What defines Acceptable Medical Sources (AMS) for claims submitted before March 27, 2017?

Acceptable Medical Sources (AMS) are critical in establishing the validity of medical evidence for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims. For claims submitted before March 27, 2017, AMS must include professionals who are appropriately licensed to provide medical opinions. This encompasses a range of qualified medical practitioners, such as physicians, psychologists, and optometrists, who have the credentials necessary to assess a patient's health and functioning.

These professionals are recognized for their expertise and their ability to provide reliable medical information, which the Social Security Administration (SSA) relies on to determine an individual's eligibility for disability benefits. The credibility of the evidence presented in a claim often hinges on its source, which is why only appropriate licensed medical professionals are categorized as AMS.

This focus on credentialed individuals ensures that the opinions and medical documentation submitted are rooted in a recognized medical framework and help in accurately evaluating the impact of the claimant's medical condition on their ability to work. This differentiation is important because using unqualified individuals or opinions does not typically meet the SSA's stringent evidence requirements needed to support a disability claim.