How Far Back Does the SSA Look at Medical Records?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) decides whether you still qualify for disability by examining both past and current medical records. The law requires the SSA to review and approve all recipients of disability benefits. Social Security typically requests all medical records from doctors, hospitals, clinics, and other medical sources. A special examination or test will only be requested if the SSA cannot gather enough information from your medical sources.

Medical evidence is vital for every successful Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim. Mental health records, diagnostic testing results, bloodwork panels, physician exams, and reports from MRI scans, CAT scans, and X-rays are a few examples of the medical evidence that the SSA may look into to determine your eligibility.

The SSA prefers to have a 12-month medical history of an individual when making disability determinations. Medical records are considered to be current only if they are less than 90 days old. However, the SSA may also have to examine medical records that are several years old, depending on when an individual became disabled. If an individual does not have current medical records, a disability examiner must check the status of their conditions.

What Would Lead to a Withdrawal of Disability Benefits?

Disability benefits can be terminated if you don’t follow your doctor’s orders or if you give the SSA false or misleading information regarding the state of your condition(s). Disability benefits can also be revoked if you have benefited from medical treatment and your conditions are mostly cured.

Consult with a Disability Attorney Today

It is best to consult with a qualified disability firm to ensure you are receiving the best and most reliable information about your eligibility for benefits. The legal team at the Khaki Law Firm focuses on SSD claims and is committed to getting you maximum benefits. Our team of legal advocates is always happy to answer questions and discuss concerns regarding disability determinations. Please contact us today to learn more about how far back the SSA will look at your medical records to make a decision about whether to continue awarding benefits.