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Chattanooga lawyer explains how the Social Security Administration decides whether you are disabled
Some of my Tennessee and Georgia clients have expressed frustration about working with the Social Security Administration because it can be hard to understand all the Social Security rules. The Social Security Administration regulations use a lot of very detailed definitions, and it is important to follow those definitions carefully.
The Social Security Administration definition of disability
The Social Security disability law defines disability as “the inability to do any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”
To determine whether or not your disability matches this definition, the Social Security Administration uses a five-step sequential evaluation process.
The Social Security Administration’s five-step evaluation process to determine disability benefit eligibility.
The two routes to establishing eligibility for Social Security disability benefits
Although the sequential evaluation process involves five steps, there are really two different ways to get to a finding from the Social Security Administration that you are disabled.
One route is to go through steps one, two, and three, and then establish at step three that the impairment from your disability meets or equals one of the impairments in the Listing of Impairments.
The other route is to fail to establish disability at step three, but then go on to steps four and five and convince the Social Security Administration that you are unable to do your past work, and are also unable to do any other work.
Get help with your Social Security disability claim from an experienced Chattanooga lawyer
The Social Security Administration’s definitions are detailed and complex. These things can be very confusing to someone who is not used to working with them. You will improve your chance of success in dealing with the Social Security Administration if you get help and guidance from an experienced Tennessee or Georgia disability lawyer.
If you are not already represented by a Tennessee or Georgia Social Security disability lawyer, consider asking for my evaluation of your claim. Give me a brief description of your claim using the form in the left sidebar, or you may contact our office.
Patrick A. Cruise
Chattanooga Social Security Disability Attorney
The Hamilton Firm
4608 Rossville Boulevard
Chattanooga, TN 37407
