Monthly Archives: April 2020
Skill Level and Social Security Disability Claims
During the process of reviewing an application for disability benefits, Social Security officials must determine not only what limitations there are on the applicant’s ability to work, but also what jobs, if any, the applicant can perform despite these limitations. In making this latter determination, Social Security will often rely on the testimony of… Read More »
Why the “Severity” of Your Disability Matters When It Comes to Social Security Benefits
One of the critical tests for assessing a disability claim is whether or not the applicant’s cited physical or mental impairments are “severe.” From a legal standpoint, a severe impairment is one that has lasted–or is expected to last–at least 12 months and “imposes more than a minimal limitation on the claimant’s ability to… Read More »
How Does Social Security Decide If I Am Capable of Performing Certain Types of Work Despite My Disability?
One of the key steps in assessing an application for disability benefits requires a Social Security administrative law judge (ALJ) to assess what alternative jobs, if any, the applicant could perform in spite of their impairments. ALJs typically rely on the testimony of vocational experts (VEs) to provide such alternatives. The ALJ may also… Read More »
“Unskilled” Jobs and Their Importance to Social Security Disability Applications
If you are applying for Social Security disability benefits, it is not enough to show you are incapable of performing your past work or occupation. Social Security officials will examine if you are capable of performing any type of meaningful work within certain parameters. For example, if your existing work skills could be transferred… Read More »
