To qualify for Social Security disability benefits you need to have evidence that you suffer from a medically determinable impairment. Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to ask for a copy of our free consumer’s guide. Contact a New York City disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim – 1-800-976-4904.
718.979.4300
800.310.5520

What is a Medically Determinable Impairment?

One of the first criteria the Social Security Administration looks at in a Social Security disability benefits claim is whether or not you have evidence that you suffer from a medically determinable impairment. This impairment may be mental or physical but it must be documented properly and evidenced that it prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity.

The criteria for qualifying for Social Security disability benefits is that you suffer from a medically determinable impairment that prevents you from working, it has or is expected to last for more than 12 months, or result in death. No matter if you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Income - providing evidence of your medically determinable impairment is the first step to approval of benefits.

Proving a Medically Determinable Impairment

When filing your Social Security disability benefits claim you will need to provide more than just a list of symptoms to prove you suffer from a medically determinable impairment. The key phrase in this requirement is "medically determinable" - meaning you need to submit medical evidence that your impairment exists and causes serious disability.

The medical evidence is best when it is a combination of types of evidence from various sources.

Some of the most common forms of medical evidence include:

  • lists of signs and symptoms (either from a doctor review or your own records);
  • laboratory tests confirming conditions; and
  • doctor statements detailing analysis of condition.


Just listing that you suffer from back pain is not enough to qualify you for Social Security disability benefits. You need to provide the related medical reports that identify the medically determinable impairment that causes the back pain.

Medically Determinable Impairments and Social Security Disability Benefits

Your application and eligibility for Social Security disability benefits weighs heavily on having medically determinable impairments. Without proof that you suffer from a disabling condition, you have no grounds to apply for Social Security disability benefits. Several medically determinable impairments have been listed by the SSA as being immediate considerations for benefits.

Even if you have been diagnosed with any of the listed medically determinable impairments you will still need to provide the evidence to support the diagnosis. The more laboratory tests, doctor evaluations, treatment information and symptom tracking you can provide the more likely your claim will be approved.

When applying for your Social Security disability benefits you may be denied if you do not have enough supporting evidence to show that you suffer from medically determinable impairments. If you need to appeal a benefits decision, a Staten Island disability lawyer can help you submit the necessary evidence to prove your disability.

Contacting a Staten Island Disability Lawyer

Before you file your Social Security disability claim, be sure to take advantage of this free consumer's guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Social Security Disability Claim. Contact a Staten Island disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for help in building your disability claim - 1-800-976-4904.









Decker Decker Dito & Internicola, LLP the New York Social Security Disability Law Firm.  If you have suffered an injury or illness and unable to work, contact Social Security Disability Lawyer Frank J. Dito, Jr., Esq. at 800. 976. 4904.  Mr. Dito is an experienced trial and disability lawyer who represents disabled and injured individuals and their families in getting the benefits that they deserve. Frank is the author of "A Lawyers Guide to Car Insurance", the publisher of the "New York Injury Law Blog" and he is a frequent speaker regarding the recovery of benefits and the preservation of rights resulting from accidents and work place injuries. If you or a family member has a question about disability benefits contact disability lawyer Frank J. Dito, Jr. to discuss your legal rights and how he can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve.


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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website is provided for general educational purposes only, should not be relied on as legal advice and does not serve to create an attorney client relationship. In utilizing this website you acknowledge that there is no attorney client relationship between you and Frank J. Dito, Esq. and that the information contained on this site does not and cannot serve as a replacement for the competent legal advice of a licensed attorney in your state. The content of this website is subject to the Copyright of its author, Frank J. Dito, Esq. 

 



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