When You Apply For Disability, write Down Everything That Is Wrong With Youfile a disability claim on the basis of physical impairments that cause them to have chronic pain do not consider mentioning that they are also being treated for depression or anxiety. It is important to mention ANY mental conditions along with the physical impairment you have. Why? Because mentioning them may enable a disability examiner to rule out your ability to perform a past job that was not physically challenging but required you to stay on task, concentrate, perform complex tasks, remember instructions, etc. Again, for example, if you are unable to perform the mental demands of your "skilled, light duty job" due to your mental condition, the disability examiner may consider you unable to perform any of your past work due to the combined limitations of your physical and mental conditions. They may find that you are unable to perform any other work in the general economy. Winning can result from having several conditions The simplest way to explain the importance of mentioning everything that is wrong with you is that you have no way of knowing how any of your conditions may help win your disability benefits for you. Social Security Disability examiners must determine what your residual functional capacity is and compare that to work that you have done in the past--assuming, of course, that you do not initially qualify for disability on the basis of meeting or equaling the criteria of a Social Security Disability listing impairment (listings for specific medical conditions are contained in the Social Security Disability list of impairments, known as the blue book). Residual functional capacity is determined by looking at all of your conditions and how they limit your ability to perform routine activities of daily life including work activity. Residual functional capacity is so important that the final steps of the five step sequential evaluation process (used in all cases where a person does not get approved on a listing) involve a determination as to whether an individual's residual functional capacity prevents them from performing any of their past work (step 4) and also precludes them from performing any other work in the general economy (step 5). If the disability examiner determines that your residual functional capacity is so limiting that it rules out all of your past work activity and it renders you unable to transfer your skills or to be retrained for another job, you may be approved for disability benefits. In the end, your disability claim may hinge on an impairment or condition that you do not consider as important as another disabling condition, but it may enable the disability examiner to find that you were unable to do a past job, or that you are not able to meet the demands of other work. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Is it hard to get disability in NC? Should you Look at the Disability File that Social Security has on You? How do I apply for a Social Security Disability widow's claim? Who handles my case if I apply for Social Security Disability? Social Security Disability Application Online Can I apply for disability online? Can I Collect Unemployment While I File For Disability Benefits (SSD or SSI)? What medical conditions can you apply for disability for? To Apply For SSI or SSD Disability Benefits, Where do I Start? When You Apply For Disability, write Down Everything That Is Wrong With You When I Apply For Disability, Should I List My Old Meds From Years Ago? When I Apply for Disability - Should I apply for Social Security Disability or SSI? What happens if you are working when you file for disability or work after you apply? If Social Security Turns Down My Case Can I apply For Disability A Second Time? Getting a Disability Lawyer in Alabama How long can it take to get disability in Colorado? |
