What Is the Role of Medical Experts in Social Security Disability Cases?

 Posted on December 15, 2022 in Social Security disability

If you have a physical or mental condition that qualifies as a disability, you may apply for Social Security disability benefits. When doing so, you will need to demonstrate that your condition is severe enough that it prevents you from maintaining gainful employment and earning enough income to meet your ongoing needs. During the Social Security disability application process, it is important to understand the role that medical experts may play in your case. Medical evidence is an essential part of proving that you meet the criteria for receiving disability benefits. Medical experts can ensure that this evidence is evaluated correctly to determine whether you meet the requirements to be considered disabled.

What Is a Medical Expert? 

A medical expert is a doctor or other healthcare provider who has the necessary experience in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the specific disabilities involved in a particular case. The purpose of having a medical expert review your records is to give an opinion about whether or not your condition meets the criteria for disability. In some cases, this may be done through a physical examination. However, in most cases, the testimony of a medical expert will be based on a review of your existing medical records. 

When Are Medical Experts Used? 

The most important piece of evidence in a Social Security disability case is medical evidence from your doctor or another healthcare provider. This documentation should include records of all relevant tests, procedures, and treatments, as well as an opinion from your doctor about how your condition affects your ability to work. In some cases, however, this evidence may not be enough to prove that you meet the criteria for receiving benefits. That is where a medical expert comes in. 

A medical expert is a physician, mental health professional, or another type of medical professional who evaluates Social Security disability cases and provides testimony in administrative hearings. A medical expert is qualified to review the medical records associated with a claim and provide an impartial opinion on how your condition impacts your ability to work and perform everyday activities. A medical expert can also help answer questions about complex medical issues that may arise during the claims process. 

An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), your attorney, or an attorney representing Social Security may ask a medical expert questions during an administrative hearing to help determine whether your condition has caused you to be disabled. The expert may offer opinions on issues such as:

• Whether you have any physical limitations that affect your ability to perform work-related tasks, including issues related to sitting, standing, walking, lifting, reaching, or carrying.

• Whether there are any mental or emotional issues that affect your ability to complete tasks while working, such as understanding information, maintaining a consistent pace of work, following instructions, or interacting with other people.

• Whether you have any impairments to vision, hearing, or other senses that may impact your ability to perform work.

• Whether you can adapt to conditions in the workplace, such as temperature changes or environmental factors.

Contact Our Milwaukee Social Security Disability Appeals Lawyer

It is essential to understand how medical evidence and the testimony of medical experts may affect your ability to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. With proper research and preparation, you can ensure that you provide the right information during the application process or when appealing the denial of a claim. At Pearson Disability Law, LLC, our Waukesha County Social Security disability application attorney can help you navigate the claims process and build a strong case to show that you are eligible for disability benefits. Contact us today at 414-240-4801 to set up a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.

Sources:

https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/public_experts/Medical_Experts_(ME)_Handbook-508.pdf

https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/answers-pub042.htm