About Medical Records

Winning a claim for Social Security disability is all about developing the proper evidence. In order to make a disability determination, Social Security needs current, accurate medical records—preferably from MD and DO offices.

Your medical records will establish what severe impairments you have and when they started. Details of your functional limitations are important. Your doctors should record these limitations on an RFC (residual functional capacity) form.

Obtaining Medical Records for Social Security

If you are represented by an attorney, they will obtain your medical records and submit them to Social Security. If you need to obtain your records yourself, contact your doctor directly. There are numerous laws that allow you to access and get copies of your medical records.

If a friend, family member, or guardian is attempting to get your medical records, they will need a signed HIPAA compliant medical authorization. Some facilities may also have specialized releases they may require you to fill out.

If you are submitting your medical records to Social Security yourself, contact your local SSA office for instructions. 

Our Experience—Serving Muskegon, Grand Rapids & Surrounding Areas

At Nolan & Shafer PLC, our Muskegon SSDI attorney and team are highly experienced in this complex area of law. Every day, we help clients just like you make their case to Social Security. We have handled more than 600 Social Security claims and appeals, and our lead attorney was selected for inclusion in the 2015, 2016, and 2017 lists of Rising Stars℠. We can use your medical records to build an effective and personalized case on your behalf.