Proving you have a disability is an important part of a disability claim for Social Security Disability payments. In order to qualify for your benefits, you need to show, without a shadow of a doubt, that you’ve suffered a debilitating injury.
It’s important to know that most Social Security benefit claims are rejected by the Social Security Administration the first time they’re filed. Why is that? The criteria for a claim to be accepted is very clear and defined, so if it’s not met, then the SSA won’t waste its time tracking down additional information.
To prove that you’re disabled to the SSA, you need to show that you can no longer do the work that you did before you suffered your disability. On top of that, you need to show that you can’t find another job or kind of work to perform. If your disability is expected to last at least a year or will eventually result in death, then you have all three requirements met.
You’ll need to gather your medical history for the administration. You need to have enough medical evidence to prove that you’re unable to work and that you’re seriously disabled. Medical records dating back to the day of your disability can help prove your point, and any kind of documentation from a specialist or your doctor will help. Assessments, which are performed by doctors, are a good way to show your physical condition as well as your mental condition, but not all doctors are seen equally in terms of credibility with the SSA. Because of this, it’s important to choose a specialist in the field of your disability to provide an opinion on your condition.
Source: FindLaw, “How to Prove Disability,” accessed Aug. 19, 2015