Our Greensboro Disability Lawyers on Rules for Determining Disability

If you suffer from a severe impairment or combination of impairments that prevent you from working, you likely have applied or are considering applying for Social Security disability benefits. Although each case is unique, there are some general guidelines an experienced Greensboro Social Security disability attorney can provide to explain how the Social Security Administration makes a disability determination.

General Considerations

The fact that you cannot work is not in and of itself determinative; the SSA has developed a very specific process that each applicant must go through. For those individuals with extreme conditions who are obviously disabled, approval is almost certain. However, if you’re like most claimants, you have some physical impairment that prevents you from engaging in the work activities you have previously performed. If you fall within this category, a Greensboro Social Security disability attorney can be helpful in establishing what you need to prove to win your case.

Past Work History

Based on your medical condition, the SSA will make a determination of what is called your residual functional capacity. Your RFC is what activities you can and cannot perform in consideration of your impairments. An assessment will be made whether your RFC allows you to work your prior job or any other relevant job you performed in the past 15 years. The more different jobs you have had, the more complicated this analysis becomes.

Training and Skills

Even if the determination is made that you cannot work past jobs, the SSA will examine whether or not you have the requisite abilities to be able to learn a different job. Formal education, military experience and other vocational training you have experienced will be considered by the SSA.

Age Matters

Although there is no formal rule or regulation addressing the age of the claimant and the standard of evaluation, practically speaking, the younger you are the more difficult it will be to be approved for disability. For example, if you’re under 50, you will likely need to prove you cannot do even a job that allows you to sit all day or perhaps alternately sit and stand periodically. If you are older, the proof necessary involves showing you cannot perform certain light to medium type work. Claimants over 55 have a far better rate of success than younger applicants.

Contact Our Greensboro Disability Lawyers For Legal Advice

Denials are very common for initial applicants. It is important to remember not to become discouraged and to submit a timely appeal. To learn the best approach for your case, call the Bridgman Law Offices, Greensboro disability lawyers at 704-815-6055.