Medically Determinable Impairment

Your disability caseworker will review your medical records and decide whether or not you have a severe medical condition that creates a limitation on your ability to work and function normally.  Further, your reported symptoms and physical limitations must be supported by the medical records to the extent that the records indicate the presence of a true illness, injury or other impairing physical condition.  Your illness, injury or other impairing condition must have been diagnosed by a doctor or other acceptable medical source.  If all of these conditions are met, then your condition is then considered to be a "medically determinable impairment."

It is not enough to just have symptoms, sensations, weakness or pain.  Those descriptions alone are not enough to constitute a medically determinable impairment.  It is required that the reported symptoms, weakness, pain or other sensations are supported by objective medical testing and other physical findings.  If your reported symptoms are in line with the diagnosis and findings of your treating doctor, then the Social Security Administration will have good reason to agree that you at least suffer from an impairment.

The disability caseworker assigned to your claim will get records and evidence from "acceptable medical sources".  For the most part, your own medical records will constitute the bulk of the evidence.  That includes treatment notes from your doctor, medical records from emergency room visits and other emergency care facilities, records from other medical providers such as physical therapists and similar care providers.

"Acceptable medical sources" include licensed medical doctors, osteopathic doctors, psychologists, eye doctors, foot doctors, speech pathologists, mental health providers and other similar practicioners.  Information and records from other reputable sources can be used to support your claim for disability as well.  Other sources may include state or local agencies, nurse practicioners, physician assistants, chiropractors and more.