Why is objective medical evidence essential in disability claims?

Objective medical evidence is crucial in disability claims because it serves as an impartial verification of a claimant's medical condition. This type of evidence includes results from physical exams, diagnostic tests, imaging studies, and other measurable data that provide concrete proof of an individual's diagnosed impairments. Since disability benefits are based on the presence of a disabling condition, having reliable and verifiable evidence is necessary to substantiate a claim.

While other forms of evidence, such as subjective accounts from the claimant or anecdotal reports, can provide context and background, they do not carry the same weight in proving the existence and severity of a medical condition. Disability claims require a strong basis of fact, which is provided by objective evidence, to determine eligibility for benefits effectively. This is why it is considered essential in the evaluation process for Social Security Disability Insurance.