When it comes to winning a long term disability claim, the strength of your medical evidence can make or break your case. Insurance companies and government disability programs don’t just take your word for it—they rely heavily on detailed medical records to decide if you qualify for benefits. Unfortunately, even people with serious conditions can be denied if their documentation is incomplete, inconsistent, or unclear.
Whether you’re filing for the first time or appealing a denial, here are practical tips for gathering the kind of medical evidence that can give your disability claim the best possible chance of approval—along with why getting help from an experienced disability claim lawyer can further strengthen your case.
1. Understand What Counts as “Medical Evidence”
Medical evidence isn’t just your diagnosis—it’s the complete picture of your health, backed up by professional documentation. This may include:
- Doctor’s notes and examination records
- Test results (X-rays, MRIs, bloodwork, etc.)
- Hospital admission and discharge summaries
- Specialist reports (neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, psychiatrists, etc.)
- Treatment history and response to treatments
- Functional capacity evaluations that measure your ability to perform daily or work activities
The more complete and specific your records are, the harder it is for an insurer to dispute your claim.
2. Work Closely With Your Doctor
Your healthcare provider is your most important ally. Make sure they understand:
- The nature of your disability and how it limits your work ability
- The exact requirements of the disability claim process
- The importance of clear, detailed medical notes
Vague records like “patient is doing better” can be used against you, while specific notes like “patient cannot sit for more than 20 minutes without severe pain” can strengthen your case significantly.
3. Keep a Symptom Journal
Your day-to-day experience matters, especially for conditions where pain, fatigue, or mental health challenges fluctuate. In your journal, track:
- Dates and severity of symptoms
- Any activities you couldn’t do because of your condition
- Medication side effects
- Triggers or patterns in your symptoms
This can be used to supplement medical records and give the claims reviewer a human perspective on how your condition affects you.
4. Get Specialist Opinions
If your condition is complex or rare, seeing a specialist can provide the extra credibility your claim needs. Specialists often:
- Perform more in-depth evaluations
- Use advanced diagnostic tools
- Provide detailed reports insurers take seriously
For example, if you have a back injury, an orthopedic surgeon’s detailed report can carry more weight than a general practitioner’s note alone.
5. Include Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)
An FCE is a standardized test performed by a physical or occupational therapist to measure your ability to perform tasks like lifting, bending, standing, or typing. This is particularly useful for proving physical limitations to insurers who might otherwise assume you can still work.
6. Make Sure All Records Are Current
Outdated medical records can weaken your claim. Even if you were diagnosed years ago, you need recent documentation showing your current limitations and ongoing treatment. Insurers want to see proof that your disability is not only real but ongoing.
7. Be Consistent Across All Documents
One of the biggest red flags for insurers is inconsistent information. Make sure:
- Your symptom descriptions match between your doctor’s notes, claim forms, and personal statements.
- All healthcare providers have the same understanding of your diagnosis and limitations.
- You avoid exaggeration, but also don’t downplay your symptoms during appointments.
8. Don’t Rely on the Insurance Company to Collect Everything
While insurers may request records on your behalf, they aren’t motivated to track down every supportive document. Request copies of all your medical records yourself and submit them directly. This ensures nothing crucial gets “overlooked” in the review process.
Bottom Line
Strong medical evidence is the backbone of any successful disability claim. The more complete, consistent, and detailed your documentation is, the better your chances of approval—whether you’re applying for the first time or fighting a denial. By working closely with your doctor, keeping thorough records, and submitting updated reports, you give your claim the credibility it needs to stand up to scrutiny.
