What Conditions Constitute a Disability Claim?
The Law Offices of Eric A. Shore helps their clients understand what constitutes a disability, and assists them in filing their claim for benefits. We understand that a lot of uncertainty exists about which illnesses and injuries make a person eligible for Social Security Disability.
We have devoted this page to help make those distinctions more clear.
Am I disabled?
Determining whether or not you are disabled is a very detailed process that is dictated by specific parameters set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA considers someone disabled when they meet all of the following criteria:
- A person cannot do the work they did before
- The SSA decides a person cannot adjust to another kind of work because of his or her medical condition(s)
- The disability is expected to last at least one year or result in death
Our disability attorneys can help you and your doctors determine whether you are, in fact, disabled. This process involves evaluating your medical history and presenting your disability claim to the SSA. We can help you prove the extent of and limitations posed by your disability so that your claim gets the attention it deserves during the administrative process.
What conditions are covered by Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability offers benefits in the form of monthly income for a variety of physical and psychological conditions. Any health condition may be considered a "severe disability" as long as it limits your ability to work. Most disabling conditions fall into one of several areas:
- Respiratory system
- Cardiovascular system
- Digestive system
- Hematological disorders
- Genitourinary system
- Skin disorders
- Special senses and speech
- Endocrine system
- Neurological disorders
- Mental disorders
- Musculoskeletal system
- Immune system disorders
Most illnesses and ailments fall into these broad categories. Proving that a health problem is "disabling" depends on the condition. For some conditions, like muscular dystrophy, proving a disability claim can be as simple as obtaining the treating physician's medical assessment. But for other conditions, like chronic pain, much more effort will be necessary to create a compelling claim. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, are some of the most common disabilities that are found severe.
We rely on our experience, with more than 18,000 disability claims, to advise our clients on what constitutes a disability and how to prove that our clients can't work.
