Blog Post

The Importance of Medical Evidence In a Social Security Claim

Posted by: Kristina Vasold
September 18, 2008
Topic: Social Security Disability

Social Security makes its decision based on medical evidence such as medical testing, lab findings and treatment records so it is very important for someone who has a pending Social Security Disability benefits case to seek and keep receiving medical treatment. Many people seeking Social Security benefits do not have health insurance or do not think that any treatment can help them, so they stop seeking treatment, but it is still important for them to receive periodic medical treatment so that Social Security has evidence to base its decision on. When you don't seek ongoing medical treatment, it raises the question of how severe your disabling condition really is if you aren't being seen for treatment. This is especially important in cases alleging some type of mental disability. In these cases there has got to be a fairly long term treatment history showing that the condition is severe and disabling despite ongoing compliance with treatment. Social Security cannot take your word or for that matter your doctor's word that you are disabled without objective medical evidence to base its decision on. Someone who does not have insurance should apply for any medical programs through their counties' Social Services Department or find a clinic that offers sliding scale fees.