Complete, accurate, and detailed medical records are essential to successfully win Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. But the Social Security Administration (SSA) primarily considers evidence from what the agency deems as “acceptable medical sources” to determine if your condition qualifies for disability benefits.
Chiropractors do not hold medical degrees and are not considered to be medical doctors. Therefore, SSA says they are not “acceptable medical sources,” and while their records may be considered, they are not equal to the evidence from a doctor. Medical doctors (M.D.s), osteopaths (D.O.s), licensed psychologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are examples of acceptable medical sources. For this reason, if a diagnosis is made only by a chiropractor, SSA may not consider it to be valid.
If you are treated by a chiropractor, it is important that you also continue to receive treatment from your primary care doctor, as well as specialists such as an orthopedist or neurologist. If your medical records primarily come from a chiropractor, SSA may find that there isn’t sufficient evidence to prove you are unable to work. Our advice is to consult your disability law attorney to be sure the evidence you are submitting is from acceptable medical sources.
Increase Your Chances of Winning Social Security Disability Benefits
You are 3 times more likely to be awarded disability benefits if you have a representative such as a disability attorney who will fight for your rights than if you have no representation at all, according to a Government Accounting Office study.
Call or email us at Cuddigan Law for a free evaluation of your case. And we only get paid when you are awarded Social Security disability benefits.
