Medical evidence for disability claims
What SSA needs, how to get your records, and what to do if you have no regular doctor.
Why medical evidence matters
Social Security uses medical evidence — not your own description of your symptoms — to decide if you are disabled. Most initial denials happen because SSA did not have enough evidence to approve the claim, not because the person was not truly disabled.
What SSA looks for
- Medical records from any doctor, hospital, clinic, or therapist who has treated you
- Lab results, X-rays, MRI or CT scan reports
- Records showing your diagnosis, treatment history, and your doctor's assessment of your functional limitations (what you can and cannot do)
- For mental health: records from psychiatrists, psychologists, or counselors
How to get your records
You can request records directly from each provider, or authorize SSA to collect them on your behalf (SSA sends form SSA-827). Authorizing SSA is easier but slower — providers have up to 30 days to respond. Collecting records yourself is faster and lets you review what SSA will see.
What if I don't have a regular doctor?
SSA can arrange a free Consultative Examination (CE) with a doctor they pay for. The CE gives SSA some evidence but is usually brief and may not reflect the full extent of your condition. Try to establish care with at least a free clinic or community health center before applying if possible — even a few visits create a paper trail.
Get a statement from your treating doctor describing what you can and cannot do — how long you can sit, stand, walk, lift, concentrate. This "medical source statement" or RFC (Residual Functional Capacity form) is often the deciding factor in an appeal.
Guide to appealing a denial