The impact of having multiple versus a single disabling condition

You can apply for Social Security Disability (SSD), no matter if you have one medical impairment or multiple ones. The severity of your physical or mental limitations is more of a determining factor as to whether you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits than the specific conditions that you have.

The condition that you suffer from must severely impair your daily function in terms of mental or physical capacity if you hope to qualify for SSI disability benefits. You will need to provide documented medical evidence that confirms your inability to engage in a substantial gainful activity (SGA) if you want to qualify for SSI benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines SGA as any regular self-supporting work that someone may perform each month.

It may be more challenging for SSI disability benefits to be approved based on a series of ailments rather than one severe disability, especially if none of those conditions meet or exceed the severity criteria requirements. You may be able to get approved for benefits based on a medical-vocational allowance if you don’t get approved based on the severity of your condition.

A medical-vocational allowance is based upon a person’s residual functional capacity as it relates to their age, education and transferability of their job skills. A person’s residual functional capacity must be so restrictive that it prevents them from engaging in any past employment or future employment opportunities to qualify for benefits.

Being approved for SSI disability benefits based on having multiple conditions rather than one severe impediment is an uphill battle; however, it’s not impossible. A North Carolina administrative judge may rule in your favor of your case for benefits if it’s adequately prepared and articulately presented. An attorney in Charlotte can help you build your case and present it in the most favorable light in hopes of getting your claim approved.