Updated Medical Records

• Recent Treatment Notes: Include every appointment since your initial application—especially with specialists.
• Hospital Discharge Summaries: Show the severity and recurrence of your condition.
• Lab Results and Imaging: Tests like MRIs, CT scans, blood work, or X-rays can provide objective support.

Make sure these records directly link your condition to your inability to work.

Doctor’s Statement or RFC Form

• Treating Physician’s Letter: A detailed letter that explains how your disability limits your ability to work is extremely valuable.
• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC):
• This form evaluates your ability to do work-related activities (sitting, standing, lifting, etc.) and is one of the most powerful pieces of evidence you can submit.

Mental Health Documentation (If Applicable)

• Psychiatric or Therapy Notes: Include diagnoses, treatment plans, and therapy progress notes.
• Neuropsychological Evaluations: These can support claims related to memory loss, concentration issues, or cognitive impairments.

Statements from Family, Friends, or Caregivers

• Daily Life Impact: Personal letters describing how your disability affects everyday tasks like cooking, driving, hygiene, or household chores.
• Third-Party Observations: These show your limitations from a perspective beyond your own and help humanize your claim.

Work History & Performance Records

• Employer Statements: Notes about missed days, performance issues, or accommodations made due to your health.
• Earnings Records or Pay Stubs: To show a decline in your ability to maintain employment due to your condition.

Medication History and Side Effects

• Prescription List: Include dosages, frequency, and any changes over time.
• Side Effect Reports: Fatigue, nausea, dizziness, or cognitive impairment can all impact your ability to work—and should be documented.

Vocational Expert Opinions (for ALJ Hearings)

• Specialist Statements: A vocational expert can testify about the kinds of jobs (if any) you could perform given your medical and functional limitations.
• Rebuttal Reports: If the SSA uses its own vocational expert, you can submit counter testimony or analysis.

Consistency and Credibility

• Avoid Contradictions: Make sure all your documentation, from doctor’s notes to personal statements, aligns with your symptoms and diagnosis.
• Be Transparent: The SSA looks for consistent stories and honest portrayals of your condition.