Do you need new medical records for redetermination?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 04/16/2025
Yes — new or updated medical records are often essential during a Social Security disability redetermination. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses these reviews, known as Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs), to confirm whether you still meet the medical criteria for disability benefits. Without current and complete medical documentation, your benefits could be at risk.
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Why Medical Records Matter During Redetermination
When the SSA performs a redetermination, they want to see if your condition has improved, stayed the same, or worsened. To make that judgment, they rely heavily on medical evidence. That means:
- Outdated records might not reflect your current limitations.
- Gaps in treatment could raise red flags.
- Lack of detail might lead SSA to believe your condition has improved.
The more thorough and recent your documentation, the stronger your case will be.
What Medical Records Should You Provide?
Make sure to include records that demonstrate the ongoing impact of your condition:
- Doctor's Progress Notes: Regular updates from your treating physician about your symptoms, treatment, and prognosis.
- Specialist Reports: If you see a neurologist, cardiologist, psychiatrist, etc., include their evaluations and findings.
- Lab Tests and Imaging: MRIs, X-rays, blood tests, or other objective test results that support your diagnosis.
- Medication Lists: Showing prescribed medications and any side effects.
- Physical Therapy Reports or Rehab Notes: Evidence that you’re trying to manage your condition.
- Mental Health Records: For those with psychiatric disabilities, therapy notes and psychological evaluations are critical.
How to Get Updated Records
- Request Them from Your Providers: Ask your doctors for the most recent documentation and specify that it's for an SSA review.
- Attend All Appointments: Gaps in treatment can hurt your case.
- Follow Prescribed Treatments: SSA expects claimants to follow recommended care unless there's a valid reason not to.
What If You Don’t Have New Medical Evidence?
If you haven’t been to the doctor recently, SSA may:
- Send You to a Consultative Exam (CE): This is an SSA-arranged medical exam with a contracted provider.
- Use Only the Existing Records: This can weaken your case if your older records don’t show continued disability.
If you haven’t been receiving regular care, consider visiting a doctor as soon as possible before or during the redetermination.
How Hogan Smith Can Help You
At Hogan Smith, we know how critical updated medical evidence is to a successful redetermination. We can help you:
- Identify the types of records SSA wants
- Request and organize your documentation
- Communicate with your providers
- Prepare your case for redetermination or appeal
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you're facing a disability redetermination, don’t take chances with your medical records. Contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation, and let us help you protect your benefits with clear, up-to-date documentation that supports your case.
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