What Are the GRIDS for SSDI? Social Security has special disability rules for people over the age 50. Social Security uses a chart called the Medical-Vocational guidelines to evaluate your claim known as the “grid rules”. The grid rules make it easier for older people to win their case.
SSDI GRIDS factors
Social Security understands that it may be harder for people over 50 to do new or different work. First, Social Security considers whether your conditions meet specific requirements under their medical listings. Often, these conditions can be very difficult to meet. Next, Social Security considers the GRIDS. The grid rules consider several factors. These include:
Your age, education or work history
Skills from your past work
Your residual functional capacity (RFC)
SSDI GRIDS and your age
Generally, Social Security divides people into four age groups. Typically, if you are 50 or older, Social Security can use the GRIDS to approve your case even if you can do other work. The rules can be even more favorable for people over 55. These age groups include:
Younger individuals: ages 18-49
Closely approaching advanced age: ages 50-54
Advanced age: ages 55-59
Closely approaching retirement age: ages 60 and older
SSDI GRIDS and your education
Social Security considers your education level. Generally, the less education you have, the harder it would be to find other types of jobs. Social Security used to consider a person’s ability to communicate in English. However, a recent rule change removed this factor. Education categories include:
Illiteracy – inability to read or write in any language
Marginal – completed 6th grade or less in any country
Limited – completed 7th through 11th grade in any country
High school education and above in any country
SSDI GRIDS and you work history
Social Security must categorize your past work before applying the GRIDS. The GRIDS only apply if you can’t perform any of your past work. Social Security only considers past relevant work. This includes work performed in the last 15 years. It must have resulted in significant earnings. Temporary or part-time jobs might not count as past relevant work. Providing accurate information about your past work can be very important to your SSDI case.
SSDI GRIDS and physical levels of work
Social Security divides types of work by their physical requirements. For people 50 or older, the more physical your past work was, the easier it is for Social Security to apply the GRIDS. The physical categories of work include:
Sedentary – sitting jobs that don’t require lifting more than 10 pounds
Light – usually require more standing and walking and don’t require lifting more than 20 pounds
Medium – requires lifting between 25-50 pounds
Heavy – requires lifting more than 50 pounds
SSDI GRIDS and job skills
Social Security looks at any skills required to perform your past work. Sometimes, skills from your past work can be used to do different types of jobs. Generally, these skills can be used in other jobs with little or no additional training. Social Security refers to these skills as “transferable skills”. If Social Security finds that you have transferable skills to other work, the GRIDS may be harder to apply.
SSDI GRIDS and getting around transferable skills
However, there can be ways around transferable skills. Typically, this can be done if you have a mental health impairment. Mental health impairments include conditions such as depression or anxiety. However, they can also include side effects from medications or the impact pain has on mental functioning. When a person has medical evidence documenting mental health impairment, Social Security must evaluate their ability to perform the mental demands of work. Usually, Social Security concludes a person can only perform simple, routine tasks when there is evidence of mental health impairment. This limitation eliminates transferable skills.
SSDI GRIDS and your RFC
Social Security defines residual functional capacity (RFC) as what you can do despite your limitations. An RFC includes both physical and mental limitations. Social Security determines your RFC based on your medical records. They can also consider opinions from your treating doctors. Social Security cannot determine your RFC from a diagnosis alone. Therefore, you must see your doctors regularly. You should see specialists if you can.
Applying SSDI GRIDS
Once Social Security figures out your RFC and your work history, they will look at the GRIDS. Social Security has separate GRIDS for sedentary, light and medium work. For people over 50, the more physically limited you are and the more physically demanding your past work was, the more likely the GRIDS show you should be found disabled.
Example 1: SSDI GRIDS over 50
For example, Janet, a 52 year old woman previously worked as an office manager. Janet completed high school. She filed for SSDI because she was having worsening anxiety and osteoarthritis in her knees. Janet has difficulty standing and walking for long periods. Her doctors prescribed her a cane. Despite medication and therapy, Janet has difficulty managing her anxiety symptoms. Social Security found that Janet could not perform her past work. They also found that she could not do any other light jobs. She also was limited to simple and routine tasks. Therefore, the GRIDS applied and Janet was approved for disability.
Example 2: SSDI GRIDS over 55
In another example, Jose filed for SSDI after injuring his back. He is 57 years old and has a high school education. Jose worked for many years as a dishwasher. Since his injury, he has difficulty sitting and standing for long periods. He can’t lift or carry more than 10 pounds. Social Security found that he could do light work. His job as a dishwasher doesn’t have any transferable skills. Therefore, the GRIDS allowed social Security to approve Jose’s case.
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SSA and VA Disability Benefit Tips for Veterans. Applying for SSA and VA disability benefits can be frustrating and time-consuming. Both programs help disabled individuals receive benefits. However, they have very different requirements for determining disability. The following tips will help with both.
SSA and VA Disability Benefit Tips for Veterans 1: Understand the difference between SSA and VA disability benefits
The VA doesn’t require that you prove total disability. Compensation rates range from 10%-100%, in 10% increments. However, you must show that your conditions were “incurred or aggravated by your military service.” You must also show a nexus between your diagnosis and in-service incurrence. Unlike VA benefits, SSA doesn’t distinguish between partial and total disability. Therefore, you must show that your medical conditions keep you from working in any job. Although, SSA has some more favorable rules for people over the age of 50.
SSA and VA Disability Benefit Tips for Veterans 2: Be prepared when filing your application
SSA and VA disability benefits applications require a lot of information. Providing complete information gives you a better chance of winning your case. For SSA, you should provide all of your medical treatment information on your application. It should include doctors you see regularly as well as any hospitalizations or emergency room visits. For VA disability claims, you should be very specific with what you’re claiming. You should include your diagnosis as well as how it is connected to your service.
SSA and VA Disability Benefit Tips for Veterans 3: Understand the rules
Generally, Social Security disability requires that your medical conditions keep you from working at all. However, Social Security uses a chart called the Medical-Vocational guidelines to evaluate your disability claim. These guidelines are known as the “grid rules”. The grid rules make it easier for older people to win their case. Typically, if you are over the age of 50, the grid rules can allow Social Security to approve your case even if you can do other work. The rules are even more favorable if you are over age 55. However, the VA doesn’t consider your age. Therefore, an approval from SSA doesn’t guarantee a 100% VA rating.
SSA and VA Disability Benefit Tips for Veterans 4: Get treatment with specialists
For both SSA and VA disability benefit claims, you should be in treatment with specialists. Frequently, records kept by specialists record your symptoms and problems better than a general doctor. They focus on specific information such as special tests or examinations. Both SSA and the VA look at the severity of your medical conditions. Generally, records kept by specialists can help document how severe your conditions affect you.
SSA and VA Disability Benefit Tips for Veterans 5: Stay in treatment
Again, both SSA and the VA need to assess the severity of your conditions. Ongoing treatment with your doctors help document the length of time your conditions have affected you. Ongoing treatment can also show the different types of treatment you’ve received for your conditions.
SSA and VA Disability Benefit Tips for Veterans 6: Getting your doctor to complete forms
Many times, medical records alone won’t clearly translate how your symptoms cause problems doing things. Therefore, your doctors can complete forms that help make the connection. For SSA, your doctors should complete an RFC form. An RFC form includes both physical and mental limitations. It details how your conditions impact your life on a daily basis. For the VA, your doctor can complete a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQs) provided by the VA. These DBQs apply to every kind of disability. These forms provide check boxes that make it easy for doctors to complete. If the symptoms noted in the DBQ satisfy the criteria for a higher rating, the VA will likely grant that rating.
SSA and VA Disability Benefit Tips for Veterans 7: Attend all appointments
You need to cooperate with SSA and the VA in order for your claim to be approved. At times, SSA will schedule a medical appointment to provide additional information. Similarly, the VA will likely schedule a VA compensation and pension (C&P) exam. You must attend any C&P exam. If you miss either a SSA exam or a C&P exam, SSA and the VA will deny your claim.
SSA and VA Disability Benefit Tips for Veterans 8: Check on the status of your claim
Checking on the status of your claim can be important. It allows you to make sure SSA and the VA handle your case properly. You can check to make sure your doctors’ records were received. You should confirm that they received any forms you completed. It also allows you to check for any additional information SSA or the VA requests from you. Lastly, it ensures that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
SSA and VA Disability Benefit Tips for Veterans 9: Appeal unfavorable decisions
SSA often denies claims. You should appeal any denials. Re-filing a new application doesn’t help you get approved for benefits. It actually only delays the appeals process. Your chances for getting approved improve when you appeal an unfavorable decision. In fact, most cases have the best chance for approval at the hearing level. The VA often assigns a lower disability rating that you believe you have. Similar to SSA, it is best to appeal your disability rating. You only have one year to file an appeal. If you don’t appeal in time, then you must submit a new claim and basically move to the back of the line.
SSA and VA Disability Benefit Tips for Veterans 10: Work with a disability advocate
Navigating the SSA or VA disability process can be overwhelming and exhausting. Both require a lot of information and paperwork. Working with an experienced disability advocate ensures that they get the information they need to process your claim. Your disability advocate walks you through the process and answers all of your questions. They regularly check on the status of your case. Your disability advocate also files any necessary appeals.
If you’d like help with your case, our experts are standing by. Give us a call today at 800-800-3332.
How is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Considered a Disability?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may cause mental and physical exhaustion frequently over long periods. Your fatigue may likely interfere with your daily activities. Often, it can result in impaired cognitive functions. If your chronic fatigue syndrome keeps you from working, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI).
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Social Security Disability
Social Security disability considers chronic fatigue syndrome a significant impairment. However, you must meet certain requirements to receive SSDI benefits. Generally, Social Security requires any disabling condition interfere with your normal daily activities. Additionally, your symptoms must keep you from working for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you must have worked a certain amount of years recently.
Social Security relies, in part, on the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) definition to evaluate CFS. The CDC defines chronic fatigue syndrome as persistent fatigue that has a definite date of onset. There is no other mental or physical cause. Rest or sleep doesn’t improve fatigue. Lastly, the fatigue significantly interferes with work, school, social, or personal activities.
The diagnosis also requires at least four of the following symptoms for at least six months:
A general feeling of being unwell that lasts at least 24 hours following a period of exertion
Memory or concentration problems that cause a significant reduction in your activities
Frequent sore throats
Tender lymph nodes in the neck or under the arm
Muscle pain
Joint pain in different areas without swelling or redness
Headaches of a new type, pattern or severity
Waking up unrefreshed
How Does The SSA Evaluate Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Social Security Ruling 14-1p provides certain requirements to evaluate chronic fatigue syndrome. First, Social Security must establish your chronic fatigue syndrome as a “medically determinable impairment” (MDI). Social Security makes a finding that a condition is an MDI when there is objective medical evidence including medical signs and/or laboratory findings.
Establishing Chronic Fatigue as a Medical Determinable Impairment
First, you must provide evidence from an acceptable medical source. This includes a licensed physician such as a medical or osteopathic doctor. Second, you must show that your doctor reviewed your medical history. They must also perform a physical exam. Sometimes, your doctor may make a diagnosis on reported symptoms. However, Social Security requires medical signs and laboratory findings to support the diagnosis. Additionally, there can’t be another medical condition causing the fatigue.
What Medical Signs Does Social Security Require?
Social Security will look for specific medical signs that document your chronic fatigue syndrome. These signs must be documented over at least 6 consecutive months.
Abnormal tests such as an MRI, exercise stress test and/or sleep studies
Other medical signs such as frequent viral infections, sinusitis, ataxia, extreme pallor and significant weight changes
How Does Social Security Determine If I’m Disabled Due to My Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Social Security evaluates any physical or mental limitations caused by your chronic fatigue syndrome. This helps determine your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is what you can do despite your medical conditions. Your doctor can also fill out an RFC form. They can explain specifically how your symptoms impact your functioning.
Documenting Your Symptoms
Your medical records should include all laboratory testing your doctors ordered. Your doctor should note any other medical conditions considered and ruled out for a cause of your symptoms during each visit. This should also include all positive objective findings. Thus you doctor should note any tender points. They should also document symptoms such as problems with memory, attention or concentration.
Chronic Fatigue and RFC Forms
Your doctor can fill out an RFC form to help explain how your symptoms impact your daily activities. Your doctor may note physical limitations. As an illustration, your doctor may state that you can’t lift more than 10 pounds,have trouble standing and walking. You were limited to 2 hours in an 8 hour day. Your doctor should also note any mental limitations, may state that you would have difficulty concentrating during a work day. They may also note that you would frequently miss work. Although these forms are well-supported by your medical records, they can help get your claim approved.
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How to Qualify for VA Compensation While Receiving SSI. Veterans can receive both VA compensation and SSI. Both VA compensation and SSI require that you have disabling conditions. However, the requirements to qualify differ.
How to Qualify for VA Compensation While Receiving SSI: VA compensation
VA disability compensation offers monthly payments to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving. You must show that your disabling condition was “incurred or aggravated by your military service.” The VA does not require total disability. The VA awards benefits based in proportion to your percentage of disability. Compensation rates range from 10%-100%, in 10% increments.
VA pension
The VA also offers benefits for veterans who have non-service disabilities. VA pension benefits require that you were not dishonorably discharged and you meet certain financial limits. You must also meet certain service requirements. Additionally, you show one of the following:
You are at least 65 years old
Have a permanent and total disability
Are a patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability or
Are receiving Social Security disability insurance or SSI. The OT and ICS cyber security is what is needed to protect data.
How to Qualify for VA Compensation While Receiving SSI: SSI benefits
Unlike VA compensation, SSI does not offer partial disability. You must prove that your medical conditions keep you from working in any job. You must also show that you can’t work for at least 12 months. SSI also has specific financial requirements. Specifically, these requirements include:
You must have less than $2,000 in assets (or $3,000 for a couple)
Have a very limited income
Are a US citizen (there are very few exceptions to this)
VA compensation and SSI benefits
Since SSI is a needs-based program, other income affects the amount you receive from SSI. Therefore, VA compensation will reduce your SSI payments. Social Security considers VA compensation as “unearned income.” Social Security deducts unearned income on a dollar for dollar basis with a $20 exclusion. The SSI federal payment amount for 2021 is $794 per month.
How to apply for VA compensation
You can apply for veterans benefits online. You may also apply by using VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension. Once you apply, the VA uses military doctors and other health personnel to evaluate your disability claim. The VA may ask you to attend a C&P exam to help rate your claim. The VA assigns a disability rate to each of your conditions. These rates determine your Total Combined VA disability rating. The VA then uses this rate to figure out the amount of your benefits. We Can Help You Qualify for VA Compensation While Receiving SSI.
How to apply for SSI
You must contact your local Social Security office to file. Unlike the VA, Social Security doesn’t rate your conditions separately. Social Security looks at how the combination of your conditions impacts your functioning. First, they consider if any of your conditions meet certain conditions under their listing of impairments, known as the “Blue Book”. Most conditions will not meet these strict requirements. Next, Social Security considers your residual functional capacity or RFC. Your RFC includes both physical and mental limitations. If Social Security determines that your conditions keep you from working, they will approve your disability claim. Like the VA, Social Security may ask you to attend a medical exam to help evaluate your claim.
Disabled veterans and your age
Social Security has special disability rules the older you are. They look at a chart known as the Medical-Vocational guidelines to evaluate your claim called the “grid rules.” The grid rules make it easier for older people to win their case. Social Security considers your age, education and work background. The older you are, the easier it can be to win your case.
Can a veteran work and receive both VA and SSI?
If you are working, you may not qualify for SSI. Social Security considers work earnings over a certain amount “substantial gainful activity” or SGA. If you earn over the SGA limit, you will not qualify for Social Security disability. For 2021, SGA is earnings $1,310 per month or more (before taxes). However, if you earn more than $794 per month, you will not qualify to receive SSI payments. Unlike Social Security, veterans can work while receiving VA disability benefits unless you receive Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). We can help you Qualify for VA Compensation While Receiving SSI.
VA and SSI medical benefits
Veterans receiving VA disability automatically receive TRICARE benefits. TRICARE covers health costs found “medically necessary” for your condition. SSI recipients receive Medicaid benefits. If you receive both TRICARE and Medicaid, TRICARE becomes your primary insurance.
Getting help with your VA compensation and SSI claims
Get help with your case now. Firstly, your advocate helps you with your application and can make sure you provide all necessary information. Secondly, your advocate walks you through the process and can answer all of your questions. Thirdly, your advocate knows what it takes to get your case approved.
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How Receiving Social Security Disability Can Help You Get VA 100%. Receiving Social Security disability can help you get a 100% VA rating. However, receiving Social Security disability doesn’t guarantee a 100% VA rating. It can be used as powerful evidence for your VA claim. Although, these decisions only help if you can show your conditions are service-connected.
VA disability benefits require that you meet certain conditions. You must have a current diagnosis. That diagnosis must be service-connected. You must also show a medical nexus or connection between your diagnosis and in-service incurrence. The VA considers your disability service-connected if your medical condition:
Firstly, Was directly caused by military service
Secondly, Occurred while in the military
Thirdly, Was aggravated by military service or
Finally, Caused by conditions that are service-connected
VA disability rating and TDUI
Disability ratings range from 10% to 100%. Next, it can be hard to earn a 100% disability rating when you have more than one disability. Fortunately, the VA provides an alternate route to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDUI). The VA considers your ability not only get a job but also to keep a job. You meet the conditions for a TDUI rating if your disabilities prevent you from working and:
You have a single service-connected rating or have a combined disability rating of 70%
Social Security disability helps establish a current diagnosis
Firstly, SSDI looks at your medically determinable impairments (MDI). Secondly, Social Security considers any condition that has an impact on functioning as an MDI. Thirdly, a Social Security hearing decision includes a list of your disabilities. Therefore, your Social Security approval helps determine your diagnoses. Receiving Social Security Disability Can Help You Get VA 100%. Call Now for a Free Case Review.
Social Security disability helps establish service-connection
Frequently, applicants for Social Security disability have to testify at a disability hearing. During the hearing, the judge asks a lot of questions about your disabilities. Often, applicants provide detailed explanations about their conditions. They also explain when conditions started. A Social Security hearing decision includes a summary of testimony. Therefore, your Social Security hearing decision helps establish service-connection.
Example: Social Security hearing decision helps establish service-connection
Likewise, a veteran applied for disability benefits for PTSD. During the hearing, he testified that he witnessed a young girl get hit by a vehicle while on patrol during his service. He also testified that since his service, he started blacking out and became violent. He testified that he didn’t sleep well, had significant paranoia and was very depressed. The judge’s decision included the veteran’s testimony, helping to establish that his PTSD was connected to his service.
Social Security disability helps establish severity
Social Security has a difficult standard to meet for eligibility. You must show that your medical conditions prevent you from working in any job. A judge’s decision must explain why a case meets the requirements for disability. The decision includes specific reasons how significantly medical conditions impact a person’s functioning. Therefore, a Social Security disability decision can help explain how severe your conditions are.
Example: Social Security hearing decision helps establish severity
Hence, a veteran applied for Social Security disability due to a lower back impairment, depression and anxiety. During the hearing, the veteran testified that he injured his back during his service. He could no longer perform his duties as a postal worker. As a result of his chronic pain and limitations, he developed significant depression and anxiety symptoms, requiring medication and therapy.
In his hearing decision, the judge explained that his lower back condition caused significant limitations with standing, walking and sitting. The judge also explained that his depression and anxiety symptoms caused significant problems concentrating. The veteran provided the VA a copy of the decision, which helped him qualify for TDUI.
Example: Social Security hearing decision helps establish severity
For instance, a veteran applied for Social Security disability due to a traumatic brain injury. He suffered from episodes of aggression, poor memory and difficulty getting along with others. In his hearing decision, the judge referred to evidence in his record documenting that he needed a lot of help with his daily activities. Specifically, he needed help with medication management and reminders to take care of his personal hygiene.
His mother took him to all of his medical appointments and helped manage his bills. His medical records documented that he could become very aggressive often. The Social Security judge determined that the veteran would not be capable of maintaining any job. The decision helped increase the veteran’s VA disability rating.
Getting help with your Social Security and VA disability claims
Both Social Security and VA have complicated application processes. The process can be even tougher when Social Security or the VA issues a decision that completely ignores the evidence. Working with an experienced advocate helps increase your chances of getting approved. They know how to turn a loss into a win. An experienced advocate can analyze your case and help you receive maximum benefits. It helps to have knowledgeable experts on your side.
Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your SSDI and VA disability claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
