One of the most damaging myths in disability law is that normal test results equal ability to work.
SSA often relies heavily on imaging and labs. But medicine and disability are not the same thing.
Why Tests Fail to Capture Disability
Many disabling conditions do not produce consistent abnormal findings:
- Chronic fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Long COVID
- Migraines
- Mental health disorders
- Neuropathic pain
Tests measure structure, not endurance, cognition, or reliability.
SSA must consider symptoms and functional impact, but only when documented correctly.
How SSA Misuses Normal Results
Denial letters often cite:
- Imaging within normal limits
- Labs unremarkable
- Physical exams normal
What SSA is really saying is that functional limitations were not proven.
Functional Evidence Overrides Test Results
Winning cases include:
- Treatment failure history
- Specialist observations
- Consistent symptom reporting
- Functional capacity evaluations
- RFC assessments describing limitations
Normal tests do not erase disabling fatigue, pain, or cognitive impairment.
The Role of Longitudinal Records
SSA values consistency over time. One normal scan does not outweigh years of documented decline.
Patterns matter more than snapshots.
Final Takeaway
Normal tests do not equal normal function. SSDI is about sustained work ability, not medical perfection.
Call to Action
If SSA denied you due to normal test results, your case may still be very strong.
Call for a free functional evidence audit.
We build cases beyond lab results.
No fees unless you win.
