.jpeg)
Our Social Security Disability Attorney Explains Why a Medically Determinable Impairment Is Critical to Your SSDI Claim
Filing a Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) claim can involve several steps and detailed documentation. To be approved, a person must have a medically determinable impairment (MDI). In basic terms, an MDI is a physical or mental condition that can be established by objective medical evidence from acceptable medical sources (AMS). Dealing with this process can be complex, but an experienced Social Security disability lawyer can help. Contact Phillip M. Hendry Law to help you navigate the process and what you need for your SSDI claim in Louisiana, East Texas, or Southwest Arkansas today.
Not every medical condition qualifies for an SSDI claim. It must be a medically determinable impairment, and the applicant must meet specific criteria and provide documentation for the claim to be approved. Working with a skilled attorney can help you through the claim process and reduce the chances of it being denied or guide you through the appeal process after a denial.
What Makes a Medical Condition Qualify for an SSDI Claim
The first qualification is that the condition itself must be a medically determinable impairment. Simply stating that one has a condition or having a diagnosis or medical opinion is not enough. The impairment must be evidenced by documented signs, proven through medically acceptable clinical diagnostic techniques or qualified laboratory findings.
The qualifying MDI must:
- Be proven through acceptable medical sources. Acceptable medical sources include licensed physicians, physician assistants, or specialists certified within their field of practice, as well as some advanced-level nursing roles, such as Licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (LAPRN). The medical professional must be qualified to treat patients for the impairment for which they are attempting to file the SSDI claim.
- Be listed among SSA Blue Book conditions, or otherwise proven as an MDI or equal listing. Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, also known as the SSA Blue Book, lists acceptable medical conditions that can be submitted for SSDI claims. In some instances, conditions not listed in the Blue Book are still considered MDIs eligible for SSDI or can be shown as an equal listing.
- Be a severe impairment. Qualifying for SSDI requires having an MDI severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity (SGA).
- Be a long-term or serious condition. The MDI must also have lasted or be expected to last for 12 months or longer or result in death.
Though the Social Security Administration (SSA) will not accept a medical condition for SSDI if it is not a medically determinable impairment, they will accept other forms of evidence in addition to objective evidence from acceptable medical sources.
Types of Evidence to Help Qualify Your MDI for an SSDI Claim
Medical evidence from AMS is key to establishing an MDI. Knowing what types of evidence, medical records, and documentation you may need can help you through the process, but a qualified Social Security disability law firm can help navigate the often-confusing process and outline what is needed for your specific situation.
The state Disability Determination Services (DDS) agency reviews evidence in multiple categories. Examples of the types of evidence and information you may need for your SSDI claim include:
- Objective medical evidence, such as qualified diagnostic testing or laboratory findings from AMS
- Medical opinions to support the objective medical evidence
- Documents or detailed notes outlining physical or mental limitations that result from the impairment
- Related medical evidence, such as a diagnosis and prognosis
- Documents regarding prescribed treatments and the patient’s response
- Medical history and complete medical records
- Award letters. settlement statements, or worker’s compensation records related to the impairment
You will also need general information documenting things like your date of and place of birth, spouse, and social security number.
How Phillip M. Hendry Law Can With Your SSDI Claim
Those who work with a skilled SSDI attorney are more likely to get approval for their claim, and working with the team at Phillip M. Hendry Law means you’ll get assistance in every step of the process. For example, we can:
- Explain the process and requirements
- Help gather the necessary medical evidence
- Assist in completing the SSDI application
- Work with you after an initial denial to help correct common mistakes
- Navigate the process from start to finish to obtain the benefits you deserve
Don’t let the process overwhelm you. Phillip M. Hendry Law is highly experienced in working with clients on SSDI claims and can help make the process smoother and easier.