What medical evidence does the Social Security Administration consider in making a North Carolina disability determination?

The guidance of an experienced North Carolina Social Security disability lawyer can be invaluable. Call Bridgman Law at 704-815-6055 today!

Medical evidence is at the heart of the disability determination in every North Carolina Social Security disability case.

Medical evidence generally comes from sources that have treated or evaluated you. The Social Security regulations place special emphasis on evidence from treating sources because they are likely to be the medical professionals most able to provide a detailed, long-term view of your impairment. Medical evidence obtained from treating sources provides a different and more complete picture of your impairment than does medical evidence obtained from hospitals or clinics where you may have had just one examination or only a brief stay.

As a preliminary matter, medical proof of the existence of your impairment must come from “”acceptable medical sources,” as defined in the Social Security regulations. Acceptable medical sources include licensed physicians (medical or osteopathic doctors), licensed or certified psychologists, licensed optometrists, and qualified speech-language pathologists.

Once the fact of your impairment is established by an “acceptable” source, the Social Security Administration will consider all other medical evidence in evaluating the severity of your impairment and making its determination as to whether you are entitled to North Carolina Social Security disability benefits. “Other” medical evidence may come from practitioners such as naturopaths, chiropractors, and audiologists. This type of evidence will help to demonstrate the extent to which your impairment affects your ability to function in a work setting.

If you would like to speak with an experienced North Carolina disability attorney about the medical evidence in your case, please contact us.