Medical Evidence: The Key to Winning Your NY SSD Claim
When applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits in New York, strong medical evidence isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t make decisions based on your word alone. Instead, your eligibility depends largely on how well your medical records document your condition, its severity, and how it prevents you from working.
At Pashler & Devereaux, we assist clients across New York in gathering and presenting the most compelling medical evidence to maximize their claims’ chances of success. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Medical Evidence Matters
The SSA uses your medical records to answer a few key questions:
- Do you have a medically determinable impairment?
- Is it severe?
- Does it meet or equal one of SSA’s listed impairments?
- If not, does it prevent you from doing past work or adjusting to other work?
Your file must prove—through medical facts—that your condition interferes with your ability to work on a sustained, full-time basis.
Types of Medical Evidence That Help Your SSD Case
✅ Clinical Notes & Treatment Records
These show the day-to-day impact of your condition. SSA gives weight to consistent, long-term records from treating doctors.
✅ Diagnostic Tests
Lab work, MRIs, X-rays, CT scans, and EKGs provide objective proof of your medical impairments.
✅ Specialist Reports
Opinions from neurologists, psychiatrists, orthopedists, and other specialists carry more weight than general medical comments.
✅ Functionality Assessments
RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) assessments—completed by your doctor—can describe your ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, focus, or handle stress.
✅ Mental Health Records
For mental impairments, therapy notes, psychiatric evaluations, and medication history are critical. SSA will look at the consistency of treatment and severity of symptoms.
What Doesn’t Help?
Gaps in Treatment
Long breaks in care can make it look like your condition isn’t serious.
Handwritten or Vague Notes
The SSA looks for detailed records—missing information or records that are hard to read could weaken your claim.
Doctor’s Notes That Don’t Address Work Limitations
A diagnosis alone isn’t enough. The SSA wants to know how your condition limits your ability to work.
How Pashler & Devereaux Strengthens Your Medical Evidence
- We review your records for weaknesses and request missing information.
- We communicate directly with your providers to get clear, supportive statements.
- We prepare detailed RFC forms to show how your condition limits your daily and work-related activities.
- We translate complex medical terms into plain language for SSA reviewers and judges.
Don’t Go It Alone. Let Us Help.
If you’re applying for SSD benefits—or have already been denied—don’t leave your future to chance. At Pashler & Devereaux, we’ve helped thousands of New Yorkers secure benefits by building strong, evidence-backed cases.
Call us today for a free consultation
pashlerdisability.com