What type of evidence is crucial when filing a disability claim?

When filing a disability claim, objective medical evidence is crucial because it provides concrete, verifiable proof of a claimant's medical condition and its impact on their ability to work. This type of evidence includes medical records, test results, treatment histories, and evaluations conducted by qualified healthcare professionals. Such documentation is necessary to establish the severity of the disability and to support the claim, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) relies heavily on this information to determine eligibility for benefits.

While subjective feelings about health can describe how a person is experiencing their condition, these feelings alone lack the measurable and factual foundation required for a successful claim. General advice from friends does not hold any weight in an official context and does not contribute to substantiating a disability claim. Although employment history is relevant for understanding work capacity and previous job functions, it cannot replace the specific medical evidence needed to demonstrate the existence and extent of a disability. Thus, objective medical evidence stands out as the essential component in the process of securing disability benefits.