Understanding a Medically Determinable Impairment

As any Tennessee Social Security disability attorney can attest, it is vital that the Social Security Administration labels a claimant’s disability as “medically determinable” or a claim for disability benefits will not be sustained. In other words, even if a patient is suffering from subjective inability to perform full-time work functions, absent a finding by a doctor of a recognized medical impairment, the patient will be ineligible for benefits. The following article provides a brief overview as to the meaning of the Administration’s finding of a medically determinable impairment and the role of the treating physician in determining eligibility.

The Social Security Administration does not take a very hard-line approach to finding a patient to have a medically determinable impairment. Any testimony or evidence presented by a licensed medical physician with respect to the patient’s diagnosis will likely withstand scrutiny. As long as the claimant’s symptoms are traceable to some objective medical condition, this requirement will be met. Even if the physician cannot specifically diagnose the cause of the symptoms, the Administration will take the patient’s word for it that a medically determinable impairment exists; this is especially true in the context of debilitating migraine headaches.

One potential source of contention between the medical and legal community could be the fact that the Administration may adhere to a different definition of disability than a doctor or physician does. However, the Administration’s definition of disability and what is considered a medically determinable impairment is the determining factor, not a doctor’s assertion of disability. In fact, the Administration assumes the doctor does not have any understanding of legal disabilities and will disregard even the most well-researched and legally sound contention from a physician asserting disability.

If you would like to meet with a Tennessee Social Security disability attorney who cares about your claim, give Teel & Maroney, PLC a call today. We would love to hear from you.