Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Understanding the Role a Vocational Expert’s Testimony Plays in a Disability Benefits Hearing
In assessing an application for disability benefits, Social Security officials must determine the types of jobs an applicant can perform, taking into account their physical and mental impairments. To accomplish this, Social Security typically relies on the testimony of “vocational experts,” who provide estimates as to the types and quantity of jobs available in… Read More »
The Role of Medical Consultants in Social Security Disability Cases
When you apply for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration will carefully review your medical records, including the diagnosis and expert opinions of your treating physicians. But Social Security also relies on a number of medical consultants, i.e., doctors who will examine your medical history but not personally treat you. Medical consultants actually work… Read More »
Assessing Your Past Relevant Work When Applying for Disability Benefits
In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, agency officials must first determine whether or not you are capable of performing any type of meaningful work activity. A key factor in making this determination is an examination of your “past relevant work.” Social Security regulations define past relevant work as any “substantial gainful… Read More »
What You Need to Know About Social Security’s “Listings” for Disabilities
Social Security employs a five-step process for evaluating applications for disability benefits. At the third step, a Social Security administrative law judge (ALJ) must determine whether or not the applicant’s known physical and mental impairments “meets or equals” one or more of the official “listings” of impairments, i.e., recognized disabilities. If the ALJ finds… Read More »
