Published on: January 14, 2016
If you are seeking Disability and Supplemental Security Income, then you realize how complex the processing of your case can be. That’s why Disability Experts of Florida is here.
We aim to help speed up and smooth the filing of your case so that you can get the benefits you need as quickly and as stress-free as possible.If you’re at the point where you’re filing for SSI or SSD, then you already know you do not need any additional stress.
Understanding the Social Security Administration’s medical evidence requirements can be tough; as SSI and SSD advocates, we keep abreast of all developments and have an intimate working knowledge of the SSA. It’s to your advantage to seek representation when filing for your benefits.
Medical evidence is the cornerstone of determining your disability. There’s nothing more important in the filing process. Therefore, a full understanding of what comprises the necessary medical evidence is of the utmost importance. The Disability Experts of Florida will help you understand precisely what the SSA requires.
Acceptable Medical Sources For Applying For Disability
According to the SSA, “Documentation of the existence of a claimant's impairment must come from medical professionals defined by SSA regulations as 'acceptable medical sources.' Once the existence of an impairment is established, all the medical and non-medical evidence is considered in assessing impairment severity. “
Acceptable medical sources are:
- Licensed physicians (medical or osteopathic doctors)
- Licensed or certified psychologists including school psychologists (and other licensed or certified individuals with other titles who perform the same function as school psychologists in a school setting) only for purposes of establishing mental and learning disabilities, and borderline intellectual functioning
- Licensed optometrists only for purposes of establishing visual disorders (except in the U.S. Virgin Islands where licensed optometrists are acceptable medical sources only for the measurement of visual acuity and visual fields)
- Licensed podiatrists only for purposes of establishing impairments of the foot, or foot and the ankle, depending on whether the State in which the podiatrist practices permits the practice of podiatry on the foot only, or the foot and the ankle
- Qualified speech/language pathologists only for purposes of establishing speech or language impairments. For this source, “qualified” means that the speech-language pathologist must be
- Licensed by the State education agency in the State in which he or she practices, or hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Additional Information About Medical Sources
At Disability Experts of Florida, we understand that timely, accurate and adequate medical reports from treating sources accelerate the processing of claims, because they can greatly reduce or eliminate the need for additional medical evidence to complete the claim. You can rest assured we will guide you in the proper direction.
We know that the SSA will request information from hospitals, clinics, or other health facilities where you have been treated. All medical reports received are considered during the disability determination process. We will help you consolidate your medical history so it will be quickly processed.
Please check back to this blog often for further information regarding the SSA’s medical evidence requirements for SSI and SSD, and call our offices to schedule an appointment for a free consultation and case review. Your Social Security Disability claim depends on authoritative representation. Don’t risk your future! Call now!
