What is typically reviewed to determine the severity of a disabling condition?

The severity of a disabling condition is primarily assessed through medical records and test results. This documentation provides concrete evidence of the individual's physical and mental health status, including diagnoses, treatment histories, and any objective test findings, such as blood test results or imaging studies. These records are critical in establishing the existence and extent of the condition and how it impacts the individual’s ability to function in daily life and the workplace.

Medical records encompass detailed notes from healthcare providers, treatment plans, and prescribed medications, all of which can demonstrate the severity of the medical issues in question. Test results offer quantifiable data that can help in assessing the condition's impact more precisely, allowing for a clearer determination of the impairment level and its effect on the individual's capacity to hold gainful employment.

Other options, such as employment history, personal lifestyle choices, and social interactions, may provide context or additional background, but they do not serve as primary factors in evaluating the severity of a disabling condition. These elements can indicate how a condition affects an individual’s life but are secondary in establishing the medical basis required for disability determinations.