If you or a loved one is unable to work due to an injury or illness, filing a Social Security Disability claim can be daunting. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our Staten Island Social Security Disability lawyers serve clients throughout the greater NYC area and are well-versed in the complex process of gathering evidence to support SSDI claims. We help you understand how comprehensive documentation that clearly demonstrates the impact of your disability can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome for your claim.
Understanding SSDI Eligibility Requirements
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides financial benefits to people who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. Before you apply for SSDI benefits, it’s important to understand the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) eligibility requirements.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, applicants must have enough work credits based on their work history and age. To build a strong Social Security Disability claim, you must demonstrate that you suffer from a long-term disability that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). It must have lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Your condition must also adhere to the SSA’s definition of a disability. A Social Security Disability attorney can help you understand these requirements and advise you on which types of evidence you’ll need to gather for your claim.
What Evidence Do I Need for My SSDI Claim?
Strong supporting evidence helps build the groundwork for a successful Social Security Disability claim. In addition to medical records, you’ll need non-medical evidence that demonstrates how your disability affects your daily life and ability to earn a living. Hiring an SSDI lawyer can help streamline the process and ensure that all relevant information is included.
Medical Evidence
Medical evidence is the foundation of any SSDI claim, so obtaining all medical records related to your condition is vital. Relevant medical records may include:
- Doctor’s notes that describe your symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plans. It’s especially important to include notes from any specialists you have seen.
- Hospital records that document hospital stays, surgeries, and any other treatments related to your disability.
- Test results, such as imaging studies like CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays, and any other blood work, lab, and diagnostic tests that provide objective evidence of your condition.
Often, the SSA requires additional information from your treating physicians and other health care providers. Your Social Security Disability lawyer can talk to them about writing comprehensive reports that specifically address how your condition impacts your ability to work. Your SSDI attorney can also discuss what kind of information the SSA is looking for. These reports should include:
- Diagnosis and prognosis – A detailed description of your medical condition, how it affects you, and the expected course of the illness.
- Functional limitations – Specifics about how your physical or mental condition limits your daily activities and ability to earn a living. This may include challenges such as problems with walking, standing, lifting, or mental health issues that affect your ability to work.
- Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form – The Social Security Administration RFC form is used to assess your ability to perform other work-related tasks. This helps the SSA determine the maximum level of work you are capable of performing.
How a Social Security Disability Attorney Can Help with Medical Evidence
Your Social Security Disability attorney can request and obtain all relevant medical records from your healthcare providers and ensure that nothing important is left out. If your condition has progressed or changed, they’ll make sure to include the most recent medical information that reflects your current health status, limitations, and course of treatment.
Experienced SSDI attorneys are skilled at interpreting medical terminology and can make sure your doctors’ reports are consistent with other medical records. Contradictions in your records can negatively impact your claim, and healthcare providers don’t always know how to phrase their findings in a way that aligns with SSA standards. Our Social Security Disability lawyers can guide them in providing the necessary details and ensure your medical records consistently reflect the severity of your condition.
Non-Medical Evidence
Non-medical documentation is also important to strengthen your claim. Some common non-medical evidence that can help support your Social Security Disability claim includes:
- Statements from family, friends, and former employers that provide testimony about how your condition has affected your daily life and ability to work.
- Reports that detail your work history and how your disability prevents you from fulfilling the physical and/or mental demands of your previous jobs.
- Daily journals and personal statements that articulate how your disability inhibits your capacity to function and perform activities.
There may be other types of evidence that are unique to your case. Your SSDI lawyer knows how to put the pieces of the puzzle together and use all available information to paint a clear picture of your limitations and how they impact your ability to work.
Why You Need a Social Security Disability Lawyer for Your SSDI Claim in New York
Whether you’re new to the process or have already received an SSDI denial, an attorney can thoroughly review your evidence and help you obtain any missing information that will support your case. They are familiar with what the SSA requires and can identify any gaps or missing evidence.
The SSA may also require you to attend a Consultative Examination (CE) with one of their doctors. Your Social Security Disability attorney can help you understand what to expect and prepare you for the exam. Your lawyer can advise you on how to be honest and thorough in describing your condition while effectively communicating your symptoms and limitations. They can also follow up on the results of the CE and, if necessary, challenge any inaccuracies.
If the SSA requests additional information or clarification during the application process, your lawyer will ensure that these matters are addressed quickly and help you avoid delays. They can also help you dodge common pitfalls that result in technical SSDI denials, such as incomplete forms, missing paperwork, or failure to provide requested information in a timely manner.
If your initial Social Security Disability claim is denied, your SSDI attorney can help you file an appeal and determine where additional evidence is needed to address the SSA’s concerns. They can help you build a stronger case by gathering more supporting evidence and representing you in all SSDI hearings.
Let Our SSDI Lawyers Take the Weight off Your Shoulders
Our Social Security Disability lawyers understand that applying for SSDI benefits can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing, especially when dealing with the challenges of a disability. As native Staten Islanders, we’re dedicated to helping injured workers in the greater New York City area get the benefits they need and deserve. We care about you and your family and we’re proud to share our knowledge and experience to guide you through the process every step of the way. Our team also assists clients with workers’ compensation claims. Multilingual attorney and Partner Rolando Cubela provides quality legal representation to our Spanish-speaking clients.
Contact Our Social Security Disability Lawyers in the Greater NYC Area
At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, we’re committed to helping you obtain the SSDI benefits you need to protect your health and financial security. To schedule a consultation with an SSDI attorney in the greater New York City area, contact us or call 718-273-9000 today.
