1. The Role of Medical Evidence in SSDI Claims

The SSA doesn’t simply take your word for it when you apply for SSDI. Instead, they rely on medical documentation to show:

• The existence of a diagnosed medical condition.
• The severity of your condition.
• How your condition limits your ability to work full-time.
• Whether your condition meets or equals the criteria in the SSA’s Blue Book Listing of Impairments.

2. Types of Medical Records the SSA Requires

When filing for SSDI in Iowa, the following types of evidence are commonly required:

• Doctor’s Treatment Notes – Records from primary care physicians and specialists that describe your symptoms, diagnosis, and response to treatment.
• Hospital Records – Admission notes, discharge summaries, surgeries, and emergency room visits.
• Test Results – Lab tests, imaging (MRI, CT scans, X-rays), and other diagnostic results that support your diagnosis.
• Medication Records – Prescriptions, dosages, and how medications affect your daily functioning.
• Therapy Notes – Documentation from physical, occupational, or mental health therapists.
• Specialist Reports – Evaluations from cardiologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, orthopedic surgeons, or other experts depending on your condition.

3. Functional Capacity Evidence

Beyond showing your diagnosis, the SSA also wants to know how your condition impacts your ability to work. This is referred to as your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC).

Evidence that supports RFC includes:

• Reports of limitations in lifting, walking, standing, or sitting.
• Notes on your ability to concentrate, remember instructions, or manage stress if you have a mental health condition.
• Letters or assessments from treating physicians explaining why you cannot perform substantial work on a consistent basis.

4. Mental Health Evidence

For Iowa residents applying for SSDI based on mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, strong mental health evidence is critical. This may include:

• Psychiatric evaluations.
• Therapy notes from counselors or psychologists.
• Neuropsychological testing results.
• Records of hospitalizations related to mental health crises.

The SSA will look closely at how your condition affects daily life, relationships, and your ability to hold a job.

5. Consistency and Regular Treatment Matter

One of the most common reasons SSDI claims are denied in Iowa is gaps in medical treatment. The SSA wants to see that you have:

• A consistent history of medical care.
• Ongoing follow-ups with doctors and specialists.
• Records that show your condition has not improved despite treatment.

If you don’t have continuous treatment records, the SSA may assume your condition isn’t severe.