Are Older Medical Records Useful for a Disability Claim? You bet   I made a post to the facebook page for SSDRC.com which discussed the value of having social security view your older medical records. Someone made the following comment-- "Gee thats funny they told me I couldent use older records". The tone of the comment, combined with the fact that person was unable to spell the word "couldn't" told me all I needed to know. Just the same, I responded with the following: Recent records (not older than 90 days) establish that a person meets the definition of disability...as of now. However, to establish "onset", i.e. when you became disabled, you need older records. To get the most favorable onset date and to get the most in back pay, the older the better. Also, the farther back you establish onset, the more likely it is that you can dispose of the 5 month waiting period for Social Security Disability benefits and also dispose of the 24 month waiting period for medicare benefits which come with SSD, but not with SSI--with SSI you get medicaid. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How much money will I get for disability if I get approved? SSI back pay benefits Can a letter from a doctor get you approved for disability? Can You Get Approved For SSI or SSD Benefits if you Have A Mental Condition Check your SSDI and SSI claim status Can you get disability for ankylosing spondylitis? Social Security Disability denied for the second time Do you have to go to a mental exam after applying for disability? How does age affect a Social Security Disability or SSI case? Applying for disability based on stroke, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and fatigue Filing for disability with congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy How social security evaluates attention deficit How to file for disability in Oklahoma OK Time to get a scheduled disability hearing date, or court date Can you file for disability with Hypothyroidism?