Regardless of how it may seem to some, Social Security disability benefits truly are based on medical information, including physician (not chiropractor) and hospital records, blood tests, MRIs, CAT scans, x-rays, and similar items. The notes from a treating physician are particularly important and should detail:

• All symptoms.
• An indication of muscle strength.
• Range of motion restrictions.
• Whether the claimant has difficulty walking, sitting, standing, or bending.
• Diagnosis and prognosis for any condition that prevents the person from working.

A disability examiner employed by the state will evaluate your case for the Social Security Administration using a highly structured process based on five key questions:

1. Are you working? Most experts agree that if you are earning money at the time of you file a disability application you will have a more difficult time gaining approval than someone who is not working at all.

2. Is there a medical problem that affects your ability to work to any degree?

3. Is your condition found in the listing of impairments? This list is found in the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security. also known as The Blue Book (SSA Pub. No. 64-039). It is available online at / .

4. Can you do the work you did previously? Your answers to any questionnaires you may have been asked to complete (daily activities, pain and fatigue, etc.) will be evaluated at this point. Letters from relevant third parties (family, co-workers, supervisors, etc.) may also be introduced

5. Can you do any other work? Your age and ability to be retrained come into question here. The younger you are, the more likely the examiner will pursue retraining options.

If the claim is denied, it's in your best interests to appeal the ruling. That will preserve your initial filing date, so that if you are eventually awarded disability benefits, they will be paid retroactively.