Many initial SSD claims fail because of the complex factors involved in determining whether a certain medical condition prevents a person from working. If your impairment prevents you from performing your current work or moving to a different occupation, you most likely have the right to receive SSD benefits, provided you supply clear evidence of your disability.
The claims examiners at the Social Security Administration (SSA) face a daunting task when deciding whether a medical condition qualifies as a disability. Even though the Listing of Impairments maintained by the SSA contains a seemingly endless number of qualifying disabilities, it does not include all possible conditions. Furthermore, a condition that keeps one person from working does not necessarily stop others with the same condition from working. As a result, the SSA bases its decisions on two types of standards:
- Meeting or equaling listed conditions — Even if you have a condition that does not appear on the SSA’s listing, the condition may be equal in severity to a listed disability. With appropriate evidence, you can still qualify for benefits.
- Vocational abilities of applicants — The SSA also considers your background, including work history, training, education and age. If you suffer from a condition that prevents you from continuing your former occupation — and you do not have the background or ability to move to a new occupation — you can still qualify for SSD.
Your disabling medical condition and other circumstances are unique. Increasing your chances of a positive result often involves going the extra mile to supply evidence that supports your claim.
For the majority of SSD applicants, support from someone with extensive claim-filing experience increases the likelihood of receiving acceptance as early as possible. Your chances rise substantially when you seek support from an experienced Cincinnati Social Security Disability lawyer.