If you’re thinking about applying for Social Security Disability, the biggest factor in whether you win or lose your case is the strength of your medical records. Social Security won’t decide your case based on your diagnosis alone. It’s based on whether or not your disability creates work-limiting restrictions.
- Social Security focuses on your functional limitations, not just your condition.
- The same diagnosis can lead to totally different outcomes depending on real-world limitations like sitting, standing, walking, focus, pace, and reliability.
- Strong cases usually include four key types of medical evidence: a clear diagnosis, objective testing (like MRIs and lab work), ongoing treatment records, and detailed doctor opinions about your work limitations.
- Submitting a huge stack of medical records alone is often not enough. Your evidence must clearly connect your condition to specific, consistent work restrictions.
- Helpful supporting documents can strengthen your claim, such as Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs), Medical Source Statements, and Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) opinions.
- A disability lawyer from The Krebs Law Firm can help identify what evidence matters most, request the right medical opinions, and present your case in a way that matches what judges look for.
Let’s take a closer look at these main points in more detail.
If you are thinking about applying for Social Security Disability, one thing matters more than almost anything else: Your medical records.
But here’s the part most people don’t understand: It’s not just about your diagnosis.
Judges don’t approve disability claims just because you have a medical condition. They approve cases based on how your medical condition limits your ability to work—and whether those limits have lasted, or are expected to last, at least 12 straight months.
Let’s break this down in simple terms.
Social Security Does NOT Decide Cases Based on Diagnosis Alone
Many people believe that if they are diagnosed with a serious medical condition—like a herniated disc, heart disease, lupus, or depression—they must automatically qualify for disability.
But that is not how Social Security works.
A diagnosis only proves one thing: That you have a medically determinable impairment.
But it does not prove:
- How long you can sit
- How long you can stand
- How far you can walk
- How much you can lift
- Whether you can focus
- Whether you can keep a regular work schedule
And those functional limits are what actually decide your case.
Same Diagnosis With Very Different Outcomes
Here’s an example that illustrates this more clearly:
Person One:
- Has a herniated disc
- Can’t walk more than an hour
- But can sit all day
- Can still work a desk job
Would not be considered disabled under Social Security rules
Person Two:
- Has the same herniated disc
- Has burning pain down the leg
- Can only sit 10–15 minutes before needing to lie down
- Can’t focus because of pain
- Needs frequent breaks
This person may be considered disabled under Social Security rules
Same diagnosis.
Very different functional limitations.
Very different legal outcome.
The 4 Types of Medical Evidence That Win Disability Cases
To win a disability case, your medical file must usually show four things:
1. A Clear Diagnosis
You must have a confirmed medical condition such as:
- Back or neck problems
- Joint disease
- Heart disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Mental health conditions
- Neurological problems
This establishes that you have a real medical condition.
But remember—this is only the starting point.
2. Objective Medical Evidence
Judges expect to see objective proof, such as:
- MRI scans
- CT scans
- X-rays
- EMG tests
- Cardiac stress tests
- Blood work
- Pulmonary function tests
These tests help prove:
- The severity of your condition
- That your symptoms are medically supported
- That your limitations are real, not just complaints
Objective testing gives your case credibility and strength.
3. Ongoing Treatment Records
Judges also want to see a history of treatment, not just one or two visits.
They ask questions like:
- What treatments were tried?
- Physical therapy?
- Injections?
- Surgery?
- Medications?
- Counseling or psychiatric treatment?
Most importantly: Did those treatments restore your ability to work?
If your records show:
- Multiple treatment attempts
- Good effort on your part
- Doctor compliance
- But no functional recovery
You now have a strong disability argument.
4. Doctor Opinions About Work Limitations
This is where many cases are won or lost.
What matters most is not: “The doctor says I’m disabled.”
What matters is: The doctor explains what you can no longer do.
Examples of powerful medical opinions include:
- You would miss 3+ days of work per month
- You must lie down during the day
- You cannot use foot controls
- You cannot sit more than 15–30 minutes
- You cannot stand or walk for a full workday
- You cannot maintain consistent focus
- You cannot meet normal pace expectations
Once those limitations are in the record, the judge applies the law, and the legal conclusion becomes “disabled.”
Raw Medical Records Alone Are Often Not Enough
Many people assume that turning in thousands of pages of medical records is enough.
Unfortunately, that’s not true.
Judges need help answering one key question: How does this medical problem affect this person’s ability to work on a full-time basis?
That’s why the strongest cases usually include:
- Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)
- Medical Source Statements
- Treating doctor narrative reports
- Residual Functional Capacity opinions (RFCs)
These documents directly connect:
- Diagnosis
- Test results
- Treatment history
- Work limitations
That connection is what wins cases.
The Winning Formula for a Disability Case
Here is the simple formula that consistently leads to approvals:
-
- A real medical diagnosis
- Objective testing that backs it up
- Ongoing treatment attempts
- Poor response to treatment
- Doctor opinions explaining lost work abilities
When all five of these line up, you have a powerful Social Security disability case.
Why a Social Security Disability Lawyer Makes Such a Difference
A Social Security disability lawyer knows:
- Which medical records actually matter
- What Social Security judges are looking for
- How to request proper doctor opinions
- How to organize medical proof
- How to explain your limitations clearly at hearing
At The Krebs Law Firm, we don’t just submit raw medical records. We build cases that show exactly why a client can’t work under Social Security’s rules.
Free Case Review Available
If you’re wondering:
- Do I have enough medical evidence?
- Is my doctor’s support strong enough?
- Am I missing something critical?
- Is now the right time to file?
We offer a free Social Security disability case evaluation with no obligation.
Final Thoughts
Winning a Social Security Disability case is not about labels. It’s about:
- Function
- Endurance
- Consistency
- And whether you can meet the real demands of work
A diagnosis opens the door. But medical records that prove lost work ability are what actually get you approved.
Need Help with Your Disability Claim?
At The Krebs Law Firm we’ve helped hundreds of people across Springfield, Missouri and Northwest Arkansas win their Social Security Disability cases.
If your application has been denied or you’re waiting for your hearing, don’t face it alone. Let us prepare you, guide you, and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Call The Krebs Law Firm today or visit KrebsLawOffice.com for a free, no-risk consultation.
It only takes a few minutes — and it could make all the difference in your case.
We’re Here To Help
If you need help fighting for your Social Security disability rights, The Krebs Law firm offers free consultations. We can review your situation, help you determine the best course of action, and if you have a case, fight alongside you.
Of course, you could handle the matter alone, but the odds of successfully combatting a denial are higher with the help of a Social Security disability lawyer.
The Krebs Law Firm provides free consultations for Social Security Disability claimants, and we don’t get paid unless we win you the compensation you deserve. Set up your appointment with us without delay. You can reach our Springfield office at 417-883-5886 or toll free at 800-345-0535.
A Social Security disability lawyer can help make the process of getting the full amount you’re owed much easier. The Krebs Law Firm offers free consultations, and all it takes is giving us a call today.
Whether you’re making an initial Social Security Disability claim or striving to make an appeal, The Krebs Law Firm knows the ins and outs of the application process and offers free consultations to potential clients. You have nothing to lose by contacting us and everything to gain.
If you seek the help of a Social Security Disability attorney with your claim, the Krebs Law Firm has years of experience in helping our clients receive the full amount of Social Security Disability benefits that they rightly deserve in as timely a manner as possible. We know the ins and outs of the Social Security Disability process and would be happy to work with you.
At The Krebs Law Firm, we fight as hard as we can to help you get the disability coverage you deserve. Call our Springfield office today for a free consultation at 417-883-5886, our Columbia office at (573) 886-8976 or toll free at (800) 345-0535.
Jason Krebs is licensed in both Arkansas and Missouri. Our main office is in Springfield Missouri. Our Harrison Arkansas office is by appointment only. The address is 125 Industrial Park Road Suite E1 Harrison Arkansas 72601. Our local phone number in Harrison is (870) 741-8100. Our Toll Free phone number is (800) 345-0535. You can also send us an email to contact@KrebsLawOffice.com.
It can be daunting learning the ins and outs of Social Security Disability benefits, but it’s not a task you need to take on alone. Call on a Disability Attorney from The Krebs Law Firm to help you every step of the way.
We offer a free book on Social Security Disability benefits to Missouri and Arkansas residents. Give us a call today.
The Krebs Law Firm provides free consultations for Social Security Disability claimants, and we don’t get paid unless we win you the compensation you deserve. Set up your appointment with us without delay.