When you apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you may know that a medical report should accompany your claim.
However, complete records will lead to a faster decision from the Social Security Administration (SSA), and you need to submit your records along with the appropriate RFC form.
Complete information
Your medical records are essential additions to your claim for SSD benefits. The SSA wants to review evidence from an “acceptable medical source” that provides proof of your disability and the severity of the impairment that prevents you from being able to work. To support your claim, you can provide the results of blood tests, x-rays, MRIs and similar scans, and printed prescription records that your pharmacist can provide. Work with your doctor, physical therapist and other healthcare professionals to gather additional records for submission.
The RFC for a physical impairment
Your doctor or naturopath must sign the Physical Residual Functional Capacity or RFC form. Your complete medical records along with treatment notes and a doctor’s letter containing your diagnosis, onset date and how the impairment limits your ability to work should accompany the RFC form.
The RFC for a mental impairment
Your psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist or counselor can sign the RFC for mental impairment. Documents to accompany this RFC should include files from your rehabilitation program, notes from a caseworker or social worker to indicate how well you function, psychiatric evaluations and IQ test results.
Collect information yourself
Keep in mind that with your permission, the SSA can collect your medical records. However, this takes much longer than if you gather and submit the records yourself. Moreover, pulling your own information together will ensure that nothing is omitted when filing your claim for SSD benefits.
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