To ensure that it is providing benefits only to those who are truly qualified, Social Security focuses on objective medical evidence as well as a thorough evaluation of the claimant’s credibility. The latter element plays a very important role in the Social Security disability claims approval process, especially for those with mental illness.

Credibility, according to the SSA, defines the believability of a claimant’s statements and testimony. In deciding whether an individual’s statements about their disability are true, the SSA will first check if they have a medically determinable condition that could cause symptoms. The agency will then evaluate if the claimant’s testimony regarding his or her conditions is consistent with the evidence on medical records and any information or documents within the SSA’s possession.

The SSA will then look at statements and observations made by an individual’s friends and family, medical providers, and employers. The claimant’s efforts to treat the symptoms would also be a factor that can lend credibility to their statement.

Inconsistent statements can hurt an individual’s credibility and consequently affect the outcome of their claims. Other factors that can diminish the claimant’s credibility include illegal drug abuse, cigarette smoking, incarceration, criminal convictions, poor work history, and drug-seeking behaviors. For instance, if an individual files a claim based on a respiratory illness and yet he continues to smoke cigarettes, the SSA will not give him the benefit of the doubt and even be more inclined to reject the claim outright.

When being evaluated by the SSA, it is very important for the claimant to be as specific as possible in describing difficulties. The more specific you can get, the more credible you will sound.

Sources:

Your Credibility and Applying for Disability: How Social Security Assesses Your Complaints, DisabilitySecrets.com