If you're considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits, you may be wondering what medical details are required in order to meet the disability definition. After all, meeting the definition of disability is a crucial part of qualifying for benefits.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least one year or result in death. In other words, to be considered disabled by the SSA, you must have a condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last for at least a year or result in death.

But what medical details are required to meet this definition of disability? Let's take a closer look.

Medical Evidence of Impairment

One of the key requirements for meeting the SSA's definition of disability is that you must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. But what does this mean, and what medical details are required to prove that you have an impairment?

A medically determinable impairment is a physical or mental condition that can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider. This could be a condition like cancer, diabetes, or depression. In order to qualify for disability benefits, the SSA requires that you have medical evidence of your impairment.

This medical evidence can come in many forms, depending on the nature of your impairment. For example, if you have a physical impairment, your medical evidence might include x-rays, MRI results, or other test results that show the presence of your impairment. If you have a mental impairment, your medical evidence might include psychological evaluations, therapy notes, or other documents that show the presence and severity of your condition.

In general, the more medical evidence you have of your impairment, the better. The SSA will use this evidence to determine the severity of your impairment and whether it meets the definition of disability.

Duration of Impairment

Another key requirement for meeting the SSA's definition of disability is that your impairment must have lasted, or be expected to last, for at least one year or result in death. In other words, your condition must be chronic and not likely to improve in order for you to qualify for disability benefits.

To prove that your impairment meets this requirement, you will need medical evidence showing the duration of your condition. This might include records of previous treatments or medications, doctors' notes and evaluations, and other documentation that shows the history of your impairment.

It's important to note that the SSA will also consider whether your impairment is expected to improve. If your healthcare provider has indicated that your condition is likely to improve or go into remission, you may not meet the SSA's definition of disability.

Impairment and SGA

In addition to having a medically determinable impairment and meeting the duration requirement, you must also be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) in order to meet the SSA's definition of disability. But what does this mean, and what medical details are required to show that you cannot engage in SGA?

As we discussed earlier, substantial gainful activity is work that is both substantial and gainful. In general, work is considered substantial if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities. Examples of substantial work include operating a cash register, performing carpentry, or teaching.

Work is considered gainful if it is done for pay or profit. In other words, if you're earning a salary or wages from your work, it's likely to be considered gainful.

To show that you cannot engage in SGA, you will need medical evidence that demonstrates the limitations caused by your impairment.

In conclusion, if you're considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits, it's important to understand what medical details are required to meet the disability definition. The SSA defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least one year or result in death.