Social Security over 55 Grid rules are special disability rules that can help you win your case.
Social Security Over 55 Grid Rules
It is much easier for Social Security to approve your application for disability benefits if you are over age 55. Typically, for disability benefits, you have to show that you can’t work. If you under age 50, you have to show that you can’t do any kind of work at all. As you get older, there are more favorable rules Social Security can use to approve your case. That’s because Social Security understands that it may be harder for older people to do new types of work. These rules are the “grid rules.”
The grid rules consider different factors. These factors include:
Age
How far you went in school
Work background
Residual functional capacity (RFC) – what you can do despite your medical conditions
The Grid Rules and Your Past Work
Social Security will look to the grid rules once they have figured out your residual functional capacity (RFC). In order to apply the grid rules, Social Security must categorize your past work. The grid rules will only apply if Social Security finds that you can’t return to your past work. Social Security only considers past relevant work. Past relevant work is work done in the past 15 years. It should also have resulted in significant earnings. Temporary or part-time jobs might not count as past relevant work.
Social Security has different physical categories of work. These include:
Sedentary – mostly sitting jobs that don’t require lifting more than 10 pounds
Light – usually require more standing and don’t require lifting more than 20 pounds
Social Security will also look at the type of skills required to do your past work. Sometimes, there are skills from your past work that can be used to do different types of jobs. Social Security calls them transferable skills. It is harder to apply a favorable grid rule when there are transferable skills. However, transferable skills won’t apply if you can only do simple, routine tasks. Generally, Social Security makes this finding when there is treatment for mental health problem.
Applying Social Security Over 55 Grid Rules
Case study 1: Over 55 Grid Rules
For example, a 58 year old man applied for disability because he had coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes and COPD. He previously worked as a warehouse worker and line technician for the local cable company. Social Security categorized his past work as medium and heavy. They found that he could only do light work. Additionally, Social Security found that here were no transferable skills. Therefore, the Social Security Over 55 Grid Rules directed a finding that he was disabled.
Case study 2: Over 55 Grid Rules
In another example, a 57 year old woman applied for disability benefits due to degenerative joint disease in her right shoulder and right knee. She also suffered from vertigo and major depressive disorder. She previously worked as an accounts receivable clerk. Social Security found that she could do simple, routine and light jobs. Her past work is a sedentary job. However, it requires more complex tasks. Therefore, Social Security found that she could not return to her past job. As a result, her case was approved under the Social Security Over 55 Grid Rules.
Case study 3: Over 55 Grid rules
Lastly, a 59 year old man filed for disability benefits because he had degenerative disc disease in his back, osteoarthritis in his hips and depression. He needed a cane to stand and walk. He previously worked as a truck driver and a waiter. Social Security found that he could do simple, routine sedentary jobs. Since his past work was categorized as light and medium, the Social Security Over 55 Grid Rules applied. Social Security was able to approve his claim.
Working with a SSDI Disability Lawyer
An experienced SSDI disability lawyer will tell if you these grid rules apply in your case. More importantly, a disability lawyer can help you get the evidence you need to apply the Social Security Over 55 Grid Rules and win your case.
Disability Help Group: Winning Social Security Over 55 Grid Rules
For instance, Michael applied for benefits because he had back pain. He was 59 years old and had worked in as a janitor for many years. Unfortunately, Michael was denied for benefits. He had not seen his doctors in a while. However, his doctors had told him that he could not work as a janitor any more. Michael then turned to Disability Help Group. We helped him file an appeal. Our advocate suggested that he see a specialist for his back. Michael started seeing an orthopedist and pain management doctor. We also advised him to have an MRI of his back. At his hearing, the judge found that he could not do his past job as a janitor. The judge found that Michael could not lift or carry 50 pounds. As a result, Michael was limited to light work. The judge approved his case based on the Social Security Over 55 Grid Rules.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Social Security over 50 Grid rules can help you win your disability case.
Social Security Disability Over 50 Grid Rules
Generally, Social Security defines disability as having the inability to work. They look at your ability to go back to your past work. They also look at your ability to do other types of work. However, Social Security recognizes that it may be harder for older individuals to do new work. Therefore, there are more favorable rules for older people. These rules are the “grid rules.”
The grid rules consider different factors. These factors include:
Your age
Education
Work background
Residual functional capacity (RFC) – what you can do despite your medical conditions
The Grid Rules and Your Past Work
Social Security will look at the grid rules once they have figured out your RFC. In order to apply the grid rules, Social Security must categorize your past work. The grid rules will only apply if Social Security finds that you can’t return to your past work. Social Security only considers past relevant work. Past relevant work is work done in the past 15 years. It should also have resulted in significant earnings. Temporary or part-time jobs might not count as past relevant work.
Social Security has different physical categories of work. These include:
Sedentary – mostly sitting jobs that don’t require lifting more than 10 pounds
Light – usually require more standing and don’t require lifting more than 20 pounds
Medium – requires lifting between 25-50 pounds
Heavy – requires lifting more than 50 pounds
The Grid Rules Past Skilled Work
Social Security will also look at the type of skills required to do your past work. Sometimes, there are skills from your past work that can be used to do different types of jobs. These are transferable skills. It is harder to apply a favorable grid rule when there are transferable skills. However, transferable skills won’t apply if you can only do simple, routine tasks. Generally, Social Security makes this finding when there is evidence of mental health impairment.
Applying the Over 50 Grid Rules
Case study 1: Social Security over 50 Grid rules
In one case, a 54 year old man applied for disability benefits after he had his knee replaced. Unfortunately, he continued to have pain and swelling in his knee. This made it impossible for him to go back to work. He previously worked as a security guard. Social Security determined that he had the ability to perform sedentary work. Social Security found that there were no transferable skills. Therefore, the grid rules directed a finding of disabled.
Case study 2: Social Security over 50 Grid rules
In another case, a 51 year old woman applied for disability based on coronary artery disease, depression and anxiety. She previously worked as an office manager and cashier. She suffered from frequent chest pain and leg swelling, also had trouble concentrating. Social Security determined that she could perform sedentary work. Her job as an office manager was categorized as sedentary. Yet, Social Security also found she could only do simple and routine tasks. Since her job required more complex tasks, she was not able to return to her past work. Therefore, the grid rules allowed Social Security to approve her case.
Hire a disability expert who knows the Social Security over 50 Grid Rules
Unfortunately, the grid rules don’t always work out in your favor. This is especially true if you are applying for disability benefits for non-physical conditions. Most commonly, these conditions include problems such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder alone.
For example, a 53 year old man applied for disability benefits when he could no longer work due to depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. He previously worked in a poultry factory. Social Security found that he could only perform simple and routine tasks. Without any physical restrictions, the Social Security over 50 Grid rules directed a finding of not disabled. Consequently, he was denied benefits.
Working with a SSDI Disability Lawyer
Even if the Social Security over 50 Grid rules don’t work in your favor, you can still win your case. In the above example, this gentleman can still win if he proves his conditions meet the medical listing requirements. He can also be approved if he shows he would miss work a lot.
Hire a Disability Expert
An experienced SSDI disability lawyer will help explain the Social Security over 50 Grid rules. They can tell if you these grid rules apply in your case. More importantly, disability lawyer can help you get the evidence you need to apply the grid rules and win your case.
Disability Help Group: Winning Grid Case Study
For instance, Jerry applied for benefits because he had knee pain and swelling. He also had diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. He was 52 years old and had worked in a warehouse for many years.
Unfortunately, Social Security denied Jerry’s claim. He couldn’t understand why. His doctors told him to apply. Finally, Mr. Doyle turned to Disability Help Group. Our advocate suggested that he get a prescription for the cane he had been using. She also noticed that his doctor didn’t write down that he needed to elevate his legs, even though the doctor told Jerry this several times. On our advocate’s advice, he spoke with his doctor. Then, the recommendation was included in his medical records. At hearing, the judge found that Jerry couldn’t do his warehouse job. The judge also found that he couldn’t stand or walk for more than two hours a day. Therefore, Jerry was limited to sedentary work. The Social Security over 50 Grid rules were applied and the judge approved his claim.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Are thinking about or have already filed for Social Security disability benefits? You should consider hiring a SSDI disability lawyer for help. Many people think that applying for disability benefits is simple and fast. Unfortunately, this is not true. The initial application process requires a lot. It includes paperwork and medical records. Also, you must complete several forms. The process can become confusing and overwhelming.
You do not need to hire a SSDI disability lawyer to represent you. Although, hiring a disability lawyer can improve your chances of a successful claim. There are many reasons why you should work with a SSDI disability lawyer. Contact Boston’s trusted criminal defense lawyer in case of accident.
Advantages of Hiring a SSDI Disability Lawyer
There are many benefits to hiring an experienced SSDI disability lawyer. First, a SSDI disability lawyer will serve as your advocate. They guide you through the process. Social Security has very specific definitions of disability. This includes a Blue Book listing of medical impairments. These conditions qualify people for disability benefits. A SSDI disability lawyer can help you understand these listings. They will assist you in getting the right evidence to support your claim.
A SSDI disability lawyer reviews your initial application
Secondly, a SSDI disability lawyer reviews your initial application. They look for important missing information. Any mistakes or missing information can effect on your claim throughout the entire process. An SSDI disability lawyer can help you avoid making any serious mistakes.
A SSDI disability lawyer deals with Social Security
Third, your SSDI disability lawyer stays in touch with Social Security. They want to make sure your claim is moving forward. They can help you in completing important forms. Also, your disability lawyer will answer any questions that you have.
Lastly, a SSDI disability lawyer will file any necessary appeals. You don’t’ want to miss any deadlines. Social Security may make you start over from the beginning. An SSDI disability lawyer appeals your claim before any deadlines.
How A SSDI Disability Lawyer Can Increase My Chances
A SSDI disability lawyer knows the application process. They have gone through the process many times. They know why Social Security denies claims. A SSDI disability lawyer also knows what it takes to get a claim approved. They can get your claim on the right track. Also, providing the right information quickly helps your application go faster.
A SSDI disability knows Social Security’s rules
A SSDI disability lawyer presents your case in a way to give you the best chance of winning your claim. Social Security has special disability rules for people over age 50. They are called “grid rules.” The grid rules consider several factors when looking at your claim. They include your age, education and work background. An experienced SSDI disability lawyer can explain how these grid rules work. They can tell you if they apply in your claim.
Case study 1: applying the grid rules
For example, say you are over the age of 50 and previously worked as a cashier. You had to stop working because you have arthritis in your knees. Now, you can no longer stand or walk for long periods of time. A SSDI disability lawyer can tell you what records will help win your case. They can also provide you with forms for your doctor to complete to help support your claim. These are known as Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) forms.
Social Security Hearings
Working with a SSDI disability lawyer gives you a valuable advantage at the hearing level. SSDI disability lawyers are experienced appearing at hearings. They know the judges. Therefore, they can tell you what the judge is like at hearing.
Understand the hearing process
Generally, hearings are not like court on television. Social Security disability hearings take place in private hearing rooms. You do not sit in a witness box. There is not another attorney asking you questions. However, they still require you to follow certain rules. You do provide testimony under oath. Sometimes, there are medical and vocational or job experts that testify.
Be prepared for your hearing
An experienced SSDI disability attorney will get you ready for your hearing. They tell you the questions the judge will ask you. Typically, your disability attorney practices answering these questions with you. Additionally, they will also explain the roles of all the people present during a hearing, including any experts. Many times, the judges will have vocational experts testify. Vocational experts know about jobs. They help the judge understand how your past work is categorized. In addition, they will also testify how physical and mental restrictions impacts work in general.
A SSDI lawyer completes your file
Most importantly, your SSDI disability attorney reviews your file. They get any additional evidence or documentation that you may need to get your claim approved. They explain how the judge will review the medical evidence.
Disability Help Group: Winning case study
For instance, Sarah didn’t think she needed a disability lawyer. Her doctors told her that she was a good candidate for disability benefits. Unfortunately, Social Security denied her two times. At that point, Sarah turned to Disability Help Group. We reviewed her file. We discovered that some important medical evidence was missing from her file. Sarah’s advocate sent the missing records to the judge. The judge approved Sarah’s case. Her only regret was not hiring Disability Help Group sooner.
What is the cost of hiring a SSDI disability lawyer?
There are no up-front costs to hiring a SSDI disability lawyer. If you are not approved for disability benefits, you don’t pay any fees. Social Security has rules that decide how much a disability lawyer is paid.
Social Security regulates our fees
An SSDI disability lawyer cannot get more than 25% of your back pay up to $6,000 under Social Security’s rules. In other words, $6,000 is the most a SSDI disability lawyer can get paid. For example, if you were awarded $40,000 in back pay, then your SSDI disability lawyer receives $6,000 in attorney’s fees.
Social Security pays us directly
Social Security will automatically withhold your SSDI disability lawyer’s fee. Then, Social Security will pay your attorney. Social Security will send the rest of your back pay directly to you.
Costs associated with your claim
However, there could be costs associated with getting your medical records. These costs are separate from any attorney’s fees. You must repay these costs directly to your SSDI disability lawyer.
When should I call a SSDI disability lawyer?
Generally, it is better to contact an SSDI disability lawyer as early as possible. Especially if you are considering filing for disability, you should call a SSDI disability lawyer for a free consultation. They can look at the strength of your case. They can assist with the initial application process.
Get help now
However, all is not lost if you have already filed an application. Moreover, you can hire a SSDI disability lawyer during any stage in the process. They can answer any questions that you have about appealing your claim . An SSDI disability lawyer can also help you figure out what went wrong the first time around.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
How Can I Check on My Disability Claim? It takes Social Security time to process your disability application. There are several steps that Social Security takes before making a decision on your claim. Checking your Social Security application status is an easy way to stay on top of your Social Security application. You can make sure there is no missing information slowing down your application.
However, there are different guidelines for checking the status of a claim. There are also different departments that handle your claim. It can be confusing and frustrating if you’re not sure who to contact for the status of your claim.
Ways to Check the Status of Your Application
There are several ways to check the status of your Social Security disability claim. These include:
Online at the SSA website at www.ssa.gov . If you are checking the status of your application online, you will need to create a “my Social Security” account.
Contact your local Social Security office
Contact Social Security’s national telephone at 1-800-772-1213
Contacting you Social Security disability lawyer
Information Needed to Check Your Claim Status
In order to provide you information about your claim, Social Security will ask for specific information. You should have this information available before speaking with Social Security. This includes:
Your name
Social Security number
Address
Email
A phone number for Social Security to reach you
Checking on Initial Applications or Reconsideration Claims
First, you send your disability claim to your local Social Security office. Second, the local office processes your application. Third, your claim is sent to Disability Determination Services or DDS. DDS assigns a claims representative to your case. The person assigned to your case is the claims adjudicator.
Even if you need to check the status of your claim at the initial application or on reconsideration (the first appeal), it is best to speak directly with the claims adjudicator assigned to your case. DDS often will include your claims’ adjudicator’s name and phone number on letters and forms that they send you. Your claims adjudicator will give you the status of your claim and tell you what information they are waiting for. However, the claims adjudicator cannot tell you Social Security’s decision on your claim. You will receive a decision letter in the mail.
DDS will assign a different claims adjudicator at the reconsideration level.
Especially if you have not received any letters or forms, you can also call your local office for additional information. Social Security recommends that you wait at least thirty days before checking on the status of your claim.
DDS mails you letters that tell you what information is missing from your claim. This generally includes a list of your doctors that Social Security has contacted. The letters state that they will make a decision within 10 days if they do not receive the requested information. Do not panic if you receive these letters. At times, you may receive this notice very shortly after your claims adjudicator sends a request to your doctors, giving them very little time to respond. It is best to follow up with your claims adjudicator or your disability lawyer to receive an accurate update on the status of your claim.
Checking on Hearing Level Claims
You can appeal at reconsideration level and request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Once a request has been filed, your claim is sent to the hearing office(OHO). Your claim will be assigned and scheduled for a hearing. It may take several months for OHO to schedule your hearing.
Speaking to the correct office
If your case is at the hearing level, it is best to contact the hearing office directly. The hearing offices are separate from Social Security. Therefore, your local office will not have much information about your claim at that point. At best, the local office will only confirm that your case is at the hearing office.
If You Have a SSDI disability lawyer
A disability lawyer will make these calls and check on the status of your claim for you. An experienced disability lawyer will perform regular status checks with Social Security. Since they are familiar with all aspects of the process, they will know who to call to get accurate information. A disability lawyer will also help you to complete all the paperwork. Overall, hiring an experienced disability lawyer can help to make the claims process easier.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. If you have already applied for SSI or SSDI, call immediately to make sure your case is still pending and was filed correctly. You may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to be porous and fragile. This can cause the bones to break easily.
Osteoporosis happens when your bones become less able to make new bone as quickly as the old bone breaks down. Osteoporosis can be considered a disability if it prevents you from working.
Who Usually Develops Osteoporosis?
Anyone can develop osteoporosis. However, there are certain risk factors that can increase your likeliness to develop osteoporosis. These risk factors can include:
Sex – more women than men get osteoporosis
Age – you are at higher risk to develop osteoporosis the older you are
Diet – low calcium levels, anorexia and weight loss surgery can increase your risk
Lifestyle – you are at higher risk if you sit around a lot, drink a lot of alcohol or use tobacco
Medications
In early stages, osteoporosis often does not have any signs or symptoms. However, in more advanced stages, osteoporosis can cause:
Loss of height
Changes in posture
Back pain
Typically, osteoporosis alone will not qualify you for Social Security benefits. However, there are symptoms and related health problems that might affect your ability to work.
Evidence needed for your osteoporosis diagnosis
Medical evidence includes your doctor’s treatment notes, test results and imaging.
Difficulty or an inability to ambulate effectively, such as your ability to walk reasonable distances or to use stairs
The need for an assistive device such as a cane, walker, or crutches
Any pain with movement of your bones or joints
Problems using your hands
Difficulty traveling places without assistance
Difficulty performing activities of daily living such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, using public transportation, bathing or getting dressed
Specific tests related to osteoporosis include:
Bone mineral density test. This tests the strength of your bones. It can also be called a DXA scan.
Blood tests that include
Calcium levels,
Thyroid levels,
Vitamin D levels,
Alkaline Phosphatase,
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or
Parathyroid (PTH)
Treatment for Osteoporosis
Treatment for osteoporosis can include medications and lifestyle changes.It is important that your doctor document side effects from medications response to medication surgeries or procedures related to fractures related medical complications
Listings of Medical Impairments
This is also known as the “Blue Book.” Osteoporosis is not one of the medical impairments included in the Blue Book. However, you might match a listing under another section.
Since osteoporosis can cause your bones to break easily, Listings 1.06 and 1.07 might apply. These listings provide specific criteria for fractures or broken bones in the upper and lower body.
osteoporosis due to other conditions such as cancer, thyroid disorders
If you have one of these conditions, you might match the listings under 9.00 for endocrine disorders.These include:
Pituitary gland disorders
Thyroid gland disorders
Parathyroid gland disorders
Adrenal gland disorders
Diabetes and other pancreatic gland disorders, including
Hyperglycemia (high levels of glucose),
Hypoglycemia (low levels of glucose) and
Diabetic ketoacidosis
What if your osteoporosis does not meet the Blue Book listings?
You can still qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you do not meet the Blue Book listings. However, you must show that your osteoporosis keeps you from working.
Social Security will need to assess your residual functional capacity (RFC.) Your RFC is what you can do despite your medical conditions. Your doctor can help clarify your RFC by providing certain information about your osteoporosis.
For example, you may need to use extreme caution performing certain activities due to a higher risk of breaking your bones, such as bending or lifting. You may have problems standing, walking or sitting for long periods of time due to joint pain, especially in your back, hips, knees or ankles.
You may also have difficulty reaching, grasping or holding items because of joint pain in your hands or arms.
Your doctor can help explain these limitations in an RFC form. Your doctor should be specific with any limitations related to these activities. They should include:
How long you can sit, stand or walk at one time or in an eight hour day
Maximum weight you can lift or carry
How frequently you can use your arms and hands
Your pain levels
Side effects from medications
You want to provide as much documentation and records as possible related to your osteoporosis. You should see your doctor consistently and continue to have regular testing for your osteoporosis.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. If you have already applied for SSI or SSDI, call immediately to make sure your case is still pending and was filed correctly. You may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact us now for a free consultation.
What is considered a disability? Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as an individual:
having a medical impairment or combination of impairments;
the impairment prevents the person from working; and
they cannot work for at least twelve months.
Social Security provides a “Listing of Medical Impairments”. This is also known as the “Blue Book”. These impairments will automatically qualify you for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
However, you must meet certain conditions. You can be found disabled if these specific conditions are met. You may still qualify for disability benefits under other guidelines if your medical condition is not on the list.
Listing of Medical Impairments for SSDI include:
The Listing of Impairments is generally broken down by body system or function. They are the most severe level of disabilities. There are separate disability listings for adults and children under the age of 18. For adults, the medical conditions that qualify for Social Security Disability:
Musculoskeletal system, such as back conditions or dysfunction of the joints and bones;
Special Senses and Speech, such as vision and hearing loss;
Respiratory Disorders, such as breathing disorders like asthma, cystic fibrosis or lung transplant;
Cardiovascular System, such as chronic heart failure, chronic venous insufficiency or peripheral arterial disease;
Digestive System, such as chronic liver disease or inflammatory bowel disease;
Genitourinary Disorders, such as chronic kidney disease; or
Hematological Disorders, such as blood disorders.
Additional examples are:
Skin Disorders, such as chronic skin infections, dermatitis or burns
Endocrine Disorders, such as diabetes, thyroid gland disorders or pituitary gland disorders
Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems, such as Down syndrome
Neurological Disorders, such as epilepsy, Parkinsonian syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, cerebral palsy or peripheral neuropathy
Mental Disorders, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder or schizophrenia
Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
Immune System Disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, inflammatory arthritis or HIV/AIDS
The Listings of Impairments for children are almost identical to the adult disability listings. However, the Childhood Listings also include growth impairments.
Does Your Condition Meet a Listing?
First, your doctor must diagnosis you with a disability under the Listings. There are some conditions that will qualify you for disability with a diagnosis alone. Some examples include:
ALS;
An organ transplant; or
Certain cancers such as esophageal cancer, mucosal melanoma, anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid gland or small-cell carcinoma (prostate, ovaries, breast, lungs, pleura, intestines or bladder)
Generally, just a diagnosis of a disability is not enough. The Listings of Impairments set out the requirements for how severe the symptoms are affecting you. SSA will review clinical findings and laboratory tests to determine if your disability meets the listing. If you have not had the clinical or laboratory tests required in the listing, you can ask your doctor to perform them.
Medical Equivalence
Your disability may also medically equal the Listings.
Medical equivalence is found if:
Your medical impairment is at least equal in severity and duration; and
Does not quite match the requirements under the listing.
The SSA also recognizes that there are many ways to diagnose and document the same illness. Your disability may “equal’ a listing if it does not quite meet all of the requirements under the listing. For example, the listing may require a specific result on a specific lab test. However, you were given a different test that showed the same results. SSA may find that your disability equals the listing.
You can also equal a listing if you have multiple disabilities but none of them meet the listings individually. SSA will look at listings that are close to your disabilities. If the combination of your impairments adds up to an impairment that is just as severe as the listing, your disabilities would equal the listings.
What if your medical condition is not under the Listings?
You can still be found disabled if your disability does not meet or equal the listings. However, you must show that your medical condition keeps you from working.
Some examples of other disabilities include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Celiac Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease
Your disability must be supported by medical evidence. Medical evidence may include:
Physical examinations
Treatment notes
MRIs
CAT scans
X-rays
Blood work results
Biopsy results
Pulmonary function tests
Mental health records
What medical evidence is considered relevant?
Your medical evidence must cover the period of time that you became disabled and unable to work. Your treatment should be continuous and ongoing. Treatment received prior to becoming unable to work is not necessary. In fact, it can be harmful in some cases.
How does SSA evaluate your medical evidence?
Your medical condition must limit your ability to perform daily activities. SSA will determine the most that you can do despite your disabilities based on your medical evidence. An RFC includes both exertional and non-exertional limitations. Exertional limitations include the:
Ability to sit
To stand
To walk
The amount of weight you can lift or carry
Non-exertional limitations include:
Your ability to climb stairs or ramps or ladders, or ropes or scaffolds
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl or balance
Your ability to use your hands
Environmental restrictions such as your ability to tolerate temperature extremes or dusts, odors, gases or fumes
Your ability to follow instructions, get along with other people, stay focused or concentrate, maintain a regular, full-time work schedule
Your doctors may also submit an opinion about your disabilities. The opinion should include specific restrictions about your activities.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. If you have already applied for SSI or SSDI, call immediately to make sure your case is still pending and was filed correctly. You may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact us now for a free consultation.
