It can be hard to prove that a person has a disabling medical condition. When an Oklahoma resident begins to pull together the data and documentation that they have on their condition, they may be unsure as to whether it is sufficiently authoritative to carry weight with the Social Security Administration. Pursuant to guidance provided by that entity, certain medical professionals are considered acceptable sources of evidence for the purposes of establishing disabilities.
Both medical and osteopathic physicians are considered acceptable sources of authority, as long as they are appropriately licensed. The same holds true for optometrists, audiologists, and podiatrists who are licensed to practice in their particular fields.
Certain advanced practice registered nurses may also be accepted as sources of evidence for disability determinations. Those that are licensed to practice as certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists can be used as sources of data for men, women, and children who wish to apply for Social Security disability benefits.
To this end, readers should take from this post that many of the doctors, specialists, and medical professionals who they see to treat their medical conditions will be recognized as authoritative and acceptable sources of information when they apply for disability benefits. It is important, however, for readers to understand that the failure of an applicant to provide sufficient medical evidence of their impairment, or to provide authoritative evidence, may lead to a rejection of their claim. An attorney may be a useful partner to a disability benefits applicant to help such an individual prepare their best possible application for benefits.