If you are struggling with a health condition that prevents you from working, such as a medically determinable impairment in Kansas City, you may be wondering how to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. One of the first challenges you will face is proving that your condition meets the Social Security Administration (SSA) standards. The SSA requires that you have a medically determinable impairment (MDI) to be considered for benefits. MDIs are the foundation of a claim.
An MDI is not just a diagnosis. It is a condition that is backed by medical evidence, such as lab tests, imaging, or clinical assessments. You cannot simply inform the SSA that you are in pain or not feeling well; you must provide documented proof. An experienced SSDI attorney can help you gather and organize the right evidence to establish that your condition meets this definition. With the right support, you could avoid delays and strengthen your claim from the start.
Not every health issue qualifies as an MDI. According to the SSA, your condition must result from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities and be demonstrated through medically accepted methods such as MRIs, x-rays, blood work, or psychological evaluations.
If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your work history is significant. Generally, a worker must have 40 work credits—with 20 of those earned in the last 10 years—to qualify. You will also need to show that your impairment is so severe that you are unable to perform any substantial gainful activity.
If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program, your financial resources are considered instead. Your work history is not a determining factor, but you must provide the SSA with medical evidence showing you have a qualifying impairment in Kansas City.
In Kansas City, when it comes to proving a medically determinable impairment, medical records are the first step. You should gather any vocational rehabilitation reports, documentation from short- or long-term disability plans, and any FMLA or other medical leave paperwork from your employer. These documents can show the SSA how your condition affects your ability to work over time.
If you are seeing a specialist, ensure their evaluations are thorough and include diagnostic test results. The SSA will not accept a claim based solely on symptoms. There must be a diagnosis backed by clinical support. An attorney can help you identify what documentation you need and how to obtain it from your providers.
One of the key factors the SSA considers is duration. To qualify for benefits in Kansas City, your medically determinable disability must have lasted—or be expected to last—at least 12 continuous months or be expected to cause death. That means short-term or temporary conditions will not meet the criteria, regardless of time off work.
If your symptoms come and go, you must show how the impairment affects you over time. This can be hard to establish, especially if you are not regularly seeing a doctor. Receiving ongoing treatment and maintaining consistent medical records is vital. A lawyer can work with you to gather the right information and communicate your condition clearly to the SSA.
When you are dealing with the stress of a serious medical condition, such as a medically determinable impairment in Kansas City, navigating Social Security rules should not be your responsibility alone. An experienced attorney can represent you throughout the claims process and help you demonstrate your impairment to the SSA.
If you are applying for Social Security disability benefits, establishing a medically determinable impairment is a critical first step. Contact BurnettDriskill to find out how an attorney can help you prepare the strongest possible claim.
(816) 781-4836