If you have had a chance to read many of our previous blogs, then you’ve already seen our disability attorney in Louisville mention medical records on more than one occasion. When you are applying for disability, having accurate medical records is key for approval.
Why are your medical records so important?
Although you are likely to be subjected to an independent consultative examination to evaluate your symptoms and your diagnosis, medical records are still necessary. Medical records not only help to illustrate the severity of your illness or injury, they also show that you are attempting to treat it. Medical records, especially if they come from a specialist, are given a great deal of weight in determining if you qualify for disability benefits or not.
What kinds of medical records help the most?
Objective tests tend to be the most valuable, and they can include MRIs, X-rays, pulmonary function tests, etc. Objective tests are so valuable because they have nothing to do with anyone’s opinion; they are clear, concise evidence of your disability. Unfortunately, not all disabilities can be diagnosed with objective tests. Health issues, like fibromyalgia, migraines and mental disorders fall into this category, and, therefore, they require extensive treatment notes. Notes should come from a specialist if possible, and they need to show that you are getting consistent treatment and following your doctor’s orders.
Accurate medical records are a must when you are applying for disability. Do you have questions or concerns about how your medical records play a part in your claim? If so, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
