Question of the Month: Will Social Security Disability Accept My Chiropractor’s Records?

As we have previously reported in this newsletter, 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, the SSA says they are not “acceptable medical sources,” and while their records may be considered, they are not equal to 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 only a chiropractor makes a diagnosis, the SSA may not consider it to be valid.

If you are treated by a chiropractor, it’s 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, the SSA may find there isn’t sufficient evidence to prove you are unable to work. Our advice is to consult with your Social Security Disability 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 almost three times more likely to be awarded disability benefits after your hearing with a disability judge if you have a representative such as a disability lawyer who will fight for your rights than if you have no representation at all, according to a Government Accountability Office study.

Call or email us at Nash Disability Law in Chicago for a free evaluation of your case. We only get paid when you win Social Security Disability benefits.