Getting injured, whether it’s in a car accident or in a work accident, can be frustrating. Not only do you have to deal with the physical recovery, but many victims of accidents also struggle financially. Being unable to work can put you in a difficult situation.
People who have become injured and can no longer work may be eligible to collect social security disability benefits. But are there certain requirements before a person can obtain those benefits?
Disability benefits are not awarded unless the injury is verified by an acceptable medical source, such as a doctor who treated the injury victim. In addition, the individual claiming benefits has to show through documentation that they were in fact injured. If this type of verification isn’t provided, the claimant can be denied benefits.
Verification has to come from a medical source appropriate to the injury. For example, an optometrist would be considered an acceptable medical source for a claim that involves impaired vision. But if the claimant suffered a broken bone, an optometrist could not be an acceptable medical source.
Medical documentation and reports submitted to the Social Security Administration should include medical history, lab results, clinical findings, diagnosis, prescribed treatments, and a description of the claimant’s physical limitations.
The Social Security Administration is not required to rely solely on information obtained from a claimant, and has the right to request their own medical evidence from medical facilities and professionals that have treated the claimant.
The process can be complicated and making sure that you submit all the correct forms can be quite a task. Speaking with someone who understands the process can help you get the benefits you need if you have been injured in an accident.
For more information, visit the Social Security Administration website here.