Many Georgia residents suffer from injuries or illnesses that interfere with their ability to work. Fortunately, many people receive Social Security Disability benefits by qualifying under the criteria in the Social Security Administration’s “Listing of Impairments” or based on the medical-vocational guidelines.
If you decide to apply for benefits, a claims examiner will review your application and determine whether you are eligible for benefits. In order to review your disability claim, the examiner will require detailed medical evidence to prove your need for benefits. First, you will need to provide detailed medical records that show that you have an impairment and that the impairment is severe enough to affect your ability to work. Your examiner will likely be interested in your daily activities, the symptoms you are experiencing, the medications and treatments you receive, and any other information relating to your condition and ability to function in the workplace.
In addition to medical records you provide, you may also be required to submit to a consultative examination (CE). While the SSA prefers that your own medical source conducts the examination, it can also be performed by an independent medical source if there are inconsistences in your records that cannot be resolved by going back to your source or if your source is unable or unwilling to perform the examination. Once the CE is completed, your examiner will review the CE report which will generally include a detailed description of your medical history, medical complaints, laboratory test results, and diagnoses, as well as a statement regarding your ability to perform the physical and mental demands required of a job despite your impairment.
Proving that you need disability benefits can be a challenge, but you don’t have to go through the process alone. There are many qualified attorneys experienced in handling Social Security Disability claims available for consultation and advice.
