What Medical Records Do I Need to Apply for SSDI Benefits?
Were you recently injured or diagnosed with a debilitating condition such that you are planning to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits? If so, you will need to submit medical evidence with your application, which typically includes medical records. What medical records will you need in order to complete your SSDI benefits application? Our national disability benefits lawyers are here to help.
Submitting Medical Evidence
Whether you are applying for SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, you will need medical evidence that proves your disability prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (or “SGA”), and that your disabling condition is expected to last for at least 12 months or to result in death. As the Social Security Administration (SSA) clarifies, “each person who files a disability claim is responsible for providing medical evidence showing he or she has an impairment(s) and the severity of the impairment(s).
The SSA requires your medical records provide “objective medical evidence” that you have an “impairment,” and that the evidence comes from an “acceptable medical source.” You do not need to submit all medical records from all time, but rather the medical evidence that proves you meet the definition of a disability required to obtain benefits.
How to Obtain Your Medical Records
If you have never had to make a request for your medical records before or obtain information contained in your medical records, it can be difficult to know precisely what steps you must take. As the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) clarifies, “only you or your personal representative has the right to access your records.” You can have records sent from one health care provider to another or to your health insurance plan, but only as is needed for treatment or payment, or otherwise with your permission.
You should contact your provider to request your medical records. The HHS clarifies that you cannot be denied if you cannot pay for the medical services you received from that provider, but you can be charged “for the reasonable costs for copying and mailing the records.” You cannot, however, be charged for the cost associated with searching for or retrieving your medical records.
The SSA also explains that it may be able to help you obtain the medical evidence from your medical sources. Your SSD benefits lawyer can help you with this process.
Contact a National Disability Benefits Lawyer Today
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a complex process, and it is often difficult to understand precisely what type of materials you must submit in order for your claim to be approved. Given that medical evidence is a crucial component of every SSDI application, it is critical to ensure that all of your information is correct and complete. If you have any questions, or if you are ready to get started on your SSDI application, you should get in touch with one of the experienced national SSDI benefits attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz for assistance. We help clients across the country with Social Security Disability benefits applications, appeals, and more. Contact us today for assistance with your case.
Sources:
ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/evidentiary.htm
hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/medical-records/index.html
