Ohio residents who have an illness or condition that limits or prevents their ability to work might consider seeking Social Security disability benefits. Although many people meet the medical requirements to receive SSD benefits, it is possible to receive a denial from the Social Security Administration for a multitude of reasons. This includes not providing medical sources that the SSA deems as acceptable.
It is the responsibility of the person filing for benefits to provide medical evidence that proves the impairment is of sufficient severity to be approved. The SSA determines what medical sources are acceptable. All evidence - medical and non-medical - will be taken into consideration when its severity is assessed. Medical evidence must be provided by a licensed physician whether it is a medical or osteopathic doctor. Licensed or certified psychologists are acceptable. This can be a school psychologist or a professional who provides the same services as a school psychologist to establish a person is intellectually disabled, has a learning disability, or has borderline intellectual functionality.
With visual disorders, a licensed optometrist can provide evidence. If there is a problem with the feet, a licensed podiatrist is acceptable. This evidence will determine the severity of impairments involving the foot or foot and ankle. In the event that the claimant has a speech or language impairment, a qualified speech-language pathologist can provide the evidence. The word "qualified" signifies that the pathologist is licensed in the state or is certified by the state educational agency. In lieu of that, the professional must have a certificate verifying his or her qualifications from the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
For people who believe that they are suffering from medical issues that make them eligible for SSD benefits, it is imperative to show that they meet the medical requirements based on federal regulations. Even those who have clear disabilities, illnesses or conditions can be denied SSD benefits if they do not have the proper evidence from what the SSA sees as a reputable source. To avoid this when pursuing benefits, it is beneficial to have help from an experienced attorney.
Source: SSA.gov, "Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, Part II - Evidentiary Requirements, Acceptable Medical Sources," accessed on Aug. 31, 2015
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