How to Obtain Your Medical Records for Social Security Benefits

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Your medical records are an important part of your disability application. When you apply for Social Security disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will review your medical records to determine your eligibility.

Essentially, your records “prove” your disability — which is why it’s so important to have up-to-date records from licensed physicians that document the severity of your medical condition.

In this article, you’ll learn how to authorize the SSA to access your medical records, plus tips to speed up the process and avoid delaying your disability application.

4 reasons medical records are important for disability applicants

Your medical records are a crucial part of your disability application for the following reasons:

1. Medical records provide an official record of your diagnosis
2. Medical records demonstrate the severity of your condition or impairment
3. Medical records explain how your disability affects your functioning
4. Medical records support a listing impairment in the SSA’s Blue Book (which lists conditions that qualify for disability benefits) with objective evidence

Insufficient medical evidence is a significant reason the Social Security Administration denies disability applicants. You can increase your chances of winning disability benefits by submitting comprehensive medical records that describe your medical condition and how it impacts your daily functioning.

Tip: When you go to the doctor, mention your limitations and ask your doctor to note them in your medical records. This can really help your disability case.

What medical records should I include with my disability application?

Your medical records lay the foundation for a strong disability application. It can be helpful to have the following health records to complete the Disability Report (Form SSA-3368):

• Physician’s notes from licensed health care professionals
• Treatment history, including medications you’ve taken
• Lab results or test results
• Emergency room visit summaries
• Mental health records, including treatment history
• Notes from surgeries or diagnostic procedures
• Imaging (such as CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs)
• Any additional results from medical testing

Do I need to submit my own medical records?

No, submitting your own medical records as part of your initial application is not advisable. When you apply for Social Security disability benefits, you will complete Form SSA-827, which authorizes the SSA to contact the medical providers and health institutions you listed on your application on your behalf.

There are two big reasons for this: The SSA covers the costs of obtaining medical records up to a certain amount, but you will be responsible for any fees if you get your own records. Also, the SSA must request your records as part of its evaluation process, so sending your own records would be like doing it twice.

The exception to the rule is if your condition is on the SSA’s compassionate allowance list. You can upload your diagnosis with your initial application to expedite the process.

If the SSA has difficulty reaching your doctors or requires additional records beyond what you’ve provided in your application, the SSA might request more information. In such cases, you or your disability lawyer may need to gather additional medical evidence. You might also ask your physician to submit a doctor’s note called a medical source statement to help build your case.

How to obtain your medical records step-by-step

Under the federal Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), you have the right to view and obtain your records from any doctor you have seen. If the SSA requests additional records, follow these steps:

1. Make a list of your doctors. List all the doctors you’ve seen to diagnose and treat your disability. Include all relevant healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians, specialists, physical therapists, and licensed mental health providers.
2. Contact the doctors on your list. Call or email each provider to ask for your records. Inquire about their process for releasing medical records.
3. Submit the necessary paperwork. Complete and submit any paperwork that your providers require. In some cases, you may need to mail a written request. They will then send you hard copies or electronic copies of your records from their office.

The process of requesting and obtaining medical records can vary from state to state. Some states require special authorization forms to release records, and others have certain deadlines. Make sure you’re aware of any special requirements that apply to your state.