It is not enough to have subjective evidence (i.e., your complaints alone) of disability. You really need hard objective evidence. The best way to get this evidence is by diagnostic tests. In this day and age of managed care, and limited resources, it can be difficult to get your doctor to order diagnostic tests which will help you prove your case. However, if you are persistent, you can often convince a doctor to prescribe the tests you need to prove your case. The following are some examples of helpful diagnostic tests:
Medical Condition :: Diagnostic Test
Spine (neck or back) :: MRI or CT scan of the spine
Peripheral neuropathy :: EMG/NCV lower extremities
Carpal tunnel syndrome :: EMG/ NCV upper extremities
Hepatitis C/liver :: Liver biopsy
Fibromyalgia :: Trigger point testing
Arthritis :: Blood tests such as sed rate and rheumatoid factor
Heart Disease :: Echocardiograms
Stroke or epilepsy :: Brain MRI