How is Disability Determined?

Disability is determined via a process known as Sequential Evaluation, which is explained below:

·         •   Are you employed? If you're employed and your gross earnings are over $1,010.00 in a typical month, you usually won't be regarded as disabled. If you aren't employed or your gross earnings are lower than $1,010.00 in a typical month as a result of a medical condition, then SSA will go to the next concern.

·         •   Is your condition “Severe”? Your condition needs to hinder basic job associated tasks for your claim to be considered. If your condition isn't severe, then SSA won't find you disabled. If your condition is severe, then SSA will go to the next question.

·         •   Is your condition foundwithin the selection of disabling impairments? The regulations list impairments for every one of the major body systems that are so severe that they immediately indicate that you're disabled. If your condition isn't in the list, then SSA must determine if it's of equivalent seriousness to an impairment on the list. If your condition satisfies or equates to one of the mentioned impairments, then SSA will find that you're disabled. If your condition doesn't satisfy or equate to one of the listed impairments, then SSA will go to the next matter.

·         •   Are you able to carry out thework you did previously? If your condition is severe, but not at the same or equal seriousness as a condition on the list, then SSA must determine whether the condition disrupts your capability to complete the work that you did previously or not. If your condition doesn't stop you from doing your past work, then SSA won't find you disabled. If your condition keeps you from doing your past work, then SSA will go to the next concern.

·         •   Could you do any other kindof work? If you are unable to do the task that you did in the past, then SSA decides if you can adapt to other work. SSA considers your medical conditions, your age, education, previous work experience and any transferable abilities that you might have obtained. If you're able to adapt to other work, then SSA won't find you disabled. If you can't adapt to other work, then SSA will find you disabled.