, or medical opinions.

Does Social Security Disability investigation?

Unlike private insurance companies the SSA does not generally conduct surveillance investigations, but that doesn't mean that they can't or never will. Once you file a disability claim, the SSA looks for proof of your disability.

How far back does Social Security disability go back?

twelve monthsSSDI disability benefits can accrue either from the initial date of application, or as far back as twelve months prior to the date of application, less a five-month waiting period.

What medical conditions qualify for Social Security disability?

Conditions that qualify for SSDI and SSI include:Cardiovascular System. Conditions of the heart, such as High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure and Blood Clots.Digestive System. ... Endocrine System. ... Genitourinary Impairments. ... Hematological Disorders. ... Immune System Disorders. ... Malignant Neoplastic Diseases. ... Mental Disorders.More items...•

What is the monthly amount for Social Security disability?

SSDI payments range on average between $800 and $1,800 per month. The maximum benefit you could receive in 2020 is $3,011 per month. The SSA has an online benefits calculator that you can use to obtain an estimate of your monthly benefits.

Does disability contact your doctor?

Morton III, M.D. If you believe you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you need your doctor to support your claim for disability. You'll need your doctor to send your medical records to Social Security as well as a statement about any limitations you have that prevent you from doing work tasks.

Who makes the final decision on Social Security disability?

While the DDS office reviews applications and makes recommendations to the SSA, it is the SSA which makes the final decision to accept or reject claims for disability benefits.

What can cause you to lose your Social Security disability benefits?

What Can Cause SSDI Benefits to Stop?Returning to Work While on SSDI. ... Reaching Retirement Age While on SSDI. ... Being Incarcerated or Institutionalized While on SSDI. ... When Social Security Dependents Benefits May Stop. ... Going Above the Income or Asset Limits. ... Returning to Work. ... Turning the Age of 18. ... Changes in Living Situation.

How is disability back pay calculated?

The calculation is rather simple. The SSA takes the months between your application date and your approval date and multiples it by your monthly payment. If you receive the maximum payment of $735, and it took the SSA eight months to approve your claim, you would be entitled to $5,880 in back pay.

Is SSDI back pay one lump sum?

SSDI backpay is always paid as a single lump sum. How much backpay you'll receive depends on your disability onset date, your application date, and the date you were approved for benefits. In addition to your backpay, you'll also be entitled to monthly SSDI payments.

What happens after a fully favorable disability decision?

If you receive a fully favorable decision, the SSA approved your application with the onset date of disability that you originally noted. You will then start receiving disability benefits as soon as your elimination period or waiting period has ended.