WHAT DOES SOCIAL SECURITY MEAN BY "SEVERE"?

Social Security says you must have a "severe" impairment to qualify for Social Security disability. But do they mean by "severe"?

When it comes to SSDI, the definition of a “severe” impairment is crucial. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets a specific threshold for what qualifies as a severe condition that significantly limits your ability to perform basic work-related activities for at least 12 consecutive months. This definition encompasses both physical and mental impairments.

Age matters, too. If the claimant is age 50 or over, Social Security considers whether he/she can perform past relevant work (PRW). That means full-time work performed within the 5 years before applying for SSDI benefits. If they find that the claimant can perform even one of his/her past relevant jobs, the claim will be denied.

If the claimant is under age 50, he/she must be unable to perform ANY and ALL full-time work to get a benefit. This includes easier jobs than the past work. For example, an individual may not be able to perform construction work any more-but might be able to perform a sit-down job, such as small parts inspector or mail sorter. The supposed ability to perform "other work" can result in a denial of benefits.

How Do You Prove Your Condition is Severe?

Social Security will rely on objective medical evidence from doctors, psychologists, therapists and other treatment professionals.

Decision makers will look for impairments which will result in significant restrictions in the ability to perform basic work activities. For PHYSICAL impairments, they will look for restrictions in the ability to sit, stand, walk, lift/carry, push, pull, reach, bend, etc.

For MENTAL impairments, decision makers will look at the claimant's ability to (on a sustained basis...)

• remember, understand and carry out simple instructions

• concentrate for 2 hours at a time and up to 8 hours per day (work shift)

• respond appropriately to supervisors, coworkers and the general public

• adjust to and usual work situations; and to deal with changes in a routine work setting.
  

The key is to present evidence from a professional that Social Security will believe and respect. Then, you must connect medical information to vocational restrictions.

The claimant cannot perform this/that job because of her inablity to.........sit, stand, walk, lift, bend, remember, understand or follow directions...., etc.

As your representative, I pledge to help you find the evidence required to meet your burden of proof under Social Security's rules and regulations. We never give up. Call us to see if you have a claim, or if you need an appeal after a recent denial. (256) 799-0297.