If you have a disability that you believe entitles you to SSDI, the SSA must evaluate your condition to make a determination. You have to provide evidence to the SSA that you have an impairment. According to the SSA, you must offer objective medical evidence from an acceptable medical source.
If the SSA determines that your medical sources do not adequately assess your condition, the SSA may contact the medical source for further information or arrange a consultative examination.
Severity of disability
When the SSA can establish that you have an impairment, it has to determine how severe it is. The severity of your disability depends on how well you can function in daily life. For example, if you can perform a job in any work setting. For children, the SSA determines how the child functions compared to his or her peers without impairments. For the severity of your disability, the SSA will analyze nonmedical sources. Your nonmedical sources can be educational personnel, social welfare agencies, family members, employers, clergy, and others who can speak to your disability.
Symptoms of condition
Not only does the SSA look at your condition, but it also looks at how your symptoms affect daily life. Some conditions present with various symptoms and severity of symptoms. For instance, if your condition presents shortness of breath or fatigue, the SSA will consider how to impact daily activities. Likewise, the SSA considers the effects of your medication, the effectiveness of your drugs and other factors that cause limitations.
If you require a consultation, the SSA may pay the associated fees.
